Lockie and Toby the West Highland Terriers – anxious Dog Photography in Leicestershire

Not all sessions are just about the photos—some are about pausing time, even if just for a moment. When Lockie’s family reached out to book an urgent dog photography experience, I knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary shoot. Lockie, one of their two beloved West Highland Terriers, had recently received a terminal diagnosis, and they wanted to make sure the photography experience involved him.

Joined by Toby, his younger Westie brother, and their entire human family, we headed to the beautiful expanse of Bradgate Park in Leicestershire—a setting full of moorland, open skies, and soft light. It was the perfect place to slow down, connect, and capture the moments that truly matter.

What made this session especially meaningful was that the whole family came along. Parents, siblings, and partners—every human who mattered to Lockie and Toby was there, smiling, crouching in the grass, offering treats, and taking in every moment. We captured family portraits with the boys, heartfelt cuddles, and quiet pauses that spoke volumes.

Experiences like this are always emotional, but it’s a gift to have photographs that reflect not just a dog’s appearance—but their place in your heart and life.

Bradgate Park offered the perfect blend of open space and natural beauty for this session. The rolling hills, ancient trees, and soft grassy trails gave us room to roam without pressure. Since the boys can be a little reactive, we planned carefully—choosing quieter areas and working at their pace, taking advantage of the on-lead rules to keep them safe. A diagnosis like Lockie’s changes everything—but it also brings a new kind of clarity.

It’s always possible to create beautiful, low-stress images with reactive dogs when the session is tailored around their comfort and needs.