Balor the Labrador and Saraya the Dobermann – Reactive Dog Photography

Some of my favourite sessions are the ones where we simply let dogs be themselves—and that’s exactly what happened during this relaxed, nature-based shoot with Saraya, a young and striking female Doberman, and Balor, a dog-reactive Chocolate Labrador with a gentle heart and some big feelings.

We chose a quiet natural location full of texture : a calm area with tall grasses, scattered trees, and a peaceful pond that offered the perfect mix of movement, shade, and water reflections. It was the kind of place that let the dogs decompress, explore, and shine in their own way—without pressure or distractions.

Working with reactive dogs like Balor is never a problem—it’s what I specialise in. The key is in the planning: we chose a quiet time of day and a secluded location with multiple escape routes, giving Balor the freedom to move and breathe without the stress of sudden encounters.

One of the highlights of this session was the pond—a calm mirror of sky and tree that made for an ideal backdrop. And yes... I got in. Sometimes, to get the perfect angle or capture a once-in-a-moment look, you’ve got to go where the dogs go.

Whether it’s a confident young Doberman or a reactive Labrador who needs space, my sessions are always built around the dog. I avoid posing for the sake of it, and instead follow their lead—whether that means wading into water, lying in long grass, or just waiting quietly for the right moment.

This approach is especially important for dogs like Balor. It helps build trust, reduces stress, and results in portraits that feel natural.