Do you remember your first dog or your first puppy? My guess is that if you do, it’s a pretty special memory. Witnessing the joy on my son’s face when we picked up Max, our Jack Russell Terrier, is a treasured memory and one of the main reasons I fell in love with dog photography and ultimately became a pet photographer.
We arrived at the breeders, late on a Sunday night. The children didn’t know where we were or why we there. All they knew was that we were there pick something up. We exchanged pleasantries with the breeder who handed Max to our son Arthur.
“We’re taking him home” I said.
“What! How long for?” asked Arthur, seven years old.
“Forever” said my wife.
A massive smile of total disbelief swept across his face as my daughter expressed her own surprise.
It was a moment of pure joy, made all the more special when I realised that Max wasn’t coming home forever. All being well he should be with us for ten to fifteen years, but it wouldn’t be forever. We had to maximise and appreciate each and every moment.
Becoming a Pet Photographer
I very quickly compiled a large number of photographs. Some were just snapshots, others were more thought out. I suppose you could say that I’d joined the ranks of dog photographers in Birmingham before I realised it myself.
As time passed, I put greater thought into my photographs and my dog photography improved. Not only that, I realised how much value I placed upon the images I’d created.
“You never know the value of a portrait until it becomes all you have left”
Michele Celentano, Portrait Photographer
When I first read this quote by the acclaimed American portrait photographer, Michele Celentano, I quickly realised that other people might feel the same way and that my skills as a photographer could enable me to produce pet portraits that they really value.
Not long afterwards I launched John Cooper Pet Photography.
He’s a Puppy no More
Max, now 3, is a fully integrated member of the family. The children adore him and there are plenty of opportunities to preserve the memories we create with my dog photography.
He can be naughty and has more energy than you would believe. If he’s not in pursuit of a squirrel you’ll find him bounding over a log or keeping an eye on a suspected intruder.
At the end of the day, however, it’s not uncommon to find him curled up asleep next to the children. We couldn’t ask for a better family pet.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BOOK A PHOTO EXPERIENCE?
If you would like to book a photo experience we now have social distancing measures in place that enable them to go ahead. without detracting from the enjoyment or quality of work we produce.
If you have any questions, please do get in touch on 07739 031 752 or leave a message via the contact form.
Alternatively, if you are ready to go ahead, you can book online by clicking on the “book now” link below.