A black and tan miniature pinscher dog's face shown in a series of seven close-up profile shots.

Outdoor Family & Dog Photography in County Durham


I create heartfelt portraits of families and dogs — capturing connection, character, and the quiet natural moments that make your family yours.


Based near Durham, serving County Durham, Newcastle, and Northumberland.

Your Portrait Photography Experience


Whether you’re booking a family or dog portrait photography session, the experience is designed to feel calm, considered, and personal from beginning to end.

Two children share a secret and laugh together in an intimate black and white moment.
A series of black and white photographs showing close-up views of groundhogs emerging from burrows in nature.
A dog and person walking together on a misty forest path in black and white.
A series of black and white framed photographs displayed in a row on a gray textured wall with a small plant.
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A few common questions answered...

 

Where do the outdoor photography sessions take place?

I offer outdoor family and dog photography sessions across County Durham, Newcastle and Northumberland.

For family sessions, I regularly photograph at Plessey Woods, which offers a beautiful mix of woodland, open space, and natural backdrops—perfect for relaxed, natural family photos.

Dog photography sessions take place at Watergate Park, where there’s plenty of space for your dog to explore, allowing me to capture natural, expressive images.

I’m based in Stanley, County Durham and travel within around an hour for sessions. If you have a location that’s special to you or your family, I’m always happy to consider it—locations are carefully checked in advance to make sure they’re safe, quiet, and ideal for your session.

What if my dog or children won't sit still during their photography session?

That’s completely okay—and very normal!

I never expect perfect behaviour from dogs or children. Sessions are relaxed and unhurried, allowing everyone to settle in naturally.

As an experienced family and dog photographer, I work with movement, play, and personality rather than trying to force posed moments. Some of the most beautiful images come from those in-between moments.

There’s no pressure—just a calm, enjoyable experience for you, your family, and your dog.

What should we wear for our family photography session?

As an experienced family photographer with dogs, I always recommend choosing outfits that feel comfortable and natural to you.

Outfits don’t need to match—coordinating colours work beautifully. For the best results, opt for soft, neutral tones and avoid bold patterns or large logos, as these can distract from the connection in your images.

After booking, you’ll receive a styling guide with helpful hints and tips to make choosing your outfits simple and stress-free.

For dogs, simple collars or a bandana photograph beautifully and keep the overall look timeless.

Can you photograph more than one dog?

Under each studio portrait session we would normally include up to two small or medium size dogs from the same household or one large dog, due to space. Outdoor shoots are limited to two dogs of any size from the same household.

Do I need to bring anything with me to my dog's portrait session?

Obviously your dog, but I'm guessing you don't mean that! Yes bring your dog's favourite toys, high value treats; and anything you would like included in the images. But please keep them under wraps until they are needed. Don't worry if you forget or run out, I always have plenty of treats, squeaky toys and a variety of silly sounds to grab your dogs attention.

What if I have an outdoor session booked and the weather is bad on the day?

Outdoor sessions rely on good conditions, (nobody likes standing in the rain), so if the weather isn’t suitable, we’ll simply reschedule.

Cloudy days are actually perfect for photography, creating soft, flattering light. However, if heavy rain or storms are forecast, we’ll rearrange your session for another date.

I keep a close eye on the forecast and will be in touch the day before to confirm or reschedule if needed—making the process as easy and stress-free as possible for you.

I would like to book an outdoor portrait session but my dog can't be off the lead?

This is perfectly ok, most of the dogs that I photograph outdoors are on lead whilst posing. Lead can be removed during retouching. I also carry a thinner sport lead to help make that process a little easier if you are happy to use that. You will never be asked to remove a collar as it is a legal requirement for your dog to be wearing one with an ID tag at all times.

Can I purchase a gift voucher?

Yes! A session gift voucher makes the perfect present for the dog lover in your life, who has everything. All session vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, to purchase a session gift voucher, please contact me directly.

A heartwarming black and white photo series showing children embracing and hugging each other outdoors.

We would highly recommend Gayle for a family photoshoot. She was brilliant with our children, and even tamed our wild one!


The shoot itself was very enjoyable and Gayle had some great ideas, managing to make us feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. We were thrilled with the photos - she captured everyone’s personalities and we will treasure them.


Kay and Stephen

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Portfolios

Explore a collection of family and dog portraits, capturing connection, character, and quiet moments.

Sessions

Everything you need to know about the portrait experience, from a relaxed session to beautifully finished artwork.

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Begin your portrait journey with a simple first step — I’ll guide you from first enquiry to final artwork.

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A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors during golden hour as sunlight filters through the trees.
Dog photograph. Scruffy terrier dog with shaggy fur looking upward against dark background in studio portrait series.
A French Bulldog shows a happy smile with its tongue sticking out in a series of expressive portrait shots.
Dog photograph. White and tan mixed breed dog lying on wooden floor in professional studio portraits.
Dog photograph. Labradoodle dog resting on plaid cushion in warm-toned studio portrait.
Family photograph. Tender moment between parent and child sharing an embrace outdoors.
A sequence of black and white photos showing children swinging on playground swings in an outdoor setting.
A heartwarming sequence of tender moments between parent and child showing affection and playful interaction.
Family photograph. Family balancing on wooden posts in park during autumn.
Two children in sweaters embrace while sitting outdoors during autumn.
A sequence of black and white images showing people placing items on wooden posts in an outdoor setting.
A young child smiles while playing and climbing among tree branches in a black and white photograph.
A scruffy white terrier dog with expressive eyes shown in a series of profile poses against a dark background.
Family photograph. Black and white portrait of family in winter coats standing on a leaf-covered path.
Studio portrait of a black and tan dachshund puppy with floppy ears against a teal background.
Family photograph. Child in winter coat standing on ornate railing during autumn.
Family photograph. Black and white photo of family enjoying time on playground swings.
A child in a burgundy sweater poses playfully by a tree trunk in an autumn setting with golden bokeh background.
Dog photograph. French bulldog with wrinkled face smiling at camera in dramatic studio lighting.
Black and white portrait series showing two siblings sitting together on outdoor steps.
Family photograph. Black and white portrait series showing joyful expressions and tender moments.
Family photograph. Children sitting together on fallen log in black and white outdoor photograph.
Close-up black and white portrait of children sharing intimate moment.
Family photograph. Black and white portrait of a child peeking through tree branches with a playful smile.
Family photograph. Two children sharing a sweet moment on a park bench in autumn.
A series of five photos showing someone sitting on a decorative stone balustrade during golden hour in autumn.
A heartwarming black and white portrait of two children sharing an affectionate embrace while wearing cozy sweaters.
A regal Rottweiler dog resting in tall grass during golden hour.
Family photograph. Couple in winter coats smiling at camera during golden hour.
A family walks together holding hands along a leaf-covered path on an autumn day in black and white.
A tender moment of affection and bonding captured outdoors on a sunny day.
Family photograph. Family walking hand in hand along autumn path from behind.
Family photograph. Children playing and laughing together on log in black and white nature setting.
A happy Corgi dog posing on a vintage suitcase against a dark green backdrop.
A fluffy cream-colored dog lies on a dark wooden floor in a series of progressive poses showing movement.
Dog photograph. Corgi dog with orange and white fur photographed against dark background in studio setting.
A family sits together on a stone wall during an autumn photoshoot with fallen leaves and ornate railings in the background.
A series of black and white portrait photos showing different facial expressions and poses of a young child.
Dog photograph. Shaggy cream-colored dog with fluffy fur in professional portrait against brown backdrop.