Duke, Duchess & Timmy Brock – Dog & Cat Photography in West Sussex
Client of the Month
Charlotte actually met my Mum first, as she was watching over my dog photography exhibit at an RSPCA charity fundraiser. I was busy volunteering, and snapping photos for the agility competitions, so I missed her that day. Charlotte did book a session with me at the show.
When we did meet up at her home, we hit it off immediately. And here's the funny coincidence - I had actually bumped into her Mum while out walking my dog just days before. Such a small world!
The reason Charlotte reached out was so heartwarming. Her dog Duke was already 10, and she wanted to capture some professional portraits before it was too late.
The moment I met Duke and Duchess, I could tell how special they were to her. You know how you can just feel when someone has that deep bond with their pets? Charlotte absolutely had it.
She knew exactly what she wanted too - photos of her fur babies in the garden (their happy place!) with a beautiful Autumn colour theme throughout all the images.
I remember getting to work despite the challenges of shooting in a garden setting. But honestly? Those pictures turned out beautifully.
I was sprawled out on the grass getting perfect shots of Duke and Duchess when out of nowhere - Charlotte's Maine Coon, Timmy, strutted right into my frame! One of her five gorgeous cats decided it was his moment to shine!
Charlotte and I absolutely lost it! We were in stitches, practically rolling on the ground laughing. Between gasps for air, I somehow managed to snap a few quick shots before His Majesty decided the photoshoot was beneath him and sauntered off.
Looking at those images later, with Timmy's perfectly timed cameo? Honestly, they turned out to be some of my favourites- Timmy’s photobomb became the unexpected highlight - sometimes the unplanned moments truly make the best memories!
HERE ARE THE BEFORE IMAGES:
AND THE AFTER- Have you spotted the Dragonfly? I was very lucky to catch that one!:
When I got back together with Charlotte to show her the final images, I'll never forget her reaction. The moment she saw them, her eyes welled up with tears - no words needed. That's when I knew I'd absolutely nailed it!
I can't even describe the wave of pride that washed over me at that moment. I’d had the nervous flutter of butterflies I always get before presenting portraits to clients - because I wasn't just taking photos of Duke and Duchess - I was capturing moments she'd treasure years from now when she looks back. I wanted her to have these perfect little time capsules of her babies that would bring back all those happy memories and all that love. That instant validation made all those jitters worth it. It means everything to me to not just meet but exceed what people are hoping for.
Seeing Charlotte so genuinely moved by the photos of Duke, Duchess, and even Timmy's surprise guest appearance was exactly why I do this. Those raw emotional reactions are what make all the hard work - lying on the wet ground, working with pets who have their own mind and battling challenging lighting - completely worth it. Her tears told me I'd captured something truly special for her.
Here are the final portraits that Charlotte purchased:
The image above is an impression of how the art will look when wall-mounted once Charlotte’s home renovations are complete.
This is what Charlotte said:
“I found Jo at local dog show held at an RSPCA day, she had a stand with some of her photographs displayed on a table.
Before I’d even booked into the event I just had to walk over and find out more about these incredible animal portraits! They took my breath away!
I immediately signed up to get Jo to come and see my dogs and cats at home!
Jo came out for an introduction to meet my animals and get them used to her and to run through the options. I chose the package I wanted and couldn’t wait to see the results! I wanted an Autumn theme and in a spot which was sentimental to my dogs.
When Jo came to take the pictures it was actually more straightforward than I was thinking! My cat LOVED being the star attention and Jo was very patient whilst I gathered everyone into the right places and followed Jo’s directions! (Couldn’t believe it when she was laying on the wet floor!).
Jo went off and worked her magic on the photos. She phoned a short while after and booked another appointment to come out and show me...
Oh my goodness it was so emotional! The pictures were more then I could have ever wished for. To capture my two old dogs was the best thing I could have done. The way both of them are sat together in the place they love is everything! I had tears.
For anyone wishing to capture their babies I would 100% recommend Jo. She’s kind, honest and patient and a true artist. I will treasure these photographs forever.
Thanks Jo!”
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