Some Highlights of 2022 & What Comes Next For My Dog Photography In London?
2022 was a fantastic year to be a dog photographer in London. Events and festivals were back in full swing across the capital, and I got to hang out with loads of dogs all over the city! I thought it would be an excellent idea to look back on some of the things I got up to over the past 12 months and look towards the future and the big project I’ll be working on from 2023 onwards.
a year in london dog photography
The year got off to a smelly start; in January, I had the joy of hanging out with Diane Kasprowicz at one of her scent classes. Diane is a local trainer I trust and admire, and I had a lot of fun capturing images of the dogs relying on their noses to complete their tasks. You can learn more about Diane over at Super Hounds Dog Training.
Love was certainly in the air in February at Romeo & Juliet's in Hampstead. Dogs were welcomed by Leonie of Wyld Cub and Gaynor of The Four-Legged Social Club for a Valentine's Day Party that had my heart melting.
In March, Gaynor (The Four-Legged Social Club) and I collaborated on one of my favorite events of the year. We took a group of dogs on a walking tour around Shoreditch, where Gaynor told them about some of the more famous street art, and I stopped to capture some urban portraits in my signature style.
Dogs had an eggcellent time at Skylight Tobacco Dock for Easter. They used their noses to hunt for special eggs hidden around the rooftop bar that they could trade in for dog-friendly snackies. Especially impressive was Nacho of The Four-Legged Foodies, who seemed to find a lot of eggs himself (though he may have cheated and watched where they were hidden, seeing that he was one of the event hosts.)
The big one! In June, I ventured to New Forest in Hampshire with Gaynor (The Four-Legged Social Club) for Dogstival. I photographed city dogs who had come to visit and the locals at a quintessentially British-designed street party celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
What's Summer without a pizza party with friends? In July, Brewdog proved why they're one of London's best dog-friendly hotspots by serving up doggie pizza by Talula Eats at yet another fantastic event by The Four-Legged Social Club.
But the Summer fun didn't end there! For the dogs who favor scones over pizza, The Four-Legged Social Club's Tea Party at Archie's in Highgate offered an array of pupcakes, biscuits, and even kettle-poured tea (Furr Boost) for those wanting a British Afternoon Tea experience.
Something super special happened in August.: Chelsea Dog Day was born! Businesses in an already incredibly dog-friendly Chelsea transformed themselves for the canine community, culminating in The Four Legged Foodies street market, which hosted stallholders from 20 dog brands. This incredible celebration of dogs was a collaboration between Gaynor Jackson (The Four-Legged Social Club), May Wong (Miss Darcy's Adventures), and Cadogan Estate. I was privileged to photograph this event and can't wait for next year's event!
As event season wound down for the year, I focused more on working with brands in between portrait sessions. I'm really excited for you to see one of the coats launching from one of the brands soon, as it is something city dogs will love.
So What Comes Next?
While doing my recent commercial work, I was inspired and decided to take on a significant project idea for 2023, which will be helpful for those who enjoy taking their dog with them wherever they're able to in London. I am creating a directory of everything dog, and I need your help!
Have you ever ventured to a place for a walk with your dog that you're unfamiliar with and need to learn what dog-friendly places are nearby to grab some food or a drink? Or you're booking a stay in one of London's dog-friendly hotels, and you have no idea whether you need to pack their bed or if one will be provided. I aim to answer those questions and more in a way that will not require hours of prior research only to find out the rules have changed or that the place no longer exists!
If you would like to help get this project off of the ground, I would be grateful if you e-mailed me at hello@amiebarron.co.uk with the answer to the following question:
When I visit a dog-friendly cafe/restaurant/pub/hotel/location, these are the things I need to know:
Please feel free to send me the names of any dog-friendly places you already know of too!
To get involved with this project on social media, tag your favorite dog-friendly places in London using the hashtag #londondogspots. And consider signing up for my newsletter, where I will announce all upcoming model opportunities, mini-shoot days, and lots of other fun stuff for 2023 and beyond!
Until then, have a wonderful festive season, and I can't wait to see you and your dog in the new year.
