Capturing Ralph with Amie Barron

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  Ralph sat down in the woods, looking directly into the camera

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  Ralph peering out from behind a tree.

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  Ralph stood in between Millie's legs, looking towards the camera

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  Ralph running towards the camera

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  Ralph standing diagonally to the right, with his head facing the camera, positioned in the woods.

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  Ralph stood on top of a mound, facing head on, looking down towards the camera

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  Ralph on top of a mound, facing directly to the left

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  Ralph looking into the woods ahead

There are few things in life more precious than capturing a moment in time - especially when that moment is shared with someone who brings so much joy, comfort, and companionship. For me, that someone is Ralph, my little dachshund and therapy dog extraordinaire. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Amie Barron, a natural light pet photographer based in Wimbledon, and the results of our session left me both emotional and incredibly grateful.

I discovered Amie through her Instagram and website, where I was immediately drawn in by her ability to not just take photos, but to truly capture the spirit and personality of the dogs in front of her lens. Her work stood out because it didn’t feel staged or overly styled; it felt real, authentic, and intimate. This was exactly what I wanted for Ralph.

Amie’s approach to photography is grounded in her deep respect for animals and her desire to reflect the essence of their character. According to her website, her sessions are designed to be relaxed, joyful, and centred around your dog’s natural behaviour, she meets them where they’re at. As someone whose dog isn’t professionally trained to pose on cue, this was music to my ears. Ralph, who had just turned 18 months old at the time and had never done an outdoor shoot, was allowed to just be himself - and that’s exactly what made the experience so special.

From the moment we arrived, Amie’s calm, confident energy put both of us at ease. She was incredibly easy to talk to, full of useful training tips, and clearly knew how to get the best out of every moment. Her professional yet approachable manner was everything you could hope for from someone entrusted to photograph your four-legged friend. She gently guided us through the session, making sure Ralph was happy and relaxed, while never compromising on her artistic vision. Her passion for dogs and their wellbeing absolutely shone through.

For me, this session was about more than just beautiful photographs. Ralph and I volunteer together at Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, a Special Educational Needs School and Care Homes. On one visit, we sat with a very unwell child, and as Ralph lay quietly beside her, her hand resting on his back, she smiled, a genuine, radiant smile during a very dark time. It was a moment of quiet magic, and it’s memories like these I wanted to somehow bottle up and remember forever. Amie gave me the opportunity to do that.

I also plan to use some of the photos from our shoot as keepsakes, little mementoes for the people we visit on our therapy rounds. I’d love to have Ralph “sign” a few and gift them to families and individuals he connects with, as a reminder of the comfort he brings just by being his happy, loveable self.

Looking at these photos, I hope people see Ralph’s huge heart. I want them to notice the mischievous sparkle in his eye, the gentle calm he brings to the world, and the unwavering bond we share. I’m proud of who he is, and of the journey we’re on together. These images are a permanent reminder of that love, and of how lucky I am to be his mum.

If you're considering a photoshoot for your dog, not just for the pictures, but for the experience - I couldn’t recommend Amie Barron more highly. She has a gift. Not just for photography, but for seeing dogs in their truest light. And in our case, that light now lives on in every frame.

You can find out more about the work she does on her website, Amie Barron Photography.