I'm teaching a dog photography workshop
(and yes, you’re invited!)
Right, so this is happening. On Friday 24th April 2026, I'm joining two absolutely brilliant photographers for what I genuinely think is going to be one of the most fun workshop days I've ever been part of.
We're running a Dog Photography Workshop at the Woodland Discovery Centre in Sheffield, and honestly? I can't wait to see some of your wonderful faces!!
Why I said yes to this
I get asked to do a lot of things, and I'm quite picky about what I put my name to. But when Rachel got in touch about setting up Studio Seven Workshops, I said yes almost immediately. Here's why…
Most workshops are one instructor, one style, one perspective. Which is fine! But this one is built around three of us working together, and I think that's where it gets really interesting. You've got Rachel Sinclair, who has been teaching photographers across multiple countries for years and has photographed more dogs than she probably cares to count. You've got Rebecca Santo, who is the most impressively knowledgeable person when it comes to canine behaviour and movement. And then you've got me, the camera nerd, who will talk at you about gear until you beg me to stop. Three very different skill sets, all in one day.
I think the result of that is you just get so much more out of it. You're not just getting one way of thinking about a photograph. You're getting three.
Watch this video below for a sneak peek of the day!!
What I'm actually going to be teaching
My bit is very much the technical side of things, which, as you know is my forte. We're going to be talking about how to get the very best out of your camera and lenses with whatever system you shoot with, as well as:-
How to handle fast-moving subjects
How to read light quickly because it does change very, very fast when you're out in woodland
Settings for action
Settings for portraits
And how to think about all of it without it feeling overwhelming.
I've tested enough cameras over the years that I've got a pretty good handle on how to squeeze results out of almost anything, and I genuinely love passing that on. That's the bit that actually gets me excited, helping someone go from "I don't know why my photos aren't sharp" to "oh my goodness, look at that shot."
And yes, I'm also dog lover and a dog mum, so the subject matter is very much my cup of tea.
My gorgeous Seven who is sadly no longer with us (but we named the brand after her!)
What the day actually looks like
We're talking a proper full day: 9:30am to 4:30pm, seven hours of actual useful learning. Not seven hours of sitting in a room listening to presentations. This workshop has been designed with loads of hands-on shooting time, morning and afternoon, in a genuinely beautiful woodland.
You'll be photographing real pet dogs. Not highly trained show dogs who sit perfectly on command… normal pet dogs. Which is exactly the right kind of challenge, because that's what most of us are actually dealing with! Sometimes they'll sit, sometimes they absolutely won't and that's what makes it so fun.
We also do an editing tutorial at the end of the day (run by yours truly!), which you're very welcome to follow along with on your own laptop or table. Seeing how I approach editing the images we've just taken together in real time is probably one of the most useful bits.
There are only 15 spots available, split into groups of five per instructor which means you actually get proper one-to-one time, proper feedback, proper answers to your questions rather than just sort of feeling like a number in a big room.
Captured by Rebecca Santo (you’ll meet Ziggy too if you book on!)
Who is this for?
Genuinely, this is for everyone (provided you’re a dog lover lol). Complete beginner? Great. Experienced photographer who just wants to get better at the specific challenge of photographing dogs? Also great. Dog walker or pet professional who wants standout images for their work? Very welcome.
Because we've got three instructors and we're splitting into smaller groups, we can actually adapt to different levels properly. Nobody is going to feel left behind, and nobody is going to feel like it's too basic for them.
The only real requirement is that you have a camera with manual controls, and you are ready, willing and able to walk through the woodland areas, get low-ish to the ground, and don’t mind getting a big muddy if the weather isn’t good! DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, that sort of thing. We can even rent you a camera or lens for the day if you'd like to try one out before committing to buying one. (I love this option. Very sensible.)
Lenses and cameras will be on a first come first served basis but we will do our best to make sure everyone has the best time and the best kit.
Captured by the TALENTED Rachel Sinclair
The practical bits
Date: Friday 24th April 2026
Location: Woodland Discovery Centre, Abbey Lane, Sheffield, S7 2QZ
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Price: £199 (use code DOG199 at checkout, regular price is £275 so this is a very good deal)
There may be mud. There WILL be slobber. There will be a lot of laughing. You'll need comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, charged batteries, and your memory cards. After booking you'll get a full welcome pack with everything you need to know.
Places are limited to 15 and they’re going quickly, we’re already half full! If you've been on the fence about a workshop, this is a genuinely special one. Three professionals, small groups, beautiful location, actual dogs. What's not to love?
I'll see you in the woods!!
