I recently spent a weekend up in Toowoomba photographing a total of 11 dogs and two cats for a calendar for Care Vet Group, what a blast! The owners of the dogs and cats that I photographed had all won their place in their vet clinic’s calendar by sending in a photo.

All the dogs were brought to a park and I had half an hour each with them to grab a decent shot for one month of the calendar. It was challenging, interesting and fun and I met some great doggy and owner characters.

The calendar will be out in November but until then, I’d like to share a few of my favourite shots.

Jazz is a beautiful young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a total pleasure to work with. She had all the tricks down pat, sit, down, stay (mostly!) and though very energetic she was very treat motivated which always helps!

Molly is a wonderful old Labrador Retriever who won her place in the calendar by her owners sending in a shot of her holding her lead in her mouth. The park was a bit distracting however and she wasn’t particularly interested in her lead, so we improvised!

Next up was Stubby, a gorgeous little 6 month old Fox Terrier. He was very attached to his Mum and Dad and I had to be quick to get his attention before he scuttled back to them for a cuddle!

Probably my favourite pet of the weekend was actually a cat! Imran is an 11 year old Domestic Short Hair and was just the loveliest old boy. He seemed to love being centre of attention and posed for me readily inside and out.

He’d recently had surgery on his face so wasn’t looking his usual perfect self, but is still such a handsome man.

Another striking looking feline, Razi is a black Domestic Long Hair with virtually the opposite temperament. He was quite happy to hang out in his own little area inside thank you, and didn’t want to pose for photos at all. We did manage to coax him out by the spa for the little while though (cats take some serious convincing when they don’t want to cooperate!), just long enough for me to get a few nice shots of him.

First thing on Sunday morning I had the pleasure of working with litter sisters Cilla and Pinot, six year old black Labrador Retrievers. They were such a well behaved pair of girls and even had a special word that they perked up to – “treats” – worked perfectly every time! Of course they were rewarded with actual treats when they did, gotta keep the models happy.

Benny the Beagle has the sweetest face, but I am only going to share with you his nose because that’s the bit I like best!

Lilly is a gorgeous, happy little 4 year old Maltese, obviously well loved by her owner.

I just loved Clementine! What a great dog, so well behaved and with very chilled out owners, it was no surprise. Gotta love those eyes with natural built-in black eyeliner.

Pasha the Pug is a super energetic little guy with a few issues that he doesn’t let slow him down. In fact, it was hard to get him to stay still, there was so many smells to sniff and people to go and make friends with, he was unstoppable!

Cappuccino the Dalmatian was my last doggy of the weekend and I just couldnt resist a shot of that lovely spotted chest.

I’m getting a copy of the calendar when it comes out so I will be sure to share when I receive it!