It’s official, I most definitely ‘have a thing with walls’ – did you know there’s even an Instagram account @woofandwalls dedicated to dogs and colourful walls which is just my idea of insta heaven! So when I was contacted by award-winning Photographer Emma O’Brien who spends her time between South Africa and the UK to ask if I would like to bring Belinha along for an ‘urban’ London dog photo shoot, images of photos with gorgeous graffiti backdrops flashed before me and the answer was a resounding YES!
Read on to see how we got on and be warned…this is a colourful post!
We met Emma at the Leake Street Tunnel, Waterloo. For me, this most definitely ticks the box for an urban dog photo shoot (and for graffiti) – it’s an amazing space with ever changing art and for a photographer I can imagine simultaneously both inspiring and challenging due to the lighting. Fortunately, it wasn’t me behind the camera so I was able to stand back and let Emma work her magic.
Belinha as always was a superstar (not that I’m biased) and Emma was able to capture Belinha’s personality in some amazing photos that I will treasure forever.
Emma even persuaded me to get in front of the camera which is pretty rare!
After the Leake Street Tunnel, we strolled down to Lower Marsh where Belinha really upped the Top Dog Model act and actually had passers by stopping to see who was being photographed!
Not only was the photo shoot a pawsome experience (make sure you check out Emma’s blog post about Belinha’s Urban London Dog Photo shoot too) but Emma and I soon discovered a shared love for rescue dogs. Five of Emma’s seven dogs (yup, you heard those numbers right) are rescue dogs and Emma volunteers her time to help show off the best side of the four-legged residents of Johannesburg’s Community Led Animal Welfare program (CLAW). Emma also has a rescue parrot called Richard…as you do.
Emma’s passion for helping rescue dogs really shines through as you can see on her website ‘Adoption Is The Only Option’ (well said), which showcases mixed breed dogs and paws crossed, their rags to riches stories. Apparently mixed-breed brown dogs are to South African shelters what Staffies are to UK shelters i.e. they’re full of them, so a helping hand to show off their best side is much-needed. We were also pretty impressed to hear that for the last six years Emma has created a calendar for local shelter Sandton SPCA that has raised a whopping R$1 million (about £60,000) and next on her list is a crowd-funded rescue dog book project.
Emma, we salute you on all accounts!
To book a London Dog Photo Shoot for your pup, here’s how you can reach Emma:
Website: http://emmaobrien.com/
Instagram: @emmaobrienphoto | Facebook: @emmaobrienphotos | Twitter: @emmaobrienphoto
Photos: All photos courtesy of Emma O’Brien Photography
Gorgeous pics
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We think so too! Loved yours with Frida Caroline x
This is lovely! I love the bright colours from the graffiti xx
Love From, Steph & The Spaniels
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Aren’t they so cool?! Just love them and will treasure them forever x
Brilliant photo’s so vibrant and Belinha looks so cool! xxx
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Thank you Sal & Maya!!! Credit for the wonderful photos goes to Emma, Belinha says thank you for her compliments xxx
Awesome photography. And such an awesome doggie Belinha
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We absolutely love the photos…and will pass on the compliment to Belinha 😉 x
Thanks for the lovely review. See you later in the year xx
Author
No problem…thank you for the amazing photos! Look forward to seeing you when you’re back x