Dexter, twelve years, one line
Some clients write us a paragraph. Dan wrote us a sentence:
“Constant companion through the toughest time in my life.”
That is the whole brief, really. Everything else is detail.
Dexter is twelve, a long-coat German Shepherd, an ANKC Dual Champion in both show and tracking, which means he has spent a good part of his life being very good at things in front of judges. None of that is what Dan called him.
Dan called him a loyal friend, a companion, and a life saver.
Dexter's dog photoshoot at Royal Beach, Mornington
We photographed Dexter with Dan and his partner Josh at Royal Beach in Mornington on a late afternoon in June. We love shooting here for the variety. Up the top we rarely see another dog, and although Dexter wouldn’t have minded, many of our clients dogs are leash-reactive, or a little nervous around other dogs. This starting spot also gives us the gorgeous view across the bay. Then we head down to the beach where we have sand, red rocks and the water to work with.
For Dex, who posed like a lion at the cliff and pranced straight into the cold water once he hit the beach, the location was perfect.
A dog who has done twelve years with you has been there for the worst week you’ve ever had. He was there for it without being asked and without knowing what he was doing. Photographs give Dan a way to honour him.
When their artwork arrived recently, we received three texts in a row from Dan:
“Looks amazing!”
“♥️ 😢 ♥️”
“And damn you for making me cry today! 😂”
And that is why we do this.
About Classico Portraits
Classico Portraits is a portrait studio based on the Mornington Peninsula, specialising in dog photography. We offer slow, extended sessions designed around your dog's personality, at the beach, on the couch, on a walk, wherever they're happiest. Our clients typically display their portraits as wall art, keepsake boxes, or collector books.
If you have a senior dog and you'd like to talk about creating something lasting, we'd love to hear from you.
Hi, I’m Kirstie
Specialist pet photographer
I'm the founder of Classico Portraits Australia. I grew up in the horse paddock, which is where my understanding of animals began long before I ever picked up a camera.
I've spent fifteen years working alongside vet behaviourists, fear-free groomers, and thousands of dogs across Australia and Italy. I notice the lean away, the slow blink, the whale eye.
That's what I've built this studio around.
Flee taught me the rest.
