Every dog has a story — and if we’re lucky, we get to walk alongside them through many chapters of it. One of the greatest joys of being a professional dog photographer for so many years, is being invited back into a family’s life to capture those chapters as they unfold — especially as dogs grow older.

Before I moved back to Australia, I experienced one of those full-circle moments that reminded me just how powerful a dog photoshoot can be for families and their senior dogs.

Let’s rewind further. Back in 2014, I flew from Melbourne to Perth to photograph a gorgeous German Shorthaired Pointer named Charlie. Even as a young dog, she had an old soul, but above all, she adored her mum.

*Photo by Kirstie McConnell | Classico Portraits*
*Emma’s first photoshoot with her girl Charlie, in Perth in 2014*

Since that shoot, I had moved to Italy — while Charlie, along with her mum Emma and her “sister” Luca, had also crossed the globe to live in Greece.

During that period, a couple of years ago, Emma planned a family holiday to Italy with these two girls. On their way, she made a special detour to my region so we could update Charlie’s portraits and capture her with Luca as well. This time, Charlie was no longer a puppy but a gentle senior, moving at a slower pace and carrying the quiet wisdom of a life well loved.

It’s always special to photograph a dog again, but this reunion felt especially meaningful. To think that I had once flown across the country for Charlie’s first photoshoot, and now — years later — her family had crossed countries to come to me in Gippsland, was such a surreal, full-circle moment. I was deeply honoured that Emma trusted me again.

I shared more of this session in a recent newsletter, read it here.

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*Australian dogs Charlie and Luca in Italy*
*Photographed by Kirstie McConnell | Classico Portraits*

Like with all my returning clients, seeing Charlie as both the playful puppy I’d once met and the dignified senior she had become was a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes. These portraits are now so much more than photographs — they’re a tangible record of her life, a way for her family to hold onto memories that words alone can’t capture.

Senior dog photoshoots are a wonderful way to celebrate the unique personality and character changes that come with age. They ensure every stage of your dog’s life is treasured and remembered, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

*Photographing Charlie and Emma again, this time in Italy- 10 years later!*

When to Schedule Your Dog’s First Photoshoot

Every stage of a dog’s life tells a unique story. And the good news is, you don’t need a perfectly trained or calm dog for a successful photoshoot. I have 14 years of tricks up my sleeve to make it fun for them — and for you!

I find that these key milestones capture the most growth:

8–12 weeks – The perfect age for those first puppy portraits, full of curiosity and tiny paws.
16–20 weeks – Still playful, but starting to show personality traits that will stay for life.
Fully grown adult – Around 1–2 years depending on breed, capturing maturity and confidence.
Senior – Often 8+ years (breed-dependent), when their expressions, wisdom, and charm are fully developed.
Family growth – All relationships are worth documenting! If you get another pet, or a partner or little person joins your family, let’s capture those new bonds.

By photographing your dog at some or all of these stages, you create a visual story of their life — from puppy energy to mature personality and the gentle grace of their senior years. You’ll have wall art to make you smile every day and images to help you hold these memories close for a lifetime.

Things to Consider for Senior Dog Photoshoots

Capturing your senior dog in a professional photoshoot can be a joyful and rewarding experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Pace the session – Older dogs may tire more easily, so we’ll plan a slower, relaxed session with plenty of breaks.
Comfort comes first – We’ll choose an appropriate location that works best for your dog — whether that’s your home to minimise travel, or a quiet local spot that holds special memories. You can also bring familiar toys, blankets, or treats to make your dog feel safe and happy.
Timing matters – Early mornings or late afternoons often work best, providing gentle lighting and avoiding the heat.
Celebrate personality – Senior dogs have distinct quirks and expressions — let those shine in the session.
Include companions – If your dog has a younger dog friend or family members they love, we can include them for natural, heartfelt interactions.

If it’s been a while since your last dog photoshoot, and you’re in Gippsland, Mornington or want to commission me to photograph your dogs elsewhere, consider this your gentle nudge not to wait. Puppies grow, seniors slow down, and every stage is worth remembering. One day, these photographs will mean more than you can imagine.

Having said goodbye to my own senior girl just a few months ago, I know this all too well. Here are some of my favourite photos of her from over the 16 and a half years we had together.

Hi, I’m Kirstie

Specialist pet photographer

I basically grew up on horse back, and if I wasn’t in the paddock, then I was most likely teaching our blue heeler new tricks. My love for animals doesn’t stop at my own though, which is why I’ve spent a decade photographing (and cuddling) the adored pets of Australia with their families (both adults and tiny humans!) under Bitsa Bernard Photography.

You may noticed when we meet that I completely ignore your dog- no matter how much I want to cuddle them, it’s important that we let them choose when that time is. This little trick is one of many that I have to ensure that your dog is relaxed, and we can capture the most natural portraits of them for you.

I have recently moved back home after five years living in Europe, and I am so excited to be offering pet photoshoots again!

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