Karen Dunkason Photography

Karen Dunkason Photography Karen Dunkason Dog Photography

Celebrating the release of Paddington in Peru, 23 Paddington statues were placed at locations across the UK, each perche...
29/07/2026

Celebrating the release of Paddington in Peru, 23 Paddington statues were placed at locations across the UK, each perched on a bench enjoying his favourite marmalade sandwich and providing the perfect photo opportunity.

Despite being intended for the two legged human species, I just couldn't resist introducing a couple of my four-legged models!

I tried Vixen first, but she regarded me with complete disdain, puffed her jowls, and refused to look at either me or her plaster companion.

Freddie meanwhile, fully embraced the occasion and was more than happy to share a bite of Paddington's marmalade sandwich!

Well, that was a lovely surprise! 😊I was absolutely delighted to discover that I'd been awarded two Bronze Awards in thi...
21/07/2026

Well, that was a lovely surprise! 😊

I was absolutely delighted to discover that I'd been awarded two Bronze Awards in this month's Guild of Photographers Image of the Month competition.

With my wrist in a splint for the past six weeks, my Nikon Z9 (which feels as though it weighs a ton with a decent lens attached!) has been staying firmly on the shelf. Unable to shoot anything new, I was left with only one option – trawling through my archive in the hope of uncovering something I'd overlooked.

It turned out to be well worth the search.

One of the awards went to Freddie, photographed peering through weathered beach groynes during one of our seaside adventures. I'd completely forgotten about the image, but I still love the way those old timbers naturally frame his face and draw you straight to his wonderfully expressive eyes.

The second Bronze Award was for a studio portrait of the beautiful Amberslade Catching Angels aka 'Jenka' (who, coincidentally, turns six years old today - happy birthday lovely girl! A complete contrast in style, this image is all about simplicity and elegance, allowing her gentle expression and fabulous bouffant coat to take centre stage. Sometimes less really is more.

I also entered a pre-operative portrait of my beloved Voodoo. I knew it probably didn't tick every box for the judges, but it means a great deal to me and I wouldn't have left him out.

Huge congratulations to everyone who received awards this month, and thank you, as always to the wonderful owners who present their dogs in front of my camera in order to make memories.

This is perhaps the most subtle image from Freddie's poppy field shoot. I think I even surprised myself with such a rest...
13/07/2026

This is perhaps the most subtle image from Freddie's poppy field shoot. I think I even surprised myself with such a restrained composition in a landscape overflowing with glorious scarlet poppies.

As someone with an enduring love of all things red, I have to admit that, every now and then, a little restraint is the better choice, and this was undoubtedly one of those occasions.

Our discovery of this breathtaking sea of poppies was entirely serendipitous. A gentle breeze rippled through the grasses and flowers, filling the air with their soft, whispering susurrus as we wandered through the vast expanse, soaking in the tranquillity of this remarkable place.

Freddie is my number one model for urban adventures. He positively thrives on the admiration of passers-by and will happily strike whatever pose I ask of him, no matter how unusual. Yet exchanging bustling streets for the quiet beauty of the countryside was a welcome change for us both.

There was something wonderfully calming about standing amongst the poppies, listening to the wind, and simply enjoying the moment together.

Sometimes the loudest photographs are the ones that whisper.

To see some louder shots, check out my blog:

https://www.karendunkasonphotography.com/blog/when-less-really-is-more-freddie-among-the-poppies

Meet Jazz, another handsome Australian Shepherd from the Amberslade stable.  You may remember his mum and sister from a ...
06/07/2026

Meet Jazz, another handsome Australian Shepherd from the Amberslade stable.

You may remember his mum and sister from a recent studio shoot, so it was a real pleasure to welcome another member of this lovely family in front of my camera.

Jazz is currently training for UK Dog Sport and Competitive Obedience, where he’s already making his mark by taking home a rosette from every show he’s competed at so far.

I managed to capture a few impromptu shots, while Jazz was waiting to begin his training. That fallen log was little more than a hop for this athletic lad, and with a model this willing, the whole mini shoot was over in about five minutes!

I think you’ll agree he’s every bit as talented as he is handsome. 💙

More images on my blog:
https://www.karendunkasonphotography.com/blog/meet-jazz-an-australian-shepherd-with-talent-to-match-his-good-looks

Some dogs simply have 'it'... and Ramos has it in abundance!It was an absolute pleasure photographing this magnificent R...
01/07/2026

Some dogs simply have 'it'... and Ramos has it in abundance!

It was an absolute pleasure photographing this magnificent Rottweiler alongside his two wonderful Boston Terrier companions, Fletch and Lelu.

From racing around the field with astonishing athleticism to reclining on a vintage chaise as though he'd done it all his life, Ramos was an absolute dream to photograph.

The full story (and more photographs) is now live on my blog.

https://www.karendunkasonphotography.com/blog/a-rottweiler-with-presence-photographing-ramos-and-his-boston-terrier-companions

Which image is your favourite—the regal chaise portrait or the rather enthusiastic conductor? 🎼🐾

Australian Shepherd mother and daughter duo, Jenka and Rita, made light work of their recent studio session.After an exu...
10/06/2026

Australian Shepherd mother and daughter duo, Jenka and Rita, made light work of their recent studio session.

After an exuberant entrance and a thorough inspection of the surroundings, the gorgeous tri-coloured girls settled straight into model mode, happily posing atop anything they were asked to.

Their wonderful enthusiasm for life shines through in everything they do. Alongside competing in the breed show rings, they also enjoy working trials, DogSportUK and scentwork. Rita will be carving out her career in the obedience ring in the not too distant future.

Photographing dogs like this is always a pleasure. Their intelligence, confidence and obvious love of working with their owner made the session feel effortless from start to finish.

👉To see more images from this session:

https://www.karendunkasonphotography.com/blog/australian-shepherds-jenka-and-rita-studio-dog-photography-session

Pictured below is Jenka

Meet Ronnie ❤️This handsome boy is a six-year-old Collie x Whippet x Bedlington Terrier who swapped his usual New Forest...
03/06/2026

Meet Ronnie ❤️

This handsome boy is a six-year-old Collie x Whippet x Bedlington Terrier who swapped his usual New Forest farm life for a couple of hours in the studio.

To begin with, Ronnie wasn't quite sure what to make of the lights, backdrops and camera equipment. Thankfully, plenty of treats, cuddles and reassurance from his Granny soon helped him settle in.

Once relaxed, Ronnie revealed his wonderfully gentle nature and rewarded us with the most beautiful, soulful expressions. Those thoughtful eyes and flowing locks made for some truly stunning portraits, perfectly capturing the calm and kind spirit that makes him so special.

It's always rewarding to watch a nervous dog grow in confidence throughout a session, and Ronnie was no exception. By the end of his shoot, this gentle giant had completely stolen our hearts.

Wasn't he worth the wait? 🥰

You can read Ronnie's full story and view more portraits from his session on my blog:

👉https://karendunkasonphotography.com/blog/ronnies-first-studio-adventure

Thrilled and genuinely surprised to have received merits for both of these images from April’s submissions to the Guild ...
23/05/2026

Thrilled and genuinely surprised to have received merits for both of these images from April’s submissions to the Guild of Photographers. I wasn’t feeling particularly confident about a couple of the technical aspects, so to have 2 out of 3 images awarded was exciting.

A huge thank you to the judges who dedicate so much time and care to assessing the many entries submitted each month, your feedback and encouragement are always appreciated.

Special thanks also to my lovely friend Kath for persuading the painters to pause work beside the lamppost long enough for me to capture the capstan image in a very tight space, and of course to beautiful Vixen, who tolerates the posing process with admirable patience… most of the time!

Senior Souls at Chesvale Obedience ShowThe weekend before last, whilst attending the Chesvale Obedience Show with my own...
14/05/2026

Senior Souls at Chesvale Obedience Show

The weekend before last, whilst attending the Chesvale Obedience Show with my own dogs, I was lucky enough to steal a few impromptu portraits of some truly beautiful senior souls.

I’m always drawn to photographing different breeds, so I was delighted to meet Tucker, a little black Schipperke bursting with character and more than happy to show off for the camera. Racing through the buttercups with all the enthusiasm of a puppy, he certainly wasn’t letting his veteran status slow him down for a second.

Tula, meanwhile, brought a completely different energy to the meadow. Calm, dignified and wonderfully serene amongst the flowers, she posed as though she’d been modelling for years, quietly taking in the world around her with that unmistakable wisdom only older dogs seem to possess.

There is something incredibly special about senior dogs. Their faces tell stories, their eyes hold years of loyalty and companionship, and their personalities shine through so effortlessly in photographs.

Capturing that spirit, whether it’s playful exuberance or quiet grace, is always an absolute privilege.

There are dogs who command attention the moment they enter a room… and then there’s Eddie.A gloriously exuberant soul, R...
11/05/2026

There are dogs who command attention the moment they enter a room… and then there’s Eddie.

A gloriously exuberant soul, Red’Ed lives life at full throttle, usually with a laughing expression, lolling tongue and a trail of bubbling saliva in his wake.

Last week he danced into the studio full of joy and mischief, but thankfully settled into a modicum of 'work mode', giving me hope for at least a semi-serious portrait session.

Then, for the briefest split second, everything aligned.

The movement paused, the expression settled, and Eddie gifted me this wonderfully suave, dignified gaze ...... calm, intelligent and quietly powerful. Pure gold.

Moments like this are why I adore photographing dogs. Beneath the chaos and exuberance there is always a fleeting glimpse of their bare soul.

Thank you, beautiful Red’Ed. 💖

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