The Yorkshire Dog Photographer reveals the tricks of her trade

Along with her trusty Canon 5d mark IV, professional photographer Kathryn Widdowson has a couple of other must-haves in her camera bag – a squeaky toy and a tennis ball. Yes, it’s unusual but it’s absolutely essential when your speciality is taking pictures of dogs.

The toy is invaluable for capturing a canine face-on and the ball is brilliant for action shots. Dog biscuits and treats are also part of the kit but are a last resort, especially when dealing with notoriously greedy, always hungry breeds like labradors. “Biscuits can act as a stimulant and things can get out of hand, which makes my job more tricky,” says Silsden-based Kathryn.

Managing everything from tearaway terriers to crazy cockapoos is all in a day’s work for her. She started her photography business 10 years ago after a career in marketing. “My grandad was a keen amateur photographer and had his own darkroom and my mum always had a camera in her hand so I think it’s in my genes.

“I started with one of my grandad’s vintage cameras using film and got completely hooked before moving on to digital cameras and various courses and workshops,” she says.

Working life behind the lens involves lifestyle photography, which includes taking pictures for businesses, families and brides and grooms, along with dogs and their owners. “I’ve always loved dogs. I grew up with a springer spaniel, Mandy, and with two labrador crosses, Kim and Oliver, and always feel that it was a gift to have dogs as a child.”

Most recently she has created a dedicated brand, The Yorkshire Dog Photographer, devoted to the specialism she adores. Much of her success in working with canines is thanks to her rescue dog, Poppy, a springer spaniel.

The dog was rescued by the RSPCA when she was two-years-old but had already endured a lifetime of appalling abuse. “I think getting her was meant to be. My husband and I were in a cafe in Hebden Bridge and saw a springer run past the window. The people on the next table mentioned that there was one on the Halifax RSPCA website looking for a home.

“I contacted the RSPCA and there was a very long list of other people who wanted her but we were invited up to meet her and we fell in love. They let us have her because of my background growing up with springers. They knew I understood the breed.”

Poppy is now nine and while very happy, she still bears the invisible scars of the cruelty she suffered. “We don’t know everything that happened but we know she had boiling water poured over her. When we got her she was nervous, cowering, panic weeing and didn’t want us near her. One of the big triggers for her panic was when we came in the house after going out so it was clear that was when bad things had happened to her previously,” says Kathryn.

Giving Poppy space, talking to her softly and kindly, sitting on the floor waiting for her approach for a gentle stroke, establishing a routine and giving her a bed in the utility room to retreat to, were all part of the rehabilitation.

“Getting her to trust us was a long and very emotional journey. It took two years and even now she can get nervous if people approach her, but it was worth the wait. We love her so much and she is a delight. She is a typical springer and loves running around on the moors but when she is at home, she is calm and chilled.”

Knowing how to deal with a nervous animal and understanding the characteristics of each breed has helped with the dog photography. “All dogs are individuals but spaniels are led by their nose so I have to work quite quickly with them before their attention span disappears.

“Airedale terriers are majestic and have real presence but they have a short attention span. Labradors are a joy if they take direction from their owner and they have beautiful faces and I find lurchers, whippets and greyhounds are very elegant with soulful eyes,” says Kathryn, whose mission is also to capture the bond between owner and their pet.

While the old adage “never work with children and animals” is often associated with photography, Kathryn disagrees. “It’s not easy but I enjoy it and I don’t find dogs more difficult than people at all. You need the patience of a saint when photographing weddings and if you can do them, you can cope with most subjects.”

For more details of the The Yorkshire Dog Photographer visit www.theyorkshiredogphotographer.com

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