I have an untrained, shy or reactive dog, can you still photograph them?

Yes – 100%! Most of the dogs I photograph aren’t trained models. Whether your pup is nervous, shy, or reactive, sessions are tailored to suit them. Long lenses, a calm approach, and patience are used. Dogs are usually on-lead for safety and leashes are removed in editing. You do not need a perfectly behaved dog, just patience, love, and treats or toys.

Is it going to be really expensive?

The portrait session collections are designed to offer strong value and past clients have not considered them overpriced. Investment typically ranges from $600 to $4000 depending on artwork choices. Interest free payment plans are available.

Can I include more than one dog in a session?

Yes. Dogs from the same household can be included in the same session. Time is allowed to work with each dog’s personality. Signature Sessions can include the whole family, including people if desired.

Do you win awards for client work?

Yes. With client permission, images from sessions can be entered into photographic awards and have gone on to win awards. Clients are always informed if an image is recognised.

Are prints and digitals included in the session fee?

The session fee includes the photography session and a reveal appointment. Artwork and digital packages are purchased separately. Each session includes a social media image and a $100 artwork credit. Wall art, digital packages, and à la carte options are available.

Where are sessions held?

Sessions take place in carefully selected outdoor locations around the Wellington region, including Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. Locations are chosen for light, scenery, and comfort. Home sessions may be arranged in special cases.

Do you sell the digital files?

Yes, digital files are available as optional add-ons and are included in some collections. Most clients choose wall art, but digital files can be purchased separately or alongside artwork. Social media sized files are included with wall art purchases.

International Award-Winning fine-art

Book A Session

Dog Photographer in Wellington

Welcome!

Kia ora, I’m Em, a nationally and internationally awarded pet photographer based in Upper Hutt, Wellington. I specialise in creating beautiful portraits of dogs in natural outdoor settings that you can hang in your home and treasure for years to come.

Whether you're after a full wall art collection or a simple, meaningful session with digital files, I’m here to make the experience relaxed, genuine, and unforgettable for both you and your dog! Rest assured, you’ll also walk away with images that are simply gorgeous.

When you book with Em Boyle Photography, you’re choosing more than just a photoshoot – you’re choosing artwork.

Instead of receiving an overwhelming gallery of hundreds of similar images, you’ll be presented with a thoughtfully curated collection – usually 15 to 25 portraits, each carefully refined into a true piece of art. Every image is chosen for its strength and storytelling power, designed not just to be “a nice photo,” but to stand proudly as a striking piece of wall art that will hold its place in your home for years to come, not lost on a hard drive or phone.

It’s about quality, not quantity – photographs that feel as meaningful and timeless as the bond you share with your dog.

What makes fine art

dog photography different?

The Experience

Designed for flexibility, the Signature Session offers the full Em Boyle Photography experience – whether you’re dreaming of a wall gallery, or simply want a handful of beautiful digital images to update your collection.

Each session includes a relaxed outdoor shoot, a curated gallery of retouched images, $100 artwork credit and a social-media-sized watermarked image to share.

Sessions are limited monthly, so it’s recommended to book early.

Learn More

Cameron J. & Eric

“We had such a great experience with our photo session! My tiny Chihuahua, Eric, can be a bit shy and tried to take a finger off on the first pat, but Em was so patient and gentle with him. He warmed up quickly and actually seemed to enjoy it! The shoot was super chill, great direction from Em, and the final results completely blew us away. She captured Eric’s personality perfectly, and when I showed my fiancée she was close to tears she loved them so much. Highly recommend to anyone looking for beautiful, professional photos of their pets!”

A large framed canvas tray wall art photo of a dog from a dog photography session in Lower Hutt.

Matted prints of fine art dog photography with a folio box.

Two framed fine art photographs of dogs on a white wall above a wooden sideboard, with a basket containing pillows underneath.

Fine art frame options for Em Boyle dog photography sessions in Wellington

Premium wall art

All artwork is handcrafted in collaboration with carefully chosen leading New Zealand and international print labs. Whether you prefer framed fine art prints or framed canvas trays, each piece is designed to showcase your dog at their best and suit your home’s style.

Choose from:

Framed fine art dog prints
Tray-framed museum-quality canvases
Artisan matted prints
Folio boxes and small format options

Framed Print of a dog in arch mat by Em Boyle Photography in Wellington

Explore Options

Client Stories & Kind Words

Abi C.

Our photoshoot with Em was a fantastic experience. Wrangling 3 dogs, one being very unsure of new people, Em made the process so easy. I was a bit nervous beforehand about how it would go. But I left feeling great because Em made us all feel comfortable and relaxed. And well the photos are just stunning!!!
Ellie's Canine Rescue

Em is great with the dogs giving them time and space to feel comfortable while getting great photos. End result is gorgeous.
Alexia E.

Em was amazing with my two dogs. I have a 13 year old Chihuahua and a baby huntaway x pup and we really enjoyed our time with Em, the pics are even better than expected, she is both patient and kind. Would totally recommend Em Boyle Photography for anyone looking to get stunning pics of their animals, and looking forward to the calendar too 😺
Daxa M.

We had the privilege of having a photo shoot with Em with our dogs Nova and Tarko. Em and also her lovely husband were so professional, made my dogs feel right at ease, our dog Tarko was only 4/5 months and very hyper, Em was so patient, also with my other dog, Nova a 10 yr old senior. The photo shots are amazing, Em is so very talented we LOVE the shots really captured our dogs personalities. Nothing was a problem. Thank you so much Em, so glad we had this opportunity with you.
Lara G.

Em took some amazing photos of our dog. She was creative and also worked with our dog. We have a sensitive breed and she was able to capture his personality. I’m so glad we had our dog’s photos taken by her.
Carly P.

Our girl is a rescue and anxious around strangers but Em put her at ease straight away and the photos were beyond amazing!
Anna J.

Loved having our shoot with Em for the Paws Project Calendar. Em was super professional, made us feel comfortable and the whole process was really fun and enjoyable. The photos came out beautiful too. Tauntaun's photo was also entered by Em in an international photo competition and won Bronze. She is incredibly talented!
Kath G.

Em is extremely skilled at her work with photographing dogs. She worked so well with our boy and the results are amazing.
Beth G.

Em was fantastic with our crazy French bulldog! She understands dogs and she will work with all types of dog of any temperament. Absolutely recommend!
Carolyn M.

It was wonderful to meet Em and have her photograph Archie, she took the time to make him feel at ease and made him feel special.The photos that she took were fabulous. I would highly recommend her and her photographic services.
Tracey W.

Love the photos Em took of my Ellie, absolutely stunning, being a weird grayish brindle colour Ellie usually blends into the background, Em really captured her and her sweet nature 😊
Scott M.

Really friendly and we had a lot of fun at the photo shoot. The photos are fantastic. Highly recommended 😀
Kim L.

We adore our photos of our dogs ... the most beautiful photos of our dogs that capture their personality perfectly, we will always treasure these.
Harrison E.

Elegantly captured my greyhound in all his glory. Highly professional, fantastic photographs 📸 🐶
Nic G.

We got to meet Em first at our Christmas 2025 photo shoot. It was a calm and very relaxed process, out and about in the lovely green area of Upper Hutt.
The photos came out so well.
Lovely image to have as a keep sake. My model Magda.
We thank you for your time Em.

FAQs

Yes – 100%! Most of the dogs I photograph aren’t trained models (mine included!). Whether your pup is a bit eccentric, nervous around strangers, or reactive to other dogs, we’ll tailor the session to suit them. I use long lenses, a calm energy, and plenty of patience. Most dogs stay on-lead for safety (or as per the location requirements), and those leashes will be removed later in editing – just like magic. You don’t need a perfectly behaved dog, you just need a little patience, love, and maybe a few treats or toys thrown in.
It really does depend on what feels right for you. Most clients invest somewhere between $650 and $3,000 all up, though you're welcome to spend more or less than that depending on what you'd like to take home.
There's never any pressure whatsoever at the image reveal. You'll see your images, fall in love with a few (or all of them!), and choose whatever suits you and your home. It really is all about what you’d like and every client is different. Sometimes you might be after a full wall gallery collection, other times just a handful of digital files. No matter what, there’s no pressure!
Before you book, you’ll also receive a copy of the Product Guide which covers all the options and pricing in full, so you'll know exactly what's available well before your session.
If budget is a consideration, interest-free payment plans are also available and completely customisable to you (eg. payment amounts, frequency and timeframe).
Yes! If your dogs are part of the same household, you’re welcome to include them in the same session – whether you have two or five. I allow plenty of time to work with each dog’s personality and pace. If you're booking a Signature Session, there's space to include the whole furry family (and even a human or two, if you'd like!).
Absolutely! With your permission, there is no reason why images captured at your portrait session cannot be entered into, and win, photographic awards. You’ll be the first to know if they do!
The Signature Session fee covers the session itself and your personalised reveal appointment.
An artwork or digital package isn’t included, but each session does come with two built-in bonuses: a social-media-sized image to share and a $100 artwork credit to get you started on your wall art.
From there, you have complete flexibility – choose from wall art collections, digital packages or the à la carte menu to build the experience that suits you and your budget best.
I’ve carefully scouted the best locations around the Wellington region that perfectly complement my natural, woodland-inspired style. These spots work beautifully in all kinds of light – sunny or overcast – and are chosen to help create stunning, timeless artwork of your dog.
That said, if you have a special place in mind, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ve also done home-based shoots before for those who may be unable, or have a dog who is unable to leave the property.
Yes, digital files are available – but most clients come to me because they’re looking for something more than photos that sit on a phone. I specialise in creating custom wall art and printed pieces that celebrate your dog in a lasting, meaningful way – artwork you'll see and smile at every day.
That said, I do offer high-resolution digital files as optional add-ons, and they’re included in some collections. When you purchase wall art, you also get a matching social media sized digital file included!