2025: A Year of Dogs, Community, and Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been taking some time to reflect on what 2025 has meant for me and for Em Boyle Photography. It’s been a year of growth, creativity, community, and more dogs than I ever could have imagined – the very best kind of year!
Here’s a look back at what made 2025 so special…
Over one hundred Incredible Dogs
This year, I photographed a huge 116 dogs – each one with their own personality, quirks, and story. It’s been an absolute privilege to create images for families who value their dogs as deeply as I do.
Alongside client work, I also photographed an additional 24 dogs for Chance 4 Change Rescue. Some of these dogs I had the opportunity to photograph two or even three times, watching them grow in confidence and move closer to their forever homes. Being able to contribute to rescue work in this way is something I’ll always hold close.
The winning cover image for the Paws Project calendar.
The Paws Project & Giving Back
One of the biggest highlights of my year was The Paws Project Calendar, created to raise funds for Ellie’s Canine Rescue. Thanks to the incredible support of the community, this project raised over $1,800, with 62 dogs featured across the calendar.
The cover image was decided by a hotly contested Facebook vote, with thousands of votes. Madrone the staffy cross took out the win with 460 votes, closely followed by Cookie the Samoyed on 435. Madrone earned the honour of gracing the calendar cover, along with some beautiful prizes generously sponsored by local businesses – 4 Paws Empire, Doggie Delights, Goodwood Dogs, and Dukes Barkery.
Watching the community rally behind this project was incredibly humbling.
A Busy and Brilliant Events Year
2025 also saw me step further into the events space, photographing some truly joyful dog-centric gatherings.
I photographed Burgers Across the World at Kai Tahi with 4 Paws Empire – an event where dogs got to enjoy their very own dog-friendly burgers and dog beer. It was chaotic, joyful, and full of wagging tails.
Read the full blog post here
I also photographed Sniff & Shop in Masterton, hosted by Doggie Delights and Plan & Bloom, and joined the official photography team for the Shepherds Shemozzle in Hunterville – a bucket-list event and an unforgettable experience.
Shepherds Shemozzle blog post
On top of that, I attended the Lower Hutt Corgi Races (non-officially, but enthusiastically), and was honoured to attend and sponsor a prize for the Top Dog Film Festival held at The Roxy in Miramar.
Saying goodbye to Scratch
April also marked a quieter, harder moment this year, when we said goodbye to our cat Scratch at 12 years old. He was the most loving and affectionate cat you could imagine – always close, always involved, always insisting on being part of whatever was happening.
While his constant need for attention sometimes drove me a little mad, the house feels noticeably emptier without him. His presence, his cuddles, and his unwavering companionship are deeply missed.
An Incredible Year for Awards
2025 was also a milestone year in terms of awards and professional recognition.
I was honoured to win the Documentary Category at the International Pet Photographer of the Year Awards for my images of stray cats and dogs in Istanbul – a deeply meaningful project and an incredible honour.
Read the full story here
I was also named a finalist in the Documentary Category at the Dog Photography Awards, and placed 20th in the Black & White category at the Asia Pacific Photography Awards.
One of my proudest achievements was earning the Photographers Bar with the Guild of Photographers, including 14 images awarded from The Paws Project. This included two Silver awards and two Image of the Day recognitions too.
To top it all off, I became officially accredited with the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers, achieving a pass score of over 90% – something I’m incredibly proud of.
Looking Ahead
When I started this business, I never imagined how much 2025 would give me – creatively, professionally, and personally. From quiet woodland sessions to bustling dog events, rescue projects to international awards, this year has reinforced why I do what I do!
Thank you to every client, dog, rescue, event organiser, and supporter who trusted me with their stories. I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!
