The Paws Project:

45 dogs in 3 months for charity.

Em needs 45 volunteer dog models in the Wellington region for a 2026 charity calendar in support of Ellie’s Canine Rescue!

MEDIUM DOG APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON!

Be part of a movement that celebrates rescue dogs – medium dog applications opening soon!

Pet photo of senior mixed breed dog in Upper Hutt Kaitoke Forest

the why

The Paws Project isn’t just about beautiful portraits, it’s about celebrating the huge variety of dogs we share our lives with and recognising that every dog has a story.

I’m aiming to photograph 45 dogs of different breeds and mixes (15 big, 15 medium, 15 small), from the rare to the ‘everyday’. The goal is to reflect the wonderful diversity of dogs in Wellington, while reminding people that any dog can end up in need of a new home, no matter their background, size, or breed.

Alongside the portraits, a 2026 calendar will be created to feature all 45 dogs, with 100% of the calendar proceeds being donated to Ellie’s Canine Rescue.

You get timeless images of your dog, and together we give back to the dogs in need.

what you’ll get

Each selected model will enjoy a complimentary 20–30 minute photography session with Em, held at one of three beautiful outdoor locations around Wellington.

You’ll also receive one high-resolution digital image of your choice from the session – the same image that will appear in the 2026 Paws Project Calendar.

how to apply

Submit an application using the form below with your availability and a picture of your pup.

Applications will run in three rounds.

If your category isn’t open for applications, you can sign up to the waitlist to be the first to hear when it opens.

Photo sessions will happen in select woodland locations across Wellington, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt on set weekends and times.

To ensure a diverse mix for the calendar, not all applications can be accepted. Selection is based on breed/mix, size, age, and location. If your pup isn’t selected, please know it’s absolutely not about their “look” or worthiness, just the need to balance out the overall collection.

Large breed dogs (over 30kg):

  • Sessions in July

  • Applications closed

Small breed dogs (less than 15kg):

  • Sessions in August

  • Applications closed

Medium breed dogs (15-30kg)

  • Sessions in September

  • Applications opening soon

Professional photograph of rough collie dog in grasses in Lower Hutt

  • After you apply below, you’ll be notified within 1 week of the application closing date if your dog has been chosen. If chosen, you’ll be offered a slot on one of the days you are available for.

  • Sessions are 20–30 minutes long and take place at carefully selected woodland locations in Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt.

    👉 Dogs do not need to be trained at all. Reactive dogs are always okay too but please bear in mind the locations for the Paws Project can get quite busy. Dogs will stay on-lead for the entire shoot, and that’s totally fine. Leads are edited out later, and we work at your dog’s pace, with zero pressure or expectations. It’s a fun experience for everyone involved!

  • Around two weeks later, we’ll jump on a Zoom call where you’ll view your fully retouched images and choose your favourite image for the calendar and your complimentary digital copy!

    There is always more than one image to select from for the project. As soon as your project slot is confirmed, you’ll be sent a product guide in case you would like to purchase additional images or wall art from your session. However, there is never any pressure to purchase anything!

  • When the project is complete, Em will create a special Charity Calendar in aid of Ellie’s Canine Rescue with 100% of proceeds being donated.

    You will be given first dibs on a copy, of course!

How it works

Want to learn more about my work before applying?

Every dog’s story deserves to be told — if now’s not the right time, you can still explore how we can work together in the future.