When Cheryl (McCollin-Walker) first contacted me to teach a class on Pet Photography earlier this year, I must admit that my initial thought was, “This is a daunting task.” After all, what could I possibly share with a group of very skilled photographers on a subject that I consider to be somewhat niche in Barbados? Plus, did time even permit me to do this topic BPS justice? However, I’m never one to shy away from this kind of challenge, so I told her that I’d give it some thought. I began reading, researching, and reflecting on my own experiences to produce a rough outline of what my talk could look like. This was easier than I imagined, and within the space of a week, an initial PowerPoint presentation was ready. However, I thought this class needed something extra… an outdoor component. Sounds easy enough, right? The second step was getting some actual pets for the class to try putting these tips into practice. It’s important to remember that not everyone likes dogs or working with them. So I needed to look for some calm dogs (and some calm pet parents, too!).

So you might be wondering at this point what a pet photography classroom session entails. On Saturday, September 27, participants were led through a basic introduction to the topic, along with a historical look at pet photography from the 19th Century to contemporary times. We took a look at the physical tools needed to get started (spoiler alert: there isn’t much needed at all). I made an effort to add a discussion on animal behavior for both dogs and cats, along with some caveats for dealing with exotic animals. Participants were also provided with a list of considerations and some tips for getting the shots, especially using treats as a form of enticement. To conclude the one-hour talk, we briefly discussed post-processing options, a suggested workflow, and held a Q&A session.

Moving on to the second day, we took a trip to the National Botanical Gardens. This spot was selected due to space and the availability of trees for shade. This was a blessing on an extremely hot weekend where temperatures climbed to 32 degrees Celsius. For this same reason, it was highly important to have water to ensure that the dogs and their owners were not overheated. But even with the heat, there was a very relaxed vibe. Along with Hugh, Cheryl, and Giselle, bringing their beloved rescue Ripley, Jenny brought her very handsome Mastiff, Marty, and the equally adorable Winnie, and Rosie. And finally, I had asked my non-BPS member, animal-loving friends Gayle and Blake to bring their dogs, Hibah, Nubia, and Shiba. Dare I say, everyone enjoyed themselves in this beautiful outdoor area? I was reminded that while making beautiful images is exciting and inspiring, the BPS’s most crucial function is to promote photography education and build camaraderie.

I must say thanks to some very special folks who made this entire thing possible. First and foremost, thanks to Cheryl and the Barbados Photographic Society’s Educational Committee, who did the heavy lifting and organization. Second, thanks to the caretakers of the National Botanical Gardens for allowing us to use the grounds for the practical session. Third, a big thank you to all of the enthusiastic pet parents from within and outside of the BPS who brought their pets to be photographed and spent a quiet Sunday evening. Let’s not forget all of the pets who behaved so well. And finally, special thanks to all of the photographers who participated in the Open Wall session, and/or attended the practical session. You are the lifeblood of this club, and none of this is ever possible without your support. To those who were unable to attend, we hope to see you in the future. Stay tuned and much love.

Nicole Phillips has been a member of the BPS since 2013 and contributes to the Society’s Website Committee. Her photography interests range from landscapes, portraits, pets, and documentary. She’s an animal lover and a pet parent to one large, always hungry Bull Mastiff mix named Zeus. You can find her at any of the following:
Website: https://www.nickyhighlanderphoto.com/
BPS Profile: https://thebarbadosphotographicsociety.com/portfolio-item/nicole-phillips/
Instagram: @nickyhighlanderphoto
Email: nickyhighlander@gmail.com