A charity dog photography project
The
Cambridge
Dog
The Cambridge Dog
What’s it all about?
The Idea
The Cambridge Dog was an idea that came during our second Lockdown of 2020. As a photographer who usually works with families and local businesses, I found myself unable to to work under Covid restrictions, and resigned myself to a month at home with only my daily dog walks.
But then, inspired by my business mentor, Nina Mace, I decided to use this time to photograph all the dogs I met on my own daily walks (from a safe social distance of course!) I then posted the photos online and donated all funds raised from the sale of prints and downloads to local animal charities.
How it works
On the first day of my project, only two dogs came deliberately to have their photos taken… but I approached lots more I met during my walk. As I photographed more dogs, and people spread the word, the project grew, and soon many more dogs were coming to have their portraits taken each day. I set up a dedicated Instagram page called The Cambridge Dog, so that I could let local Cambridge and Newmarket dog owners know where I’d be walking each morning. One day, at Jesus Green in central Cambridge, I photographed over 20 dogs in the gorgeous Autumn morning light! To date, I have photographed over 80 dogs for the project.
Charities
So far, we’ve raised over £500 for two local animal charities: Wood Green, the animal shelter, helping sick and injured animals from all over the East of England and Our Special Friends based in Thetford, who help elderly or vulnerable people throughout Suffolk and Cambridgeshire keep their pets at home.
The Cambridge Dog
A few of the Cambridge dogs I’ve photographed so far…
So What’s Next?
Now that Lockdown 2.0 is over, I’m back to photographing families and businesses for the time being. But I’ve enjoyed this dog photography project so much, I’ve decided to continue it. During 2021, I will be hosting at least one charity dog photography day in Cambridge or Newmarket per quarter. Again, all funds raised from these days will do directly to my chosen charities.
How can I get a photograph taken of my dog?
To find out when my next charity dog photography days will be taking place, follow along on the dedicated Instagram feed – The Cambridge Dog. I’ll be posting updates, and new dates there throughout 2021.
FIND ME
Louisa French Photography
Cambridge Photographer
louisafrenchphotography@gmail.com