A Photography Session with Errol the Police Puppy in Haslemere, Surrey

Some photography sessions carry extra significance, and Errol’s was one of them. His foster family had just received the news that he would soon be leaving them to begin his training to become a police dog. Knowing their time together was drawing to a close, they wanted to create a set of portraits to remember him by and to celebrate the months they had spent together.

The session took place in the fields and woodland surrounding their home near Haslemere in Surrey. It was the perfect location, as it was where Errol had grown up, played and bonded with his foster family. Photographing him in this familiar landscape meant every image holds the memory of their shared daily life, turning each portrait into something deeply personal.

We focused on capturing Errol on his own and with his family, but also included a few photographs with Harry, their new police puppy in training. This created a meaningful link between the two dogs and reflected the family’s ongoing commitment as foster carers.

When it came to selecting their artwork, the family chose a statement framed wall piece, now hanging in their home, along with a keepsake box filled with prints. These aren’t just photographs, they are lasting reminders of Errol’s place in their lives and the special bond they formed with him, even though they knew from the start that their time together would be temporary.

Almost a year after, I was invited back to photograph Harry before he too moved on to training, which I’ll share in a future blog post.