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Beyond the Labels

Artwork & Pricing

What is - Beyond the Labels?

Look again. Look Closer.

Beyond the Labels is a fine-art photography and storytelling project celebrating dogs who are often judged, stereotyped, or misunderstood because of their appearance, breed, size, colour, equipment, or behaviour.

So many dogs are labelled before they are ever truly seen. A first glance becomes an assumption. A stereotype becomes a story. And the dog beneath it all is rarely given the chance to show who they really are.

This project exists to change that.

Each participating dog is photographed with patience, care, and respect, in a way that allows their true nature to come through. Their portrait is then paired with a full written story, told in depth and in their own voice through the people who know them best. Together, image and words work to challenge perception and invite the viewer to look again, and to look deeper.

Beyond the Labels is not about proving stereotypes wrong.

It is about showing the truth that exists beyond them.

The project will ultimately be transformed into a storytelling book, bringing these portraits and stories together in a lasting, tangible form. Selected images and stories will also feature in a Beyond the Labels 2027 calendar, allowing the project to live on and continue its message throughout the year. Both the book and calendar will be available to purchase once completed.

At its heart, Beyond the Labels is about advocacy through art.
About slowing down.
About seeing the dog, not the label.

Sonny [Staffordshire Bull Terrier] [2025] [Gift Voucher Session] [Sneak Peek].jpg

Enzo [American Staffie] [2025] [Beyond the Labels].jpg

Who can take part?

Beyond the Labels is open to dogs who are often judges, stereotyped, or misunderstood before they are truly known.

This includes:

~ Dogs judged by breed (GSD, Staffy, Mastiffs, Malinois, etc.)

~ Dogs judged by size (small, or large)

~ ‘Intimidating-looking dogs

~ All-black or dark-coated dogs

~ Dogs who wear a muzzle

~ Nervous or reactive dogs

~ Rescue or rehomed dogs with unknown or misunderstood histories

~ Dogs with physical differences (Missing limbs/ eye, deaf, blind etc.)

If your dog has been labelled, misread, or unfairly judged - then they are exactly who this project is for

Beyond the Labels - The Session

Lets change the narrative!

The Session:

An outdoor, on-location photoshoot in Cumbria

A 2-3 hour session, allowing time for breaks, rest and connection

Owners are encouraged to bring personal items, such as:

~ A favourite toy

~ A blanket

~ Comfort items that reflect the sogs softer side

Optional owner interaction during the shoot to showcase:

~ Trust

~ Loyalty
~ Gentleness

~ Love

What you receive:

One fully edited web-sized digital image

Inclusion in the Beyond the Labels project and storytelling series

£30 towards:

~ Additional digital image sets (5, 10, 15, 20)

~ Fine-art artwork or wall pieces

~ The Beyond the Labels book (upon release)

~ The Beyond the Labels 2027 calendar

The £30 is project specific, non-transferable, and cannot be exchanged for cash or used towards the project retainer.

Additional digital images or artwork are optional.

Tales of Tails

Capturing the Essence of Your Dog’s Unique Story

The Tales of Tails photography session is an immersive experience designed to showcase your dog’s unique personality and story. Whether your dog is playful, calm, or full of character, this session is tailored to ensure their true essence shines through in every shot, capturing the timeless beauty and spirit of your canine companion.

What’s Included:

Minimum 2-Hour Outdoor Session: A personalized photography experience set in an outdoor location, allowing ample time to capture your dog in a variety of natural settings. We focus on highlighting their unique personality through candid moments and artistic portraits, ensuring we get the perfect shots that tell their story.

8x6" Desk Frame with Digital Image: You’ll receive a professionally framed 8x6" print of a standout moment from the session, along with the corresponding low-resolution digital image, perfect for sharing on social media and keeping as a digital memento.

£50 Product Credit: A £50 product credit is included on orders over £200, which you can use to expand your digital collection or invest in show-stopping wall art. Whether you’d like to add more images to your digital gallery or showcase your dog’s portrait in your home, this credit offers flexibility to display their personality and charm.

Viewing and Design Appointment: After the session, you’ll be invited to a private viewing appointment at our HQ. During this 1-hour session, you’ll be presented with a curated gallery of up to 30 of the best photos from the shoot. You’ll also have the chance to browse our range of luxury bespoke artwork options, helping you choose the perfect way to showcase your dog’s portraits.

This session is an opportunity to immortalize your dog’s personality through exceptional photography. With a focus on your dog’s individuality, and the option to capture special moments with you, we ensure your experience results in high-quality, professional imagery you’ll treasure forever.

The Tales of Tails experience is £155. A £50 non-refundable retainer is required to secure your session date, with the remaining £105 due 48 hours before your scheduled session.

Project Retainer

To secure participation, a £50 non-refundable project retainer is required.

This retainer:

~ Confirms commitment

~ Helps prevent no-shows

~ Allows the project to run with the time, care, and attention it deserves

The retainer is non-refundable, but may be transferred once to a rescheduled date if required.

Additional Information

All participants will have priority access to the book and the 2027 calendar.

Full terms and conditions and FAQ can be found by scrolling down.

The project will remain open, and all session will take place throughout 2026.

Apply for Beyond the Labels Now

Beyond the Labels - FAQ

My dog is reactive, can they still take part?

Absolutely!

Reactive dogs are welcome here - this project was partly created for them.

Sessions are structured to be slow, calm, and safe.

Your dogs comfort is always the priority.

You can tell me everything i need to know on the application form and i tailor the shoot to their needs.

My dog wears a muzzle, is that okay?

Not just okay - its welcomed.

Muzzles are a safety tool, not a red flag, and I'd love to represent muzzle-wearing dogs in this project.

If your dog needs to keep their muzzle on, we can work with it.

If they can safely take it off for part of the session, we can do both.

What if my dog won't sit still?

Totally fine! This isn't a 'perfect obedience' project.

I'm used to photographing wiggly, nervous, over-excited, or distracted dogs.

We go at their pace, with plenty of breaks, patience, and understanding.

Where are the shoots held?

Cumbria - exact locations will be shared with selected participants.

How are the stories gathered?

After applying, owners who are selected will receive a set of storytelling questions.

You can write as much or as little as you like - the more detail, the richer the final piece.

Will all applicants be chosen?

Not necessarily.

Spaces are limited to ensure each dog receives the time, attention, and storytelling they deserve.

Bur if your dog isn't chosen right away, they may be selected in a later round - the project runs throughout 2026.

Can i attend the session with my dog?

YES - absolutely!

You're not only welcome but encouraged to be there.

You help your dog feel safe, and you know their needs better than anyone.

What if my dog won't sit still?

Totally fine! This isn't a 'perfect obedience' project.

I'm used to photographing wiggly, nervous, over-excited, or distracted dogs.

We go at their pace, with plenty of breaks, patience, and understanding.

Ares GSD] [2025] [Beyond the Labels - Teaser].jpg

Loki [Cane Corso] [Bingo] [2025] [LR Digital 1].jpg

Terms & Conditions

Project Overview

By applying to take part, you acknowledge that this is a personal creative project and participation is subject to selection.

Application & Selection

~ Submitting an application does not guarantee participation.

~ Dogs are selected based on sustainability for the project, storytelling value, safety considerations, and available spaces.

~ The project runs throughout 2026, and some applicants may be selected for later sessions.

The photoshoot experience

~ Sessions are tailored to each dogs comfort level and behavioural needs.

~ The photographer reserves the right to pause or end a sessions if a dog becomes overly stressed or if safety is compromised.

~ Owner must disclose all known behavioural concerns honestly in the application form.

Health & Safety

~ Dogs must be in good health at the time of the session.

~ Any medical conditions, injuries, or special requirements must be disclosed in advance.

~ Muzzles and safety equipment are welcomed and encouraged where appropriate.

Owner responsibility

~ Owners are responsible for their dogs behaviour during the session.

~ Any damage caused by the dog to equipment, property, or people remains the responsibility of the owner.

~ Owners must follow any safety guidance given during the session.

Image use & Copyright

~ All images remain the copyright of the photographer.

~ By participating, owners grant permissions for the images to be used for:

> Project promotion

> Social media

> Website

> Printed or digital publications related to Beyond the Labels

~ Images will never be sold to third parties without consent.

Story use & Consent

~ Any written story or information provided may be edited for clarity, length, or tone while preserving the meaning.

~ Owners may request anonymity if preferred.

~ Stories will only be used in connection with the Beyond the Labels project.

Included artwork & Optional purchases

~ Each participated dog will each receive one fully edited web-sized image, plus £30 redeemable towards project publications, artwork or digital image sets (5, 10, 15, 20).

~ Additional images or artwork may be available to purchase, with no obligation.

Cancellations & rescheduling

~ If an owner needs to cancel or reschedule, as much notice is appreciated.

~ The photographer reserves the right to reschedule sessions due to weather, illness, or unforeseen circumstances.

Project changes

~ The photographer reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the project structure, locations, or timeline if necessary.

~ Any significant changes will be communicated clearly to participants.

Acceptance of terms

By submitting an application and participating in Beyond the Labels, you confirm that:

> You are the legal owner or handler of the dog

> You have read and understood these terms

> You agree to the conditions outlined above