The Collective Project
Year One: The Pastoral Collective
![Blue [Border Collie] [Ambassadog] [2025] [LR digital 4].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c2e035_5282ceddf63e4cc0825b82c0f7d69005~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1239,h_769,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Blue%20%5BBorder%20Collie%5D%20%5BAmbassadog%5D%20%5B2025%5D%20%5BLR%20digital%204%5D.jpg)
What is The Collective?
A curated breed group feature
The Collective is an annual fine-art photography project that focuses on a specific breed group at a time.
The first Collective is The Pastoral Collective.
Rather than photographing many breeds at once, The Collective slows the process down and looks closely at a defined group, documenting it through a carefully curated selection of dogs. Each Collective brings together a limited number of participants to create a cohesive body of work that highlights variation in appearance, character, movement, and presence within that group.
This is not a competition or a model call. It is a considered, long-form project designed to document a breed group as it exists today, through fine-art portraiture, environment, and form.
Sessions are photographed outdoors and approached in the same calm, dog-led way as all Pet Paparazzi work. The focus is on authenticity rather than performance, allowing each dog to be photographed as they are, not as they are expected to be.
Selected images may go on to be featured as part of The Collective online, in printed publications, and potentially in a limited-run calendar. Inclusion in specific outputs is not guaranteed and remains part of the curation process.
The Collective is about creating a body of work with longevity. Something that sits beyond trends and social media, and instead becomes a visual record of each breed group, over time.
The Pastoral Collective focuses on herding-type breeds, including Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Belgian Shepherds, German Shepherds, and other similar working and pastoral types.
If you’re unsure whether your dog fits within this group, you’re welcome to apply.
About the Session
The Session:
A fine-art, outdoor, on-location photography session in Cumbria
A 1.5–3 hour session, allowing time for the dog to settle, explore, and be photographed naturally
Sessions are calm, unhurried, and dog-led, with no expectation of obedience, posing, or performance
Locations are chosen carefully to suit the project, the breed, and the individual dog, with consistency across the Collective considered throughout
Sessions are planned around light and conditions that align with my fine-art style. Sessions may be rescheduled if conditions, including harsh sunlight, are not suitable
Dogs may remain on lead where needed. Safety equipment such as slip leads or muzzles are welcomed and respected
Owners may be present throughout the session. Interaction is optional and used selectively where it supports the final image
What you receive:
Participation in The Collective annual breed feature
A fine-art outdoor photography session approached as part of a wider body of work
£100 artwork credit, redeemable against physical artwork and wall art only
Artwork credit is project-specific, non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash, and cannot be used towards the Collective retainer.
Digital images and additional artwork are optional and purchased separately.
![Neo [Border Collie] [2025] [LR Digital 6].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c2e035_bce6f87959d640a3a3864d94b93ccc8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1239,h_673,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Neo%20%5BBorder%20Collie%5D%20%5B2025%5D%20%5BLR%20Digital%206%5D.jpg)
The Collective Retainer
To take part in The Collective, a £60 non-refundable project retainer is required.
The retainer secures your place within the project and allows session planning, scheduling, and preparation to begin. Places are limited and offered on a curated basis, and participation is not confirmed until the retainer has been paid.
The Collective retainer:
• is required to confirm participation
• is non-refundable under any circumstances
• is transferable once if a session needs to be rescheduled
• is not a deposit and does not go towards artwork or digital purchases
The retainer covers the time, planning, and project costs involved in creating The Collective and contributes to the development of the wider body of work.
Artwork and digital images are purchased separately following the session.
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.
Additional Information
The Collective is a curated project with limited spaces. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
Sessions are photographed in natural outdoor locations. Exact locations, dates, and timings are agreed in advance and may be adjusted to suit light, weather, access, or dog welfare.
Sessions may be rescheduled if conditions are not suitable, including harsh or direct sunlight, as this does not align with my fine-art style.
Dogs may remain on lead throughout the session if required. Safety equipment, including slip leads or muzzles, is welcomed and respected at all times.
Specific images, poses, expressions, or outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Each session is approached individually, while contributing to a wider, cohesive body of work.
Inclusion in printed features, books, calendars, or other Collective outputs is not guaranteed and remains part of the curation process.
Artwork and digital images are purchased separately following the session. Pricing is outlined in the Artwork & Digital Catalogue.
Participation in The Collective requires agreement to the project contract, which outlines usage, rescheduling, artwork credit, and publication terms in full.
The Collective - FAQ
Is The Collective a normal photoshoot?
No. The Collective is a curated fine-art project focusing on one breed group per year. While each dog is photographed with the same care as an individual session, the work contributes to a wider, long-form body of work.
Do you need my dog to be well trained or off lead?
No. Dogs may remain on lead throughout the session if needed. There is no expectation for obedience, tricks, or performance. Safety equipment such as slip leads or muzzles is always respected.
How long does a Collective session last?
Sessions typically last between 1.5 and 3 hours, allowing time for breaks, rest, and the dog to settle naturally.
What happens if the weather isn’t suitable?
Sessions are planned around conditions that align with my fine-art style. If weather or lighting conditions, including harsh sunlight, are not suitable, the session will be rescheduled.
Light rain, wind, mist, or overcast conditions are not grounds for cancellation.
What is the Collective retainer?
The £60 Collective retainer secures your place in the project and allows planning and scheduling to begin. It is non-refundable and is not a deposit towards artwork or digital images.
What is included with the session?
Participation in The Collective includes a fine-art outdoor photography session and inclusion in the annual breed feature. A £100 artwork credit towards physical artwork and wall art is also included.
Digital images and additional artwork are purchased separately.
Can I choose which images are included in books or publications?
Selection for printed features, books, calendars, or exhibitions is part of the curation process and remains at the Photographer’s discretion. Not all dogs or images will appear in every output.
Do you share our images publicly?
Yes. Images from The Collective may be shared as part of the project, including on my website, social media, and in printed or promotional materials. Full details are outlined in the project contract.
Can I opt out of printed publications?
Participation in The Collective includes consent for potential inclusion in printed features. If you have specific concerns, please raise them at the application stage so they can be discussed before acceptance.
Is this suitable for reactive or nervous dogs?
Yes. Sessions are calm, dog-led, and approached with welfare and safety as the priority. Behavioural considerations should be disclosed in advance so sessions can be planned appropriately.
How many spaces are available?
Each Collective has a limited number of places. Once spaces are filled, applications will close for that year’s breed.
![Koda [Mini American Shepherd] [Bingo] [2025] [Sneak Peek 2].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c2e035_38381b0e75c5485f87886deda0bb4ab8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1291,h_789,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Koda%20%5BMini%20American%20Shepherd%5D%20%5BBingo%5D%20%5B2025%5D%20%5BSneak%20Peek%202%5D.jpg)
Terms & Conditions
Participation & Acceptance
The Collective is a curated project with limited spaces. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Participation is confirmed only once the Collective retainer has been paid.
The Collective Retainer
A £60 non-refundable Collective retainer is required to secure a place in the project.
The retainer:
• is non-refundable under any circumstances
• is transferable once if a session needs to be rescheduled
• is not a deposit and does not go towards artwork or digital purchases
Sessions
Sessions are outdoor, fine-art photography sessions and are approached in a calm, dog-led manner.
Sessions typically last between 1.5 and 3 hours and allow time for breaks and settling. There is no expectation for obedience, posing, or performance.
Specific images, expressions, or outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Weather & Light
Sessions are planned around conditions that align with my fine-art style.
Sessions may be rescheduled due to:
• unsafe weather
• dog welfare concerns
• photographer illness or emergency
• unsuitable lighting conditions, including harsh or direct sunlight
Light rain, wind, mist, or overcast conditions are not grounds for cancellation.
All weather-related decisions are made at my discretion, with the intention of producing the best possible work.
Safety & Behaviour
Dogs may remain on lead throughout the session if required. Safety equipment, including slip leads or muzzles, is welcomed and respected.
Any behavioural or medical considerations must be disclosed prior to the session. I reserve the right to pause or end a session if safety becomes a concern.
Artwork Credit
Participation includes a £100 artwork credit.
Artwork credit:
• is valid for physical artwork and wall art only
• cannot be used towards digital images
• is project-specific and non-transferable
• cannot be exchanged for cash
• cannot be used towards the Collective retainer
Artwork and digital images are purchased separately following the session.
Image Viewing & Purchasing
Images are presented via a viewing appointment or online gallery. Galleries are available for a limited time, and selections must be made within the viewing period.
Sneak peek images are for viewing purposes only and must not be saved, screenshotted, or shared. Unauthorised use will result in a £65 charge per image.
Image Usage & Copyright
I retain full copyright of all images.
Images from The Collective may be used for portfolio, website, social media, exhibitions, publications, printed features, calendars, marketing, and educational purposes related to The Collective.
Purchased images are for personal use only. Commercial use is not permitted without written permission.
Collective Outputs
Participation does not guarantee inclusion in all Collective outputs. Selection for books, calendars, exhibitions, or publications is part of the curation process and remains at my discretion.
Payments
Artwork and digital images must be paid for in full before delivery or ordering begins. Flexible payment options may be available.
Changes & Termination
I reserve the right to remove a participant from The Collective if terms are breached, communication becomes abusive, or trust is compromised. In such cases, the retainer remains non-refundable.