The Long Way Home

What is - The Long Way Home?

Every dog has a story. Some just took longer to get there

The Long Way Home is a long-term storytelling photography project honouring rescue dogs and the journeys that shaped them. It exists to acknowledge that not every dog begins life in safety, and not every path to belonging is straightforward. Some dogs are born into comfort. Others learn the world through uncertainty, absence, confinement, or survival. This project was created to hold space for those dogs — without judgement, sensationalism, or pity.

Each dog in The Long Way Home is photographed twice. One image represents the life they came from — not by recreating trauma, but through symbolism, atmosphere, and restraint. The second image shows who they are now: the dog they became once safety, consistency, and care entered their life. These images are not before-and-after transformations in the traditional sense. They are quiet acknowledgements of change, resilience, and endurance.

This project does not tell full histories or document every detail of a dog’s past. Instead, it focuses on contrast — what it feels like to exist without certainty, and what it means to no longer face the world alone. The stories are intentionally minimal, allowing the images to speak without explanation or labels. Dogs are not reduced to what happened to them; they are honoured for what they survived and who they are now.

The Long Way Home is slow, considered, and entirely dog-led. Sessions are unhurried, concepts are chosen with care, and welfare always comes first. This is not about perfection or performance. It is about presence. About acknowledging that some dogs took the long way to where they belong — and that their arrival matters just as much.

Who can take part?

The Long Way Home is open to rescue dogs and the people who share their lives.

This project welcomes dogs from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who were stray, abandoned, surrendered, neglected, confined, or who spent time in rescue care before finding their home. Dogs do not need to have a known or documented history — uncertainty and unanswered questions are part of many rescue journeys, and they are just as valid here.

Dogs of all ages, breeds, and abilities are welcome. This includes dogs who are nervous, sensitive, reactive, or still learning to trust, provided their needs and boundaries are communicated clearly in advance. Sessions are adapted to the dog, not the other way around.

This project is best suited to guardians who value slow, thoughtful storytelling and who are comfortable allowing their dog to lead the pace of the session. Participation may involve being present in the images where appropriate, and flexibility is important, as concepts are tailored to each individual dog.

The Long Way Home may not be the right fit for those seeking a traditional photoshoot, multiple posed images, or fast-paced sessions. This project prioritises welfare, honesty, and quiet moments over perfection.

If your dog took the long way to where they belong — and you want to honour that journey with care and respect — this project is for you.

Rudie [The Long Way Home] [Now - 2] [2025].jpg

Goji [The Long Way Home] [Then - 1] [2026].jpg

The Long Way Home - The Session

Minimal storytelling!

The Session:

An outdoor, on-location photoshoot in Cumbria

No strict time limits

Sessions are unhurried to allow space for trust, patience, and authenticity.

Each dog will be photographed twice:

~ Then - Their past

~ Now - Their present

Owner participation may be required depending on the concept. This will be discussed beforehand.

Props may be used where appropriate to support the story, for example:

~ Blanket

~ Lead/ Collar
~ Personal items

This will be planned collaboratively.

The dogs wellbeing always comes first. Concepts will never place a dog in distress or unsafe situations.

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.

What you receive:

One fully edited low-resolution digital image

Inclusion in The Long Way home storytelling project

Early access to the Long Way Home book before public release

£30 project credit, redeemable against:

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

~ Fine-art artwork or wall pieces

~ The Long Way Home book (upon release)

~ A full pet photoshoot

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.

Goji [The Long Way Home] [Now - 1] [2026].jpg

Project Retainer

To secure participation, a £70 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

~ Covers time, planning, creative direction, and project resources

10% of each project retainer will be donated to a rescue charity - To be announced

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

Apply for The Long Way Home Now

The Long Way Home - FAQ

What is The Long Way Home?

The Long Way Home is a storytelling photography project that honours rescue dogs and the journeys that brought them to where they are now.

Each dog is photographed twice — once to symbolise the life that shaped them, and once to show the life they finally, finally got. The project focuses on dignity, resilience, and healing, rather than shock or pity.

Is this project about making dogs look sad?

No.

This project is not about recreating trauma, distress, or fear.

All “Then” images are symbolic and gently staged, using body language, space, light, and composition — never harm, stress, or discomfort.

A dog’s wellbeing always comes first.

Do I have to share my dog’s full backstory?

No.

This project does not rely on detailed or graphic stories.
Only short, high-level information is requested, and sharing is always optional.

The final work uses minimal, poetic text rather than full narratives.

Will labels like “abused” or “ex-breeding” be shown with my dog’s photos?

No.

The project avoids visible labels and categories.
Stories are told through imagery and contrast, not definitions.

Your dog is presented as who they are now — not reduced to what happened to them.

What does a session involve?

A typical session includes:

time for your dog to settle
a calm, dog-led approach
photographing the “Now” concept first
a single, carefully chosen “Then” concept (if appropriate)
frequent breaks and flexibility

Sessions are relaxed, unhurried, and adapted to each dog.

Where do the photos take place?

Most sessions take place in public or neutral outdoor locations in Cumbria.

Private homes or gardens are not required.

Locations are chosen based on the concept, light, and your dog’s comfort.

Do I need to be in the photos?

Not necessarily.

Some concepts may involve a human presence, but faces do not have to be shown.

This will always be discussed in advance, and participation is optional.

What if my dog isn’t “perfectly trained”?

That’s completely okay.

This project is not about obedience, poses, or performance.
Stillness, hesitation, softness, and imperfection are all welcome here.

Your dog only needs to be themselves.

How will the images and text be used?

Images may appear in:

the project book or exhibition
online project features
social media when sharing the project’s progress

Nothing will be used outside of The Long Way Home without consent.

Is this a free project?

Details around pricing, prints, and participation will be discussed individually with selected participants.

This is a considered, time-intensive project, and information will be shared clearly before any commitment is made.

Will every applicant be selected?

Not immediately.

This is a slow, evolving project, and selection is based on a balance of stories, locations, and dog comfort. Every application is valued, even if timing isn’t right.

Why are applications required?

Applications help ensure:

dogs are suitable for the project style
concepts are chosen responsibly
expectations are clear from the start
the process remains respectful and safe

They exist to protect everyone involved.

How do I apply?

You can apply via the application form linked above.

There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with.

What if I’m unsure but interested?

That’s okay.

You’re welcome to apply, ask questions, or simply follow the project as it grows.
There is no obligation — only care.

Terms & Conditions

Project Overview

The Long Way Home is a storytelling photography project documenting rescue dogs through two conceptual images:

> one representing their past - 'Then'

> one representing their present - 'Now'

This is a creative, emotive project, not a traditional pet photoshoot.

Eligibility

~ Dogs must be rescue dogs (including strays, surrendered dogs, dogs rescued from neglect, abuse, breeding situations, or similar circumstances.

~ Dogs must be medically stable and safe to photograph outdoors.

~ Reactive, nervous, or fearful dogs are welcome, provided their needs and boundaries are clearly communicated in advance.

Welfare First (Non-Negotiable)

~ The dogs wellbeing always comes first!

~ No image will be created if it causes distress, fear, pain, or overwhelm.

Concepts may be paused, adapted, or abandoned entirely if the dog shows sign of stress.

Creative Direction & Artistic Control

~ By applying, participants acknowledge that creative direction remains with the photographer.

~ Concepts are discussed in advance, but final execution, composition, and selection of the images are at the discretion of the photographer.

~ Not all concepts can be guaranteed, flexibility is essential.

Human Presence in Images

~ Some concepts may involve a human presence, such as:

> Hands

> Body

> Silhouette

> Interaction

~ Faces do not need to be shown.

Images & Usage

~ 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 The Long Way Home

~ Images will never be sold to third parties without consent, or used in a misleading way.

~ Dogs may be identified by first name only, unless agreed otherwise.

retainer & Contribution

~ A £70 non-refundable project retainer is required to secure participation.

~ This covers planning, creative time, and project costs.

~ 10% of each project retainer will be donated to a nominated rescue, or animal charity.

~ As this is a creative project, retainers are non-refundable, even if concepts change for welfare reasons.

No Full Personal Histories Required

~ This project does not aim to document full rescue histories.

~ Captions and text will be short, minimal, and concept-driven, not detailed case studies.

~ Participants may choose how much, or how little they share.

Editing & Representation

~ Images are artistically edited to suit the tone of the project.

~ Edits may include removal of people, objects, signage, leads, or distractions.

~ Editing will never intentionally misrepresent or exaggerate suffering.

Right to Decline or Withdraw

~ The photographer reserves the right to decline any application if:

> the project is not the right fit

> welfare concerns arise

> safety cannot be ensured

~ Participants may withdraw before the session with no issue, but the project retainer will not be refunded.

Emotional Content Acknowledgement

~ This project deals with sensitive themes.

~ Participants acknowledge that images may evoke strong emotional responses in viewers.

Acceptance of terms

By submitting an application and participating in The Long Way Home, you confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to these terms & conditions.