Meet Alex and Harry — the dog-obsessed creative duo behind The Canine Story, one of the UK’s busiest and most joyful pop-up dog photography setups.
Based in the beautiful Lake District, Alex and Harry bring more than 20 years of combined experience in marketing, design, branding, videography, and photography (including award-winning work with charities, small businesses, and international brands, plus hands-on dog training experience). What started as a spontaneous afternoon photographing dogs in the park has grown into a polished, high-volume operation that delivers ethical, studio-quality portraits in minutes — anywhere.
By the Numbers
- 1,148+ dogs photographed in their pop-up studio to date
- 183 dogs photographed in a single event (their current record)
- Average 2 minutes per professional photograph
- Over 1 million views on TikTok from their process videos
They bring a full portable studio to festivals, markets, shopping centres, shelters, and special events. The setup is fast, ethical, and works with any dog — no matter the personality, age, or experience level. It’s photography that feels fun and stress-free for the pups while producing clean, professional results that families (and rescues) love.
A recent highlight was their work at the Eden Animal Rescue open day, a local shelter where they volunteer their photography services to help dogs find new homes. During the event, they offered members of the public a free “have a go” photoshoot, helping to raise awareness of both the charity and the volunteer work that supports it. Families were able to receive a free image on the spot, with the option of accessing fully edited galleries and prints after the event. This is exactly the kind of meaningful, community-focused and high-energy occasion that showcases their system at its best.
Why This Work Stands Out
What makes their work unique is that every part of the process is designed with the dog’s welfare and experience as the priority. From the position of the tent and where people stand, to the gear they use, every decision is made to create an environment where dogs are set up for success.
Their approach is rooted in dog behavior science and has been refined through years of real-world experience. Rather than relying on obedience training or expecting dogs to perform on cue, they work with each dog’s natural behavior. This means they can photograph virtually any dog in just a few minutes – including nervous rescue dogs and excitable puppies with no training experience.
By keeping sessions short, positive, and entirely dog-focused, they capture genuine expressions and authentic personality while ensuring the experience remains ethical and enjoyable for the dog. The result is a proven, tried-and-tested system that not only creates beautiful images but also supports rescue organisations and produces highly shareable content that resonates far beyond the event itself. Photographers who follow their work on Instagram or TikTok regularly see the impact of this approach in action.
Gear That Keeps Up
Work like this — fast-paced event days, constant movement between dogs, quick setup changes, and long hours on your feet — demands gear that stays out of the way while keeping your camera instantly accessible. That’s exactly where BLACKRAPID straps and harnesses shine. Whether you’re shooting one-handed with a long lens to help a nervous rescue dog relax, moving quickly between stations, or just want all-day comfort without neck strain, the right strap system lets you focus on the moment (and the wagging tails) instead of fighting your equipment.
Alex and Harry’s workflow is a perfect example of the kind of dynamic, high-volume photography that rewards thoughtful gear choices.
Follow Their Journey
- Instagram: @thecaninestory
- Website: thecaninestory.com (bookings, collaborations, and their popular Pop-up Dog Photography Courses)
If their story has you thinking about your own pet or event photography, or you’re building a kit for fast-moving shoots, check out BLACKRAPID’s range of slings and harnesses designed for photographers who move as fast as their subjects.
And head to their Instagram to see more of their recent rescue work or behind-the-scenes process.
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