Multi-Award-Winning Dog Portrait Photography
I’ve been creating vibrant, characterful portraits since beginning my photography career in 2004. My aim has always been to capture more than simply what your dog looks like; I want to preserve their personality, expressions and the little quirks that make them unmistakably yours.
Authenticity is at the heart of my work. My portraits aren’t stiff or overly contrived. They’re created through patience, play and moments of genuine connection, allowing your dog’s character to take centre stage.
I work closely with every client to create timeless portraits that become beautiful framed artwork for their home; pieces with real sentimental value that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Worried that your dog won’t sit still, look at the camera or behave impeccably? Please don’t be. Unruly creatures are my speciality, and I have yet to be outwitted by a dog.
Investment & Booking
To ensure that every client receives a personal and carefully considered experience, I accept a limited number of portrait commissions each month.
Studio portrait collections start at R2,950, with four options available to suit different requirements and budgets. Every collection includes professionally produced artwork, with additional framed portraits and digital options available depending on the collection you choose.
Sessions include up to three dogs from the same household, and you’re very welcome to be included in the photographs too. If you have more than three dogs, or a very large, elderly or anxious dog who would be happier at home, please get in touch so we can discuss the best set-up for your family.
Get in touch to request the portrait guide, explore the four collections and start planning your session.
Biography
Emma O’Brien is a multi-award-winning portrait photographer who has spent more than twenty years creating heartfelt, character-filled images of dogs and the people who love them.
Originally from the UK, Emma is based in Centurion, Gauteng where she works from her fully equipped portrait studio. She also accepts selected private and commercial commissions throughout South Africa and internationally.
Emma’s work has appeared regularly on the covers of Canine Zone and Pet Prints magazines. Since 2012, she has photographed the annual Sandton SPCA calendar, a project that has raised more than R1 million for the organisation. Her commercial clients include Land Rover South Africa, Royal Canin, Pick n Pay and Friendship Collar.
Emma’s first book, Mutts, was published in 2017 and features a collection of rescue dog portraits alongside their adoption stories. Proceeds from the book were shared between CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) and Sandton SPCA.
Her rescue photography has been featured by national platforms including kykNET and Beautiful News. Emma was a pioneer of professional shelter dog photography in South Africa, beginning her work with CLAW in 2011. By photographing shelter dogs with dignity, personality and care, she has helped hundreds of animals attract attention from potential adopters and find their way into loving homes.
Dogs have remained at the heart of Emma’s work ever since. Her studio portraits celebrate them not simply as pets, but as much-loved members of the family and as subjects worthy of a place on the wall.
Watch my TEDx Talk
Selected Awards, Exhibitions & Press
International Photography Awards Honourable Mention — Mutts, 2017
Permanent exhibition, Museum of Dogs, Cape Town — 2024/25
Catch Happiness, FotoZA Gallery, Johannesburg — 2024
The Power of the Dog, FotoZA Gallery, Johannesburg — 2023
Dogs Unleashed, FotoZA Gallery, Johannesburg — 2022
Winner, PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris — The BLACK SERIES, 2019
Honourable Mention, International Photography Awards — The BLACK SERIES, 2019
Winner, Rangefinder Creatures Photography Competition — 2019
Exhibited at Studio Galerie B&B, Paris — 2019
Featured by the Daily Mail and Bored Panda
Tokyo International Foto Awards — Silver, 2016; Bronze, 2017