TOP 10 PHOTOS OF 2025

I’m a bit late in creating my top ten images for 2025, but unfortunately life was getting the way. Plus, there were too many images to choose from!!

2025 was a great year!

I met some new amazing clients and their beautiful pets, as well as the wonderful repeat clients.

I made a big decision to enter seven images to the International Pet Photographers Awards and was pleasantly surprised to have three of my submitted images awarded a Bronze Standing.

I enrolled and completed the Emerge Challenge with Unleashed Education. The challenges, at times were hard, but as a photographer, you can only grow by challenging yourself. Since being with Unleashed Education, my photography and editing skills have improved which is the goal.

My continued partnership with Ned’s Wish, where I photograph retired Police, Military and Federal Parks Canines for their annual fundraiser calendar, is near and dear to my heart, since I had a 30-plus year career in Law Enforcement. Ned’s Wish is a non-profit that raises funds that go towards veterinary bills for the retired Canines because once these heroic Canines are retired, they are no longer covered, for anything, by their respective service.

I am so grateful to the dog community, new and repeat clients, that stepped up, sometimes last minute, to allow me to photograph their pets for the various Challenges. I feel honoured to have photographed all these special pets for End-of -Life Sessions, Easter Photos, Christmas Photos, Puppy Photos, Birthday Photos, Retiring Working Canines and Photo Sessions where a client just wanted some professional photos done of their pet.

Without the dog community, the Challenges would not have been possible as my own pup was still learning his sit/stay, even though some days were better that others (and still is).

So, without further ado, here is my Top 10 Photos of 2025 and they are not listed in any particular order.

Nora, the Dalmatian at the Beer Store

There’s nothing like contacting a client asking them to meet you at The Beer Store early in the morning for a quick photo session. I had an idea in mind for one of the Unleashed Challenges, which was a black and white dog against a black wall and trying to find a solid black wall wasn’t easy. Thankfully Nora’s human has a sense of humour and gladly attended. I love how the image turned out, and I decided to enter the photo to the International Pet Photography Awards. It felt great to have this image awarded a Bronze standing.

PSD Hawk, the Dutch Shepherd and Retired Police Canine

Through my partnership with Ned’s Wish, I’m always honoured to photograph the upcoming or recently retired Canines. PSD Hawk retired from the Durham Regional Police Service in October 2025 after serving his community for 7 years in general, firearms and narcotics detection. PSD Hawk displayed his bravery and intense focus on many occasions, including a time when he was so determined to apprehend the occupant of a stolen vehicle, he was dragged by the vehicle (bad guy was caught). PSD Hawk was so excited to have his photo taken, he and his tailless wiggle-butt bowled me over, sat on me and smothered me in kisses.

Nova Scotia Duck Toller Puppies in a Box

Who doesn’t love a box full of five-week-old puppies? Technically this makes 11 images, but I couldn’t get all the puppies in the box at one time. Isn't it just cuteness overload!? Photographing these puppies was so much fun and are siblings to my own pup. During their individual photos, some of the puppies fell asleep.

Brie, the Nova Scotia Duck Toller Maternity Session

This was my first time doing a dog maternity photo session. Meet Brie, the mother of the puppies in the box and the mother of my own pup. Beautiful Brie posed perfectly and proudly for her maternity session. Recently, Brie earned an invitation to the ultimate dog show, Westminster.

Diesel, the super Mixed Breed, Goes to Church

Diesel is one of the most photogenic and easiest dogs I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph. Diesel has been a great model for a couple of the Unleashed Education Challenges. I think this image of Diesel on the front steps of a church, in front of the gorgeous red doors, makes him look majestic.

Raine, the German Short-haired Pointer goes to Jail 

Yet another time I contacted a client to meet at an unusual location, a Jail. The Jail is an outdoor museum. Even though Raine got on the scent of a rabbit, she did eventually settle to allow for some photos for an Unleased Education Challenge. I really like how the mottling on Raine’s chest and the pattern of the concrete compliment each other.

Rush, the Nova Scotia Duck Toller at the Barber Shop

While looking around town for a location for one of the Unleashed Education challenges, I came across this amazing Barber Shop. They were kind enough to allow this brief photo session to take place and laughed along with me as I tried to get my own pup to sit still and hopefully look towards the mirror. Finally, placing treats on the counter worked long enough to get a fun, cute and decent image for the challenge.

Figaro, the Happiest Puppy on Earth

While doing some dog spotting at the town festival, I came across this gorgeous puppy with amazing blue eyes. The owner gladly allowed me to photograph her puppy. Capturing pure puppy joy is so much fun. You can almost smell the puppy breath in this image.

Wilma, the Golden Retriever and her Special Bond

I don’t photograph people and pets very often, however, when it comes to a Forever In Our Hearts session, the bond between humans and their pet, is something very special to be captured for treasured memories. Beautiful Wilma is currently undergoing treatment and is doing well. When Wilma’s owner contacted me to photograph the special bond between her nephew and Wilma, how could you say no. The day we did the photo session, it was extremely cold, but it was worth it to capture a special moment.

Bennie, the Judgmental Kittie

Feeling judged yet? I know I felt judged when photographing handsome Bennie, with those striking green eyes. I don’t photograph cats very often, but after photographing Bennie, I would love to do more cat photography. Luckily Bennie’s home has so much natural light, I didn’t need to bring anything else other than my camera.

What’s coming in 2026?

In 2026, I’m hoping to meet more new clients and see the repeat clients.

I will be doing another Photo Challenge with Unleashed Education, which will be even more in-depth than the previous two challenges. I also intend to enter some images to the International Pet Photography Awards. So, keep an eye out for future model calls and emails from me, as I may require some beautiful four-legged models.

Keep watch on my social media (Facebook and Instagram) for any potential upcoming mini-photo sessions.

I’m looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone with different locations and the challenges. I want to photograph more cats, maybe a horse or two and of course all the dogs.

Hopefully you can be a part of my journey.