Looking Back at an Incredible Autumn Season | A Beautiful Season of Golden Light, Dogs and Family Sessions

A look back at autumn dog photography sessions in Perth

Every autumn in Perth feels slightly different but this year had a particular kind of magic to it.

It was my first autumn season running sessions as a full-time dog photographer after taking the leap in January and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean you never really do when you do things for the first time. I had photographed dogs and events for years but this was the first time I had built an entire season around autumn dog photography in Perth from the ground up.

At the beginning there was just soooo much excitement but also a little uncertainty not going to lie. I knew I loved photographing dogs in this kind of light and the colours but I didn’t know if people would book in enough sessions to fill the calendar. Growing up in Europe, autumn was just always such a stunning season to take my first boy Leon - he was a Flat Coated Retriever Rescue - out for walks in the forest.

Anyway, after not being sure about how things would go, so many return clients as well as new clients booked. The season completely sold out.

By the time I reached the final session, I had photographed around ten autumn dog photography sessions across Perth, each one slightly different but each one was so much fun!

Looking back now it’s hard not to feel incredibly grateful.

Why autumn is such a special season for dog photography in Perth

Autumn in Perth is not dramatic in the same way you might see in other parts of the world, I get that. We don’t get endless forests of deep red and orange. But I went out and explored and found some really incredibly beautiful spots for Perth Autumn Shoots.

When we ran the sessions the autumn tones seemed to match so many of the dogs perfectly and honestly the end results don't even look like they have been taken in Australia.

The light was soft, warm and incredibly beautiful and the cooler temperatures meant dogs were relaxed, comfortable and free to just enjoy the environment and run wild.

Perth locations for autumn dog photography sessions

One of the things I love most about photographing dogs in Perth during autumn is how much variety we actually have if you know where to look. This season, I photographed sessions across a few very different locations, each offering its own atmosphere.

James Spiers Park, Wanneroo

This was easily one of my favourite locations this year.

James Spiers Park has a really natural, open feel to it. It’s not overly structured or formal. Instead, it gives dogs space to move, explore and just exist in the environment without pressure.

The autumn tones here were soft and scattered, blending into the landscape in a really subtle way. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel like you are “posing” for photos. You’re just walking, interacting and letting moments happen naturally.

For me, this location really summed up what autumn dog photography in Perth feels like at its best.

Claisebrook Cove

Claisebrook Cove brought a completely different energy.

This location has a more urban feel, with water, boardwalks and pockets of trees that hold onto their autumn colour. It’s structured but still relaxed, and it works beautifully for clients who want something a little different from a park setting.

The contrast of city textures with warm autumn tones made for some really interesting images this season.

Perth orchards

I also photographed a couple of sessions at orchards around Perth, including Raeburn Orchards and another local orchard.

These sessions had the most intense autumn colour of the entire season. Rows of trees, fallen leaves and that slightly nostalgic feeling you only get in orchard environments.

A standout autumn family and dog photography session | Nelson and Ciri

One of my favourite sessions this season was a family session with two Golden Retrievers, Nelson and Ciri, along with their mum, dad and teenage daughter.

Ciri, the younger of the two Goldens, was still very much a puppy - only a few months old and full of curiosity and energy and beans. Nelson, the older Golden Retriever that I have seen countless times in our local agility rings, can still be silly but he can also be very majestic and still and serious.

Watching the two of them together was such a joy though. They played, explored and interacted naturally without needing much direction at all when I was going to take photos of them together. Nelson was sliiiightly over being harassed by Ciri every once in a while but overall they just really enjoyed being with each other. I think the nicest photos of them together was, when they started playing tug.

I also absolutely adored how natural the family was with their dogs. Everything felt soft and happy and relaxed and just really meant to be.

And as you know, these are the kinds of sessions I love most. I am not one to take that many overly posed shots. A few here and there are super nice but what makes the most beautiful moments is you interacting with your dog as if I am not even there. Just families and dogs spending time together while I quietly document it from the side lines.

Looking ahead to next year’s autumn dog photography sessions

Even though this season has only just finished, I already find myself thinking about next year. I want to plan ahead and get this one absolutely right.

I’m especially excited to introduce something new: adventure-style autumn sessions in Golden Valley near Bridgetown. This is an area known for its incredible autumn colour and it offers a completely different experience compared to Perth locations. It is a whole area that feel a lot more like Europe than our Perth locations do!

These sessions will all be longer, more relaxed sessions designed to fully take advantage of the environment rather than working within a shorter mini-session format.

I think it will be a beautiful way to slow everything down and really immerse in the season. I want this to be an experience, an outing with your dog, a walk around pretty autumn leaves that you won't ever forget. A little adventure away from home.

Enquire about your autumn dog photography session in Perth

If you’ve been thinking about booking an autumn dog photography session in Perth, this is one of the most beautiful times of year to do it.

Whether you have a playful puppy, an older dog or a (non furry) kid or two you’d like to include, autumn offers the perfect backdrop for natural, relaxed and timeless images.

My autumn sessions are limited each year and I expect them to book out early, so if you’d like to secure a spot or simply chat about what might suit your dog, I recommend getting in touch ahead of the next season.

You can enquire through my website and we can plan a session that feels relaxed, natural and completely tailored to you and your dog.