I was so pleased when every dog I took pictures of got ...
Residents’ Journal
M
PUPPY
love
J Nichole Smith, pet photographer extraordinaire and co-founder of Twickenham’s hottest doggie hangout, Little & Large, lets Jennifer Mason in on the secrets of her success
- 12 -
y mother is fond of saying that, in her next life, she wants to come back as a dog. After meeting J Nichole Smith (or Nic, as she calls herself), I would like to elaborate on that statement. I want to come back as one of the pampered pooches of Twickenham, and I would like to be taken regularly to the barking brigade’s exciting new haunt: Little & Large. Nic’s love of all things dog began during her time working as a vet’s assistant at a clinic in the USA. ‘I was quite sure that I was going to go to vet school,’ Nic explains. ‘But after taking a photography course, I started taking pictures of the pets at the clinic, and realised that I enjoyed that much more.’ Time gaining work experience at several photography studios convinced Nic that she wanted to specialise in pets. ‘I got my Great Dane puppy Olivia around that time, and I just adored her,’ she elaborates. ‘One day I got home from work, made some business cards, and booked my first shoot the next day.’ What started that day in Seattle in 2005 evolved quickly into a business that took Nic around the USA photographing pets for commercial as well as private clients. ‘I booked work with companies like Purina, and suddenly people began to know who I was,’ she tells me. ‘I learnt that I happen to be very good at capturing animals in particular. My experience as a vet technician years earlier means I am quite good at reading animal body language, which, as it turns out, is crucial to taking good animal images.’ Are
I was so pleased when every dog I took pictures of got adopted within three weeks and – some after only a few days there any projects she’s particularly proud of, I ask. ‘I worked with local animal shelters, photographing dogs who were struggling to find new homes. I was so pleased when every dog I took pictures of got adopted within three weeks – some after only a few days.’ Pet photography is big business in the USA, but that wasn’t always the case, Nic explains. ‘When I started, it was quite a strange thing to do, and now in the States there are hundreds and hundreds of pet photographers. It’s becoming its own strong niche over there. That’s why it’s great to be starting from scratch again here in the UK where pet photography is still relatively unheard of.’ It’s not just the photography that has brought Nic to our fair shores, as I soon learn. ‘My fiancé is British,’ she smiles. ‘When we met, he was actually terrified of dogs. His friends and family thought it was hilarious, given what I do for a living. I think it’s a real testament to the power of dogs that he now part-owns our boutique and photography studio!
- 13 -
Residents’ Journal
Residents’ Journal
I love capturing the relationship between dog and owner, the spirit of the dog and person and the bond they have together All images
He says our little and large dogs have changed his life – and, of course, he’s changed mine. ‘Having a boutique has always been a dream of mine,’ Nic continues. ‘Being a photographer is quite an intangible career; everything these days is digital. But having a shop, being able to pick products, putting them on the shelf and experiencing customers’ reactions is something really exciting. That’s one of the reasons we picked Twickenham as the site for our store – not only is it a dog-friendly area, but the sense of community is really strong too. This area is so cool, so unique, so British. I loved the idea of bringing so mething very American over here, integrating it into the culture. We want to be a resource for the four-legged residents and their owners. It’s really nice to photograph someone and their pet and know that I’ll see them again, either out walking our dogs, or when they come back into the shop for something.’ The store is neat and colourful, with a relaxed vibe,
and plenty of space for canine companions to lounge while their owners browse the shelves. Everything is tailored to the four-legged, and all the products are innovative; from the doggie ice-cream and cupcakes to the plush beds that look comfortable enough that I’d consider curling up in them myself. Through the barnstyle door at the rear of the shop is the studio, where Nic has several block-colour backdrops available, as well as toys for the pups and treats for the owners. There’s even a room at the back that Nic hopes to one day turn into a grooming station. ‘We’d like to eventually be a place where owners really can find everything they need to make the most of their relationship with their dog.’ What’s the best thing about taking pictures of people and their pets, I ask. ‘I think it’s a really valuable thing to have a record of this important part of your family who won’t be around forever. It’s really the only way you can always keep them with you,’ Nic replies.
PUPPYHOOD One of Nic’s popular photography projects is this super-cute book of ‘squirmy and adorable’ puppies (as she puts it), which features 25 breeds, all photographed at six weeks’ old. Available in store for £18.99 Nic with her pooches Charlie and Olivia
- 14 -
‘That’s what I do. It’s an honour to be able to be the person that delivers that, but it’s also a lot of fun. I love capturing the relationship between dog and owner, the spirit of the dog and person and the bond they have together. That’s a challenge and a gift. It’s great for nervous owners too, as in the process people usually end up looking fantastic, as they’re relaxed and happy. Messing around with their dog somehow makes people extremely photogenic!’ I’m curious as to whether her new British clients want something different from their shoots than their American counterparts. ‘I think the British attitude towards dogs is different from the US,’ she muses. ‘In America, the relationship between pets and owners has been commercialised – it’s all about what new product they can get for them – they show their love by showering their pets with gifts. Here in the UK, many of the dogs I’ve met are like children to their owners, but they’ll only have had one collar their whole life. It’s a much purer relationship. I think that’s something to do with the fact that dogs have been so intertwined with British lives throughout history – it does seem that amidst most significant historic events and alongside notable British figures, there’s always a dog involved somehow. Having said that, most of my British clients thus far have come in looking for really modern shots in the studio. I don’t know whether that’s the novelty of having a purely pet-focused studio or not, but I expected the British population to be a bit more traditional, you know; a dog in the field, or sprawling on the leather couch!’ n
NIC’S TOP TIPS FOR TAKING PERFECT PICS OF YOUR PET 1. Avoid midday Daylight is the most flattering light to shoot in, but the best hours are early morning or late afternoon because the light isn’t directly above your head. 2. Change the angle Shooting from the ground up, or from above, will get more dynamic images. 3. Make a noise Weird noises will attract the attention of both pets and children; meowing like a cat, whining like another dog, or using key words like ‘squirrel’ or ‘treat’. A squeaky toy usually works well too! 4. Keep it fun Getting energy into your photographs is essential. Turn it into a game, and use your body language and facial expressions to keep a positive vibe to the shoot. 5. Get sharp You cannot change the sharpness of your photographs in the editing process – so make sure you learn to use your camera properly to avoid blurry images.
Photo shoots from £199 in the studio and from £249 on location. Little & Large, 10 Staines Road, Twickenham, TW2 5AH, 020 8914 8425 (mylittleandlarge.com) - 15 -
by J Nichol
e Smith
M
PUPPY
love
J Nichole Smith, pet photographer extraordinaire and co-founder of Twickenham’s hottest doggie hangout, Little & Large, lets Jennifer Mason in on the secrets of her success
- 12 -
y mother is fond of saying that, in her next life, she wants to come back as a dog. After meeting J Nichole Smith (or Nic, as she calls herself), I would like to elaborate on that statement. I want to come back as one of the pampered pooches of Twickenham, and I would like to be taken regularly to the barking brigade’s exciting new haunt: Little & Large. Nic’s love of all things dog began during her time working as a vet’s assistant at a clinic in the USA. ‘I was quite sure that I was going to go to vet school,’ Nic explains. ‘But after taking a photography course, I started taking pictures of the pets at the clinic, and realised that I enjoyed that much more.’ Time gaining work experience at several photography studios convinced Nic that she wanted to specialise in pets. ‘I got my Great Dane puppy Olivia around that time, and I just adored her,’ she elaborates. ‘One day I got home from work, made some business cards, and booked my first shoot the next day.’ What started that day in Seattle in 2005 evolved quickly into a business that took Nic around the USA photographing pets for commercial as well as private clients. ‘I booked work with companies like Purina, and suddenly people began to know who I was,’ she tells me. ‘I learnt that I happen to be very good at capturing animals in particular. My experience as a vet technician years earlier means I am quite good at reading animal body language, which, as it turns out, is crucial to taking good animal images.’ Are
I was so pleased when every dog I took pictures of got adopted within three weeks and – some after only a few days there any projects she’s particularly proud of, I ask. ‘I worked with local animal shelters, photographing dogs who were struggling to find new homes. I was so pleased when every dog I took pictures of got adopted within three weeks – some after only a few days.’ Pet photography is big business in the USA, but that wasn’t always the case, Nic explains. ‘When I started, it was quite a strange thing to do, and now in the States there are hundreds and hundreds of pet photographers. It’s becoming its own strong niche over there. That’s why it’s great to be starting from scratch again here in the UK where pet photography is still relatively unheard of.’ It’s not just the photography that has brought Nic to our fair shores, as I soon learn. ‘My fiancé is British,’ she smiles. ‘When we met, he was actually terrified of dogs. His friends and family thought it was hilarious, given what I do for a living. I think it’s a real testament to the power of dogs that he now part-owns our boutique and photography studio!
- 13 -
Residents’ Journal
Residents’ Journal
I love capturing the relationship between dog and owner, the spirit of the dog and person and the bond they have together All images
He says our little and large dogs have changed his life – and, of course, he’s changed mine. ‘Having a boutique has always been a dream of mine,’ Nic continues. ‘Being a photographer is quite an intangible career; everything these days is digital. But having a shop, being able to pick products, putting them on the shelf and experiencing customers’ reactions is something really exciting. That’s one of the reasons we picked Twickenham as the site for our store – not only is it a dog-friendly area, but the sense of community is really strong too. This area is so cool, so unique, so British. I loved the idea of bringing so mething very American over here, integrating it into the culture. We want to be a resource for the four-legged residents and their owners. It’s really nice to photograph someone and their pet and know that I’ll see them again, either out walking our dogs, or when they come back into the shop for something.’ The store is neat and colourful, with a relaxed vibe,
and plenty of space for canine companions to lounge while their owners browse the shelves. Everything is tailored to the four-legged, and all the products are innovative; from the doggie ice-cream and cupcakes to the plush beds that look comfortable enough that I’d consider curling up in them myself. Through the barnstyle door at the rear of the shop is the studio, where Nic has several block-colour backdrops available, as well as toys for the pups and treats for the owners. There’s even a room at the back that Nic hopes to one day turn into a grooming station. ‘We’d like to eventually be a place where owners really can find everything they need to make the most of their relationship with their dog.’ What’s the best thing about taking pictures of people and their pets, I ask. ‘I think it’s a really valuable thing to have a record of this important part of your family who won’t be around forever. It’s really the only way you can always keep them with you,’ Nic replies.
PUPPYHOOD One of Nic’s popular photography projects is this super-cute book of ‘squirmy and adorable’ puppies (as she puts it), which features 25 breeds, all photographed at six weeks’ old. Available in store for £18.99 Nic with her pooches Charlie and Olivia
- 14 -
‘That’s what I do. It’s an honour to be able to be the person that delivers that, but it’s also a lot of fun. I love capturing the relationship between dog and owner, the spirit of the dog and person and the bond they have together. That’s a challenge and a gift. It’s great for nervous owners too, as in the process people usually end up looking fantastic, as they’re relaxed and happy. Messing around with their dog somehow makes people extremely photogenic!’ I’m curious as to whether her new British clients want something different from their shoots than their American counterparts. ‘I think the British attitude towards dogs is different from the US,’ she muses. ‘In America, the relationship between pets and owners has been commercialised – it’s all about what new product they can get for them – they show their love by showering their pets with gifts. Here in the UK, many of the dogs I’ve met are like children to their owners, but they’ll only have had one collar their whole life. It’s a much purer relationship. I think that’s something to do with the fact that dogs have been so intertwined with British lives throughout history – it does seem that amidst most significant historic events and alongside notable British figures, there’s always a dog involved somehow. Having said that, most of my British clients thus far have come in looking for really modern shots in the studio. I don’t know whether that’s the novelty of having a purely pet-focused studio or not, but I expected the British population to be a bit more traditional, you know; a dog in the field, or sprawling on the leather couch!’ n
NIC’S TOP TIPS FOR TAKING PERFECT PICS OF YOUR PET 1. Avoid midday Daylight is the most flattering light to shoot in, but the best hours are early morning or late afternoon because the light isn’t directly above your head. 2. Change the angle Shooting from the ground up, or from above, will get more dynamic images. 3. Make a noise Weird noises will attract the attention of both pets and children; meowing like a cat, whining like another dog, or using key words like ‘squirrel’ or ‘treat’. A squeaky toy usually works well too! 4. Keep it fun Getting energy into your photographs is essential. Turn it into a game, and use your body language and facial expressions to keep a positive vibe to the shoot. 5. Get sharp You cannot change the sharpness of your photographs in the editing process – so make sure you learn to use your camera properly to avoid blurry images.
Photo shoots from £199 in the studio and from £249 on location. Little & Large, 10 Staines Road, Twickenham, TW2 5AH, 020 8914 8425 (mylittleandlarge.com) - 15 -
by J Nichol
e Smith
