Could your dog’s chaotic run help pets in need?
We’re looking for Adelaide’s happiest dogs to be featured in a joyful new photography book that captures the craziness of dogs running (or walking) back to their people - all while supporting a wonderful local pet rescue.
This book will celebrate the chaos, excitement, and full-speed love of dogs running back to their people (or in some cases - to their favourite toy!).
From wild puppy zoomies to slower senior strolls, and every stage in between.
I’m looking for dogs of all breeds, ages, and personalities.
The goofy ones.
The chaotic ones.
The ones who completely lose their minds when they see their favourite human.
Each furry model will be featured in their own two page spread, telling the story of their enthusiasm and excitement as they sprint back to their human.
These exclusive photoshoots will be held at the choice of locations, with 100% of the mini session fees proudly being donated to Paw & Claws Adoptions, and six photos from each session guaranteed to be included in the book.
You’ll also have the opportunity to view and purchase keepsake photographic artwork from your unique doggy photoshoot.
Is it just for dogs?
We are so happy to say that all pets are welcome.
If you can bring them to one of our locations then we definitely encourage you to apply.
Would you like your dog to be featured in our book project
and make a difference to pets in need?
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Simple steps to a Running Back session
About the charity
Paws & Claws Adoptions is a compassionate, volunteer-run South Australian rescue dedicated to giving abandoned and vulnerable cats and dogs a second chance at life. Every animal is cared for in a loving foster home, where they receive not only food, shelter, and medical care, but also patience, kindness, and the chance to feel safe and loved again.
Driven by a deep love for animals, the team at Paws & Claws works tirelessly to help each pet find the forever family they deserve, creating brighter futures for animals who have often experienced hardship, neglect, or loss. Their commitment to rescue, rehabilitation, and genuine care has helped countless pets find their way home and be loved the way every animal should be.
About Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle - an Adelaide pet and family photographer, animal lover, and slightly chaotic household manager to 4 dogs (including 2 fosters), 6 chickens, a parrot, a cat, 2 kids, and a husband who happily helps to bring all of my wild photoshoot ideas to life.
While I’ve been behind the lens professionally for over 16 years, I pivoted to more of a dedicated pet photography path a few years ago after pet loss became a reality for me once again with the passing of our beautiful dog Laya. That loss reiterated just how precious they are, how empty the house is when they leave us, and how much I longed to hold on to everything that made her…….well……her.
That brings us to my ‘why’. I do this to honour her and how much her endless love meant to us. You might notice on our work t-shirts that we have a paw print on our sleeve - mine intentionally has claws to remind me of her clip-clopping on the floorboards as she walked to our bedroom each night to sleep next to us. How I miss that sound.
So while taking photos and working with animals is, of course fun, what drives me is a longing to create joyful, personality-filled images that help you to remember not just what your pets looked like, but exactly who they were and how deeply they were loved, because it’s truly one of the only ways that we get to hold on to them forever.
What does it cost?
$100 Session Fee that goes directly to Paws & Claws Adoptions
What is included
~ 20 minute photoshoot at the choice of 2 locations:
Our favourite location near Brahma Lodge on Saturday June 13th or Sunday July 5th (early morning or afternoon)
Blackwood Forest on Sunday June 7th or Sunday June 28th. (afternoon )
~ Six running images from each session (chosen by Michelle) will be published in The Joy of Running Back to You book
~ Session includes 1 pet
~ Option to upgrade to a full session where your family and additional pets can join in too for an additional $95. Includes an hour session, 1 complimentary matted 5x7” print and $100 studio credit towards purchases from your session. These sessions will be held at a time & date that works for you before August 25th 2026.
~ Upgraded sessions will also have the option of choosing from 5 locations - Kerbrook, Semaphore Park beach, Blackwood Forest, Greenwith or our much loved long grass field on a hill location near Brahma Lodge (limited sessions available at each location).
Please make sure you view our full price list and studio information guide which you can find here.
What is not included
~ The Joy of Running Back to You book is not included with your donation or session fee. The book will be available to pre-order or purchase late 2026 online and at our book launch in late November.
~ Prints, products, and digital files are not included but you will have the option to purchase them. (there is no obligation to spend or minimum purchase) Please make sure you view our full price list and studio information guide which you can find here.
What else do I need to know?
~ Your dogs safety is our number one priority so there is no need for them to be off lead. In fact, we prefer that they are on a lead to help guide them successfully through the session.
~ For the running images, we will have a long lead for your dog to ensure they are still attached to you, and of course, to abide by council rules.
~ Don’t worry if your pup can’t sit and stay. We have all the tricks and treats to capture them looking their best. Your dogs only job on the day is to be a dog.
~ As these sessions are being held in public spaces with other model dogs coming and going, reactive dogs or those who aren’t a fan of public spaces are not best suited to these mini sessions. Instead, we would recommend considering upgrading to a full session where 100% of the time will be dedicated to them along with the option of holding the session at a private property.
~ Applications close on Thursday May 29th at 11:59pm. extended to Thursday June 5th at 11:59am
~ We will notify the successful applicants via text and email with the next steps to officially book their session time and pay their session fee.
~ All full sessions must be held by August 25th.
~ Studio credits are invalid for the session fee as it is a donation, but may be used towards purchases from your session.
~ If you think you would like to purchase some images from your session it is important that you take a look at our pricing to ensure we are the right fit for you. You can view our full price list and studio information guide here.
Want to see your fur baby in the pages of
The Joy of Running Back to You?
Complete the form below to be in the running.
