A passion for pooches led to a new business idea for a York photographer, reports NATALYA WILSON

ANNEMARIE KING is now working as a ‘phodographer’. And, yes, you did just read that right. ‘Phodography’ is the term she coins for dog portraiture, the latest arm to her business.

The York-based photographer has developed a passion for her new venture.

“The business was inspired by my own two dogs: Boo, a miniature Pinscher and Patch, a greyhound,” she says.

“They are very special to me and, as they have grown older, I have shot a series of portraits of them celebrating their lives and individual characters. These pictures mean so much to me, so I thought I would start a sister side to my business.” Annemarie is already known as a country wedding photographer and shoots about 30 weddings each year. Her interest in photography began early. At the age of 16, having been “slowly learning – shooting on film in those days”, Annemarie won a photographic competition in The Press.

“My prize was to spend the day with a photographer,” she says. “I was hooked.”

She studied photography at college and got a job at a Midlands photographic studio, where she worked her way up from assistant to junior photographer, learning how to photograph weddings, portraits – and dogs.

“Although their style was very different to mine, it was all studio work,” says Annemarie. “Later on, I came home to York and managed another studio, before starting my own business around 12 years ago. It’s hard to believe I have been a photographer for more than 20 years now.”

Annemarie is inspired by her home county and “the beautiful Yorkshire countryside”.

“I love the ever-changing colour that each season brings and the beautiful quality of the light at different times and places,” she says.

“I know that there will be bluebells in April, pretty yellow oil seed rape in May and the glorious golden fields of barley through summer. This is why all my shoots are taken on location and not in my studio.”

Annemarie says that though ‘phodography’ and wedding photography are very different, she enjoys both – as long as her work raises a smile.

“My favourite kind of work is that which makes people happy, whether that is showing a young couple the story of their wedding day, or photographing a beloved pet,” Annemarie says.

“Recently, I photographed a dog as a birthday surprise for someone’s friend. Sadly, before the birthday arrived, the dog passed away.

“The portrait was a surprise they never expected. It came when all was lost and hopefully offered some small comfort in that they had a very recent portrait of their lovely hound.”

However, working with animals isn’t always easy or predictable. “Every dog has its own personality just like we do,” she says. “Some dogs are small and ‘zoomy’ and others are calm and slow. Shooting in a natural environment allows each furry friend to be who they are, and it’s my job to shoot a collection of images that tells the story of their character. Admittedly, some characters draw on my experience a little more than others.”

Annemarie publishes many of her animal portrait sessions on her Facebook page and blog under the title “A walk with ...”

“This is because that’s what we do,” she says. “We take a walk somewhere pretty and shoot some pictures along the way. I know when I have the shots I need. If I have those shots early on, then I can shoot more details – the curl of a tail, paws and lovely close ups, or just try something new.”

As an animal lover, Annemarie wants to give something back. She is running a special offer that allows her to donate to the charity Greyhound Gap, which rescues greyhounds and lurchers and finds them a new home.

• For details on the offer and on Annemarie King, phone 01904 777323 or visit yorkdogphotographer.co.uk