I photograph dogs
I have always loved dogs and photography.
Mum and dad had two Old English Sheepdogs, Shandy and Marina. We had cats, too. Tiger was always my favourite because she was more like a dog.
I now live in the beautiful Blue Mountains, just outside of Sydney, and a few years ago began taking my blind dog (Stormi) to the local dog park.
While taking photos of him, I also photographed the other dogs. The owners really liked my work, and encouraged me to create a website to showcase it.
Stormi Photography was born.
All images are from my local dog park and the surrounding area.
As for my beloved Stormi, unfortunately he is gone (details below) but I now have the beautiful Chelsea, another rescue abandoned due to no fault of her own, and she’s a wonderful companion.
I hope you enjoy my photos as much as I do taking them – surrounded by dogs is a lovely space to work!
(UPDATE Sept 27: I managed to tear some tendons in my shoulder a few months ago. Surgery last month was successful, but full recovery will be lengthy. Should be back to taking photos shortly.)
Paul
Blue Mountains, Australia
Paul Watkins
Blue Mountains, NSW Australia
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
stormiphotography@outlook.com
Meet Stormi
Stormi was my constant mate, and loving companion. He was blind, and his poor body had a few knocks, but it never stopped him.
He became blind at nine years old after running frightened into the street during a thunderstorm, and was hit by a car. His owners wanted him put down, the vet said no, and he was taken by a rescue organization (Golden Oldies Animal Rescue). A friend took him in, and that’s where he and I met.
In his later years, his front legs became inactive due to arthritis, so I had a front-wheel cart made by Eddie’s Wheels (USA), and in this he continued to charge around the dog park.
My little mate Stormi passed away peacefully and naturally just before midnight on the 2nd of February, 2021.
I have named this website and my work in memory of his wonderful spirit, loving friendship and loyalty. I miss him dearly.
My Photographic Gear
My first camera was a 35mm Canon AE-1.
Bought new in 1977, I loved it and took it everywhere. It was finally retired in the late 90s.
Four years ago I decided to return to the SLR world, but in digital format.
My choice was based on available funds, and brand was irrelevant. I chose a Nikon D5600 as it had a good sensor size, and most important of all, a good selection of quality lenses.
This was quickly followed by a second-hand D5500. Both are effectively identical, so it means I can use the same lenses. The D5500 is a back-up and allows me to keep one lens on each camera (no fiddly lens swapping) all the time.
I chose the lenses for their image quality, fast auto focus, and price. I have a AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 4.5-6.3G ED zoom (new), and a second-hand AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 3.5-5.6G ED zoom. A second-hand AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 2.8G ED followed.
In mid-2024 I bought a D7500 (new) and an AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR (new).
I now use the D7500 and 70-200 f2.8 for my dog photography, and the D5600 and 16-85mm zoom for my other work.
Other gear: a Godox TT685 flashgun and a Manfrotto tripod. These were purchased to give me options for possible future work.
I use the Spider Holster ‘v2 Single Camera System’ so I carry the D5600/70-300mm combo on my hip for the dog photography, and the D5600/16-85mm for my other photography. I use a SpiderPro Hand Strap v2 for extra stability and security on the D5600. I also have a Spider Lens Pouch to carry the 105mm lens, or the flashgun, extra batteries, etc.