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Border Collie Studio Call! Capturing High-Energy Dog Breeds

Gorgeous collie sits in portrait studio on a muted brown chair, tongue hanging out. Black, white and brown colors.
Every dog breed brings its own personality into my studio. Golden Retrievers lean in for ear scratches. Bulldogs find the nearest rug and claim it. But Border Collies? Border Collies arrive as a medium bundle of frantic and fun energy. That’s not a complaint – it’s a compliment.

This Border Collie came in hot (in the best way). Paws tapping. Eyes locked. Ready to work. That’s the breed in a nutshell: intelligent, intense, and absolutely electric behind the lens. The trick isn’t trying to calm a Border Collie down. That’s a losing battle. Instead, I let that energy fuel the session. Short bursts of posing, then a quick break to shake it out. A treat, a toss of a toy, then back to the backdrop.

The result? Nothing stiff. Nothing forced. Just a genuine portrait of a dog being exactly who they are. If you have a Border Collie (or any high-energy breed) and you’ve been nervous about a studio session, don’t be. I don’t need them to sit perfectly still. I just need them to be themselves.

Patrick Nau Named Unstoppable Business Leader 2026

I had the privilege of being featured in Magnateview’s recent “Top 5 Unstoppable Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2026” blog series.

As a photographer with over 45 years behind the lens, this was an absolute honor.

The interview took me back through the entire journey—from shooting film in the 80s to finding my true passion in pet photography. We talked about taking risks, adapting to change, and why I still love showing up to work every day.

Read the full feature here: Click here

Chaotic but Good Disorganization: Dog Studio Group Portrait

Clients come into my studio unsure how someone like me somehow manages to wrangle in a large group of dogs for a remarkable, memorable shot. Every single time, they leave flabbergasted and greatly impressed that not only did I manage to do it, but I made it look easy and seamless. This time was no different. Please enjoy this lovely shot of Winnie, Rico, Monty and Maya posing in my studio.

I would love to capture your pack at my studio, jaw drops and all. Give me a call!

Professional photo studio shot of four dogs laying down looking at the camera. Left to write, black lab with a cute slight head tilt, next sable German Shepard mix looking a bit concerned, mouth closed. Next tongue lolling curvy retriever boy and lastly a black and longhair lab with tongue slightly out in a pant.

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