Why I Do This
Working with shelters is something that’s very close to my heart. I believe photography has the power to make a difference, to tell stories that words sometimes can’t.
While most of my work focuses on pet photography sessions in Sofia and the surrounding area, I try to dedicate part of my time to helping shelters like Every Dog Matters show their animals in the best possible light.
Because every dog deserves to be seen, loved, and remembered.
Behind the Lens: A Day with the Puppies of Every Dog Matters
11-12 October 2025
Some photo sessions are calm and predictable. Others are pure, joyful chaos, the kind that reminds you exactly why you love working with animals.
My recent shoot with the puppies from Every Dog Matters, a shelter just outside of Sofia, was definitely the second kind.
Twelve Puppies, One Mission
The goal was to create a set of images for the shelter’s 2026 calendar, which will help raise funds and awareness for the incredible work they do.
When I arrived, I was greeted by twelve energetic puppies, all between three and ten months old, each one bursting with personality, curiosity, and zero interest in staying still for a photo.
The location wasn’t the easiest to work in. We had limited space, curious dogs everywhere, and that kind of unpredictable puppy energy that makes you both laugh and sweat at the same time. But that’s the beauty of animal photography, it’s never perfect and that’s exactly what makes it real.
Teamwork and Chaos Management
I wasn’t alone in this adventure. Laura, a wonderful volunteer from Switzerland who works to find adopters in France and Belgium, was visiting at the time and jumped right in as the perfect handler.
I’d tell her what kind of setup or pose I needed, and she somehow managed to get each puppy to cooperate, even if just for a second. Those seconds were gold.
Julia, the shelter’s manager, also helped with puppy handling and documented the whole thing with some behind-the-scenes photos and videos.
The Challenge Behind Every Shot
Photographing shelter dogs is always unpredictable. Some are shy, some are wild, and most can't stand still even for just a moment. But it’s also deeply rewarding.
Behind every wagging tail is a story, a life waiting to start. And if one photograph can help a dog get noticed, get adopted, or raise funds for the shelter, then every moment spent chasing the perfect shot is worth it.
Despite the challenges, we ended up with a collection of portraits that I’m incredibly proud of. Images full of life, joy, and hope.
If you are interested in a photography session for your own pet, please feel free to click the button below to learn more or to book a session:
The Calendar - Every Dog Matters 2026
The calendar is now ready and printed - feel free to order yours from Every Dog Matters. You can contact them for your order on any of their socials:
https://everydogmatters.org/contact-us/
I also encourage everyone to visit the shelter and the dogs, give them some love, share their stories and help in any way you can.
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