Golden oldies: Senior dogs of Canberra Book Project
A coffee table book celebrating the old souls who’ve spent a lifetime being someone’s best mate.
Nobody plans a photo session around a senior dog. You book the puppy shoot the week you bring them home. You book the studio portrait when they’re young and cheeky and their ears do that thing. Somewhere around year nine or ten, the calendar just quietly stops making room for them.
Golden Oldies is a coffee table book putting that right. A curated collection of Canberra’s senior dogs, photographed properly and honoured the way a decade or more of loyalty deserves.
How It Works
Step 1: Nominate
Tell me about your old dog. Their name, age, breed and a short note on what makes them special. There is a form below!!
Step 2: Selection
I read every single nomination myself. I’m after a collection that reflects the real variety of Canberra’s senior dog community, so I select dogs for a mix of breed, neighbourhood and story, not just the most photogenic entry.
Step 3: Session and book
If your dog is selected, you’ll receive a completely complimentary photo session, studio or on location anywhere around Canberra, whichever suits your old dog best. Your dog’s photos become part of the Golden Oldies book. [The book itself will be available to purchase separately once it’s published.]
What’s Included
- A relaxed, unhurried session built entirely around your dog’s pace, with plenty of treats and breaks
- Your choice of studio or on location anywhere around Canberra
- A place in the Golden Oldies book, should your dog be selected
- The option to purchase your own prints and wall art from the session, separate from the book
About This Project
I’m Al, and I’ve spent the last five years photographing Canberra’s dogs, but it’s the senior ones that stay with me. This book is my way of giving them the spotlight they’ve earned, not as a goodbye, but as a proper thank you.
FAQs
Is there a cost to take part?
The photo session is completely complimentary if your dog is selected. There will also be a $200 print credit to use towards wall art or prints from the photo shoot. However, there is also a non-obligatory participation fee of $50 that will be donated to Canberra Pet Rescue.
The book is a separate purchase once it’s published, pricing to be confirmed.
What if my dog isn't selected?
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When is the book coming out?
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Where do sessions happen?
Wherever suits your dog best. My studio, or on location anywhere around Canberra.
How do I nominate my dog?
Fill out the form on this page below with your dog’s name, age, breed and a short note on what makes them special.
Can we be photographed with our dog?
Absolutely! The main aim is to capture photos of your dog for the book however why not take advantage of the opportunity and have your whole family photographed together. I definitely encourage humans with their pets.
We live outside Canberra - can we participate?
The project is for dogs who live or work Canberra. However, if you live in surrounding areas like Murrumbateman or Queanbeyan and you can come to Canberra, I would be happy to consider your expression of interest.
How much will the book cost?
The price will depend upon the size of the book and how many pre-sales there are (the more we order the cheaper it gets). I expect that it could be somewhere between $75 and $100.