National Dog Photography Day
July 26
About National Dog Photography Day
National Dog Photography Day takes place on Sunday, 26 July 2026. The annual celebration encourages dog owners, hobbyists and professional photographers alike to pick up a camera and capture their canine companions. Founded by British pet photographer Kerry Jordan in 2018, the day has grown into a global social media phenomenon that champions the art of photographing dogs.
How to Celebrate National Dog Photography Day
The whole point of the day is to get out and take pictures, so here are plenty of ways to join in.
- Set up a proper photo session – Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, find good natural light near a window or outdoors, and get down to their eye level for portraits that feel personal rather than snapped from above.
- Use treats and toys for attention – Holding a squeaky toy or a favourite treat just above the lens encourages those alert, ears-up expressions that make a photograph come alive.
- Try action shots – Head to a park and photograph your dog mid-run, leaping for a ball or shaking off water. A fast shutter speed freezes the motion and captures their personality.
- Experiment with golden hour – The soft, warm light shortly after sunrise or before sunset flatters fur and creates a gentle glow that is hard to replicate at any other time of day.
- Book a professional pet photographer – If you want gallery-worthy results, many photographers run special sessions around the date. It is also a lovely way to mark a milestone such as a puppy’s first year or a senior dog’s later life.
- Share online with the hashtag – Post your favourite shots and join thousands of others using the official hashtag. The community aspect is a big part of what made the day spread so quickly.
- Print your best photo – In a world of phone galleries, a printed and framed portrait of your dog on the wall is a small luxury that lasts far longer than a fleeting post.
- Photograph a shelter dog – Volunteer to take photos for a local rescue. Good photographs dramatically improve a dog’s chances of being adopted, turning your hobby into something genuinely life-changing.
What is National Dog Photography Day?
National Dog Photography Day is an awareness day dedicated to celebrating dogs through the camera lens. It is open to everyone, from people snapping their pet on a phone to seasoned professionals with studio lighting. The day promotes the joy of capturing a dog’s character, while also highlighting the skill involved in pet photography as a craft. Above all, it is a warm-hearted excuse to dote on the dogs in our lives.
When is National Dog Photography Day?
National Dog Photography Day is held every year on 26 July. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday, which makes it a convenient day for a relaxed weekend photo session. The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the birthday of the celebrated photojournalist Elliott Erwitt, who was famous for his witty and affectionate black-and-white photographs of dogs.
The History of National Dog Photography Day
The day was created in 2018 by Kerry Jordan, a professional pet photographer from the United Kingdom who runs the studio Fur and Fables. Jordan began her career photographing weddings and families before a session with a whippet named Scout revealed her true passion for working with dogs. As demand for canine portraits grew, she recognised both a creative niche and an opportunity to celebrate the genre with a dedicated day.
Jordan picked 26 July to honour Elliott Erwitt, one of the most influential photographers ever to turn his attention to dogs. Erwitt’s images, often humorous and deeply human, demonstrated that photographs of dogs could be art rather than mere snapshots. By linking the awareness day to his birthday, Jordan tied a grassroots celebration to a respected photographic legacy.
The idea caught on far faster than anyone expected. The hashtag spread well beyond the United Kingdom, with dog lovers across the world sharing portraits of their pets. What started as one photographer’s initiative has become an annual fixture for the international pet photography community, with studios, charities and ordinary owners all taking part.
Fun Facts About National Dog Photography Day
- The date marks the birthday of Elliott Erwitt, the Magnum photographer renowned for his playful images of dogs.
- The day was founded by a single pet photographer, Kerry Jordan, rather than a large organisation or brand.
- Pet photography has become a thriving professional sector, with specialist studios offering everything from puppy shoots to memorial portraits.
- Photographs taken for animal shelters are proven to increase adoption rates, making the skill genuinely useful for rescues.
- Getting down to a dog’s eye level is one of the most repeated pieces of advice shared by professionals on the day.
- The hashtag for the day trends internationally each July, with entries spanning every breed imaginable.
Why National Dog Photography Day Matters
Beyond the obvious fun, the day encourages people to slow down and truly look at their pets, preserving memories of animals whose lives are far shorter than our own. It also supports working photographers and, through shelter photography, directly helps dogs find loving homes. If you enjoy days that celebrate our four-legged friends, you might also like National Corgi Day, which honours one particularly photogenic breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Dog Photography Day?
It is an annual awareness day celebrating the art of photographing dogs. Everyone from phone snappers to professional photographers is encouraged to capture and share images of their canine companions.
When is National Dog Photography Day in 2026?
It takes place on Sunday, 26 July 2026, as it does every year on that fixed date.
Why is it held on 26 July?
The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of the photographer Elliott Erwitt, who was celebrated for his affectionate and humorous photographs of dogs.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best canine portraits on social media with #NationalDogPhotographyDay and #NationalDogPhotographyDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to capture their own dogs at their most characterful.
Related Awareness Days
- National Corgi Day – A celebration of one of the most photogenic and beloved dog breeds.
- Bring Your Dog to Work Day – Another chance to spend quality time with your dog, and plenty of photo opportunities too.
- National Dachshund Day – A breed-specific day honouring the much-loved sausage dog.
Links
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