Living Portraits Franchisees

Hi, I'm Chris

My wife Julia and I are the owners of Living Portraits. Our busy home life consists of our three children – Hetty, Lydia & Charlie – and a very lively black Labrador called Stanley.

As a great lover of the outdoors, I enjoy discovering new walks in the beautiful British countryside with Stanley by my side (or charging ahead of me, to be honest!). I’m also a keen golfer, and as well as meeting up with friends for a regular round at the local course, I’m also lucky enough to get away each year to play in Spain or Portugal.

I originally trained as an artist, with a keen interest in creating photographic art. I eventually moved into photography and have worked as a professional photographer for over 30 years. I’ve worked with the likes of Saatchi & Saaatchi and many other leading advertising agencies, both in Europe and the UK, and I’ve directed photo shoots around the world in places like the Caribbean, Cayman Islands and America.

After that, I wanted to work with people and pets – but most of all, I wanted to do something that I’d really enjoy. As the saying goes, “If you do something you love as a job, then you’ll never work another day in your life”. Every aspect of what we do is rewarding in different ways, but especially seeing clients’ reactions when presented with stunning images of their beloved pets, captured forever by Living Portraits.

Although we’re based in Harrogate, Living Portraits photo shoots are available throughout the country, often taking us from North Berwick to Knightsbridge in the same week. There’s never a dull moment!

Hi, I'm Amy

I’ve lived in Harrogate, in North Yorkshire, since I was child. Living in such a beautiful rural environment gave me a love of animals and wildlife from a very young age.

Observing local wildlife in its natural habitat made me want to record what I observed, and that awakened my interest in photography.

Starting by photographing birds and wildlife using natural light, I moved on to photographing a wider range of animals including dogs, cats and horses. I would constantly persuade friends and family to let me photograph their four-legged friends.

My own dog Daisy, a blue roan cocker spaniel, wasn’t exempt from my search for models and it was because of her that I got into studio portrait photography. She has to be the most photographed dog in North Yorkshire, and she continues to model selflessly while I test new techniques and equipment.

Volunteer photography work is also an important part of my life, as I take pictures for two local charities which are very dear to me: Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

Photographing animals (dogs and horses in particular) is now a major part of my life, both when I’m working and in my spare time. I’m always developing my techniques to produce the best possible photographs for my clients – and that will never change.

Hi, I'm Jodie

I did an MA in film and photography at Leeds University (and got a distinction for it). But as much as I loved working in the studios, I knew I’d suit an outdoor role much more – so Living Portraits is perfect for me. My undergraduate degree was in fine art so I bring real creativity to every shoot, and I can work my magic in post-production to make sure every photograph is absolutely beautiful.

I love my job, meeting all these wonderful people and their gorgeous animals. And if I’m not photographing dogs and horses in my spare time, I’m certainly out and about with them. I compete in eventing and play polo with Bramham and Toulston polo clubs, and I’m vice-president of Leeds University Polo Team.