Our Photographers

Living Portraits photography is so distinctive, you always know it when you see it. That’s because we have a very consistent approach to the way we photograph your pet, the retouching we do, and the equipment we use.

So wherever you are in the UK, booking a Living Portraits photo shoot for your dog, horse or cat will deliver the same exceptionally high-quality approach and the same spectacular results.

All of our photographers are great with both people and animals. Not only do they have to be, to get results like these, but they’re also very experienced (and animals aren’t the easiest subject to photograph!). They can quickly put dogs, horses and cats at ease, getting the best out of them in the shortest possible time while avoiding stressing or over-exciting your pet.

Our photographers don’t just know how to take amazing pictures; they’re also highly skilled retouchers, and they know how to print, mount and frame each photograph to best effect.

That’s why you can trust your Living Portraits photographer to deliver a faithful portrait – a real work of art – every time, and with every animal.

Chris McMurray

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!

tom

Hello everyone, I'm Tom!

Currently, I have the pleasure of residing in a charming town in North Devon with my friends and their adorable cat, Pluto. The picturesque surroundings make it the perfect place to live and explore.

From a young age, I've had a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. Being sporty and outgoing has always been a significant part of my identity. But what truly sets my heart on fire is photography. Throughout my childhood, I eagerly captured moments with my dad's old cameras, cherishing every snapshot.

To further hone my skills, I had the incredible opportunity to train under the guidance of Chris and Julia. They not only taught me their unique style of photographic artistry but also shared their expertise in handling horses and dogs during shoots. Collaborating with clients to achieve exceptional results is a true passion of mine. I strive to make every shoot a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

My connection with Chris and Julia led me to discover Living Portraits, a perfect fit for my aspirations. Growing up, I had the privilege of sharing my life with three dogs, three cats, and two horses (though not all at the same time). My love for animals runs deep, and working with them is an absolute dream. I believe that every pet deserves to be immortalised through the power of photography. After all, our furry companions hold a special place in our hearts, and capturing their essence is a privilege.

I'm here to help and share my passion for preserving memories. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

Jodie

Ruth & Alex - East Yorkshire

Coming Soon

  • "I’d always wanted to work for myself, doing something creative, but I’d never plucked up the courage. Now I love the freedom and variety of being a Living Portraits franchisee. I set my own hours and my own pace – and office politics are thankfully a distant memory!"