Ally describes herself as a ‘Pinterest-loving, well-wearing photographer who works with people and their dogs’. Based on the Mid-Wales/Shropshire border in the UK, Ally runs two brands – one for personal branding and portraits and a second that specialises in pet photography. She likes to create portraits that feel natural and personal, along with pet photos that capture the bond between animal and owner. I spoke with Ally to find out more about her fascinating career and beautiful images.
What got you into photography?
As a child I had a Boots 110 camera – the photos were awful but there was something magical about seeing my images in print (those little envelopes from Boots The Chemist!). I then began experimenting with my dad’s 1960s Kodak (I still have both these cameras!). It had no aperture ring, but I really had no clue what that was for anyway. When I should have been working harder for my A’ levels I took an evening class at the local college and enjoyed working in the darkroom and seeing my black and white images come to life. The instructor was very encouraging, and I recall him choosing one of my dog and people photos as his favourite image. I self-appointed myself photographer for the local school band, which was really just an excuse to get close to the guitarist (now my husband of 24 years so it obviously worked!).
For my 18th birthday I was given a Minolta SLR which I loved experimenting with. But then university and a 20-year railway career (including 5 years as London Victoria’s Station Manager) followed, and photography was always something I enjoyed for myself but didn’t think I could pursue professionally.
Digital cameras definitely helped me to experiment and grow as a photographer.
When I first started professionally, I photographed mostly families and the occasional friend’s wedding (I still can’t believe they trusted me!). It didn’t take long to realise that weddings weren’t really for me—the pressure of that big day just wasn’t something I enjoyed. Around the same time, I got my first dog and discovered how much I loved photographing him, along with friends’ dogs too.
Now, I’ve built two distinct brands: Ally Clarke Photography, which focuses on branding and portraits, and Ginger Hound Photos, which is all about dogs. My favourite moments are when the two worlds come together, photographing people with their dogs. I especially love working with individuals or couples rather than large family groups—it gives me space to put people at ease, especially those who usually feel reluctant about being photographed. There’s something wonderful about how relaxed people become when their dog is by their side, and it’s that quiet, authentic human–dog connection that inspires me most.
What kind of influences do you draw inspiration from?
Lots of things – other photographers, brilliant cinematography in films.
Do you have any favourite photographers or creative influences that have informed your
photographic style, and why?
Completely different to my style (which can be quite colourful, especially for branding photos), I love the work of Fan Ho and his use of lines and shadows.
I also really admire the work of Canadian Photographer Jane Thomson, who is a studio dog and people photographer. My studio work is definitely inspired by her. Her lighting style is lovely and super flattering.
I do think I ought to work harder at honing my style, so I guess that’s my challenge for the future, but I do enjoy both sides to my business and also both studio and outdoor photography. The problem is I love to experiment and keep learning. At the moment I’m using a lot more negative space in my images.
What kit do you shoot with and what’s your favourite bit of kit?
I had Minoltas and the early Sony digitals for many years but switched to Nikon when I started professionally. I didn’t know then that Sony cameras were going to be so good, and I whilst I do quite regret switching, I love my current Nikon Z8. My favourite bit of kit is probably my 70-200 lens. I love the separation, but it is heavy. I occasionally dig out my old 135mm lens f2 but its manual focus on the Z8 so doesn’t work well for shooting dogs!
What are you working on at the moment?
I am just starting a project called k9-5: working dogs and their owners. It highlights the important work that working dogs do – there are assistance dogs, emergency service dogs or sheepdogs etc. It’s still at the early stages.
What would you say is your goal with your photography?
My goal with photography is to make sure people see themselves as worthy of being photographed. I often feel frustrated when someone shies away from the camera, because in years to come their presence in that moment won’t be recorded. Everyone deserves to be seen and remembered.
One of my most treasured photographs is of my nana, her eight sisters, and her brother, taken in 1939 at the joint wedding of two of her sisters. It’s such a rare and beautiful record of family history. If my nana had hidden at the back with her face turned away—as so many people try to do today—that memory wouldn’t feel the same.
That’s why, for me, it isn’t just about taking a nice portrait of a dog or a person, it’s about capturing the relationship between them. Our dogs are such a huge part of our lives, and when people step into the frame alongside them, the photos become far more powerful. My goal is to create images that celebrate that bond and ensure that, years from now, the people looking back will feel the love, joy, and connection that was there.
As a female photographer, do you feel that you face any particular challenges? Do you feel that the industry is favourable towards women, or would you like to see any changes?
I haven’t noticed particular challenges though I do often notice that women are more likely to face imposter syndrome (me included) and worry that we aren’t good enough. I think we actually have an advantage when photographing people as we are often more empathetic to other women who are uncomfortable in front of the lens (THE most common concern I hear).
Oh and we are probably less concerned about what kit we are using!
What advice would you give to budding photographers?
When photographing people I would definitely say that how you make people feel is important, so do practice making people feel at ease. When you are faffing about with your settings etc. your client is probably second-guessing that you don’t think they look good. Making them feel at ease (even when you may still be figuring something out yourself) makes all the difference to the whole experience of being photographed by you.
And for dogs – a ton of patience – and get down low!
