A Photographic Journey of Community, Canines, and Compassion

Capturing Canine Companions in Commerce - A Project Where Every Snap Tells a Story and Supports a Cause

301 Heartfelt Connections

Embark on a visual journey with 301 dogs and their business-owner partners, showcasing the unique bonds and stories from the heart of South Tyneside's vibrant community

Art with Impact

Beyond captivating portraits, each photo session contributes to Wag & Co, directly supporting the elderly with the joy of canine companionship, aiming for 2024 visits to care homes and hospitals

Community Canvas

Join a movement that celebrates local businesses, strengthens community ties, and turns everyday moments into a tapestry of local tales and memories, all through the lens of an award-winning photographer.

National Award Winning photographer Fiona Nicholl

Fiona Nicholl's Award-Winning Vision Unites Dogs, Business, and Community

Securing the title of MPA International Dog Photographer of the Year 2023 was a defining moment for Fiona Nicholl, propelling her project "One Dog and His Manager" into the spotlight. This accolade, a culmination of Fiona's relentless pursuit of capturing the essence of canine companions, has inspired her to delve deeper into the unique relationships between dogs and their owners within the business environment. The award, a testament to Fiona's skill in showcasing the natural beauty of dogs like Radko without digital alterations, underscored the authenticity and emotional depth she brings to her photography. 

Fiona's recognition by the Master Photographers Association motivated her to launch "One Dog and His Manager," a project aimed at documenting the integral roles of dogs in businesses while supporting the community. This venture seeks to highlight the special bond between dogs and their human partners, extending the narrative of canine companionship into the communal and business spheres. 

Driven by her award-winning achievement, Fiona is committed to leveraging "One Dog and His Manager" to make a meaningful difference. By aligning with Wag & Co, Fiona aims to use her photography to combat loneliness among the elderly, showcasing the power of dogs to bridge human connections and enrich lives. Through this project, Fiona not only celebrates the beauty of dogs in the business world but also harnesses her art to contribute to the community, capturing moments that resonate with shared experiences and compassion.

Comments from the judges on the image...
"Praise for the photograph didn't stop at its visual appeal; the judges were unable to find fault, highlighting its perfection. The simplicity of the composition, devoid of any superfluous elements or artificial enhancements, was particularly lauded. This straightforward yet powerful approach set the image apart from others, emphasizing the effectiveness of capturing moments in their purest form. The quality of the print further amplified the image's impact, providing a tangible testament to the photographer's attention to detail and commitment to excellence. "

...a truly exceptional piece of photographic art. - MPA JUDGE

THE PROJECT...

ONE DOG AND HIS MANAGER

As the newly crowned International Dog Photographer of the Year 2024 by the Master Photographers Association, I, Fiona Nicholl of Purple Pomegranate Photography, am thrilled to announce my most ambitious project yet. "One Dog and His Manager" is a labor of love, an artistic journey that weaves together my passion for photography, community spirit, and, most importantly, dogs. This year, I'm setting out to capture the essence of 301 dogs within their business environments across South Tyneside, all from a dog's eye level.

This project is more than just a series of photos; it's a mission to showcase the unique bond between dogs and their business-owner companions, all while supporting a cause close to my heart. Each portrait session is designed to contribute to Wag & Co, a charity that brings joy to the elderly by connecting them with visiting dogs. My goal is to facilitate 2024 visits, spreading happiness to the vulnerable in care homes and hospitals.

The culmination of this endeavor will be a beautiful coffee table book and an online gallery, each portrait offering a window into the individuality of these canine characters and the businesses they represent. I'll be sharing weekly updates, giving you a glimpse into the photoshoots, the stories behind the businesses, and the delightful personalities of our dog subjects.

This project is more than just about photography; it's about knitting together a tapestry of local stories, strengthening community ties, and using my craft to make a tangible difference. By being part of "One Dog and His Manager," you're not just observing art in the making; you're joining a movement that values memories, supports local businesses, and delivers smiles to those who need them most.

Prepare to be inspired, moved, and part of something truly exceptional. "One Dog and His Manager" isn't just a photography project; it's a step towards a more connected, compassionate community.

WORKING WITH...

South Tyneside
Pledge

Wag & Co
North East

Sim
Imaging

Master Photographers Association

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

WAG & CO: Ending loneliness for older dog lovers

The heartwarming work of Wag & Co struck a deeply personal chord with me, especially after witnessing the joy and anticipation my dog Jackie brought to the elderly in the community during visits with my dad.

These experiences highlighted the profound impact that dogs can have on the lives of the elderly, many of whom deeply miss the companionship of a pet but are unable to care for one due to their circumstances. Recalling the longing my grandparents felt for canine company in their final years, I recognise the invaluable service Wag & Co provides. This unique charity extends a lifeline of friendship and joy to the elderly across the North East of England, making significant strides in combating the loneliness and isolation so many face.

Wag & Co's mission resonates deeply with my belief in the power of dogs to bring happiness and comfort. By facilitating visits from professionally assessed volunteers and their dogs to the homes, care facilities, and hospitals where the elderly reside, they offer a much-needed connection to the outside world. The stories shared by those who have benefited from Wag & Co's services speak volumes about the difference these visits make, from reigniting cherished memories to providing a reason to look forward to each new day. Supporting Wag & Co is not just about providing financial assistance; it's about raising awareness for their cause and inspiring more individuals to volunteer, helping to ensure that no elderly dog lover has to endure loneliness. Through my project, I hope to shine a light on this remarkable organisation, encouraging others to join in their efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our elderly community members and their furry friends.

TARGET: 2024 VISITS

GETTING INVOLVED

I would love your support anyway you can help whether you've got a business, can donate or simply tell people about the project

Get photographed or donate...

We'd love to get you

INVOLVED

Get in touch and we can arrange your "One Dog & His Manager" Photoshoot

Click on the link and head to our Just Giving page to help us hit our target of 2024 visits this year, raising £3000

JACKIE & ME

I'm the one with the purple hair!

I love the special bond we have with our pets. Jackie came into our family six years ago and is so very much part of the family I couldn’t imagine life without her! Growing up I always had pets and they were always special, but I think these days they are more than pets. Especially since the first lockdown I have seen so many people see their dogs as more than just pets: they are part of the family in the same way kids are. We schedule our lives and interests around the dog as much as any other family member. Some people celebrate doggy birthdays, gotcha days and even get them Christmas presents! When I visit my parents the first thing they ask is, “Is Jackie coming?”... They love their grand-dog as much as the rest of us!

They are so very special and important to us. They help with our mental wellbeing, and can be trained to help with medical assistance, guide people with certain disabilities, sniff out allergies or cancers… aren’t they amazing? I don’t think Jackie is quite that intelligent, she’s pretty good at Sit and Stay (the hazards of being a dog photographer’s pet) but I can’t see her sniffing out anything other than her next treat!

And something I have learned is that people in South Shields really love their dogs. I moved here in 2020 and while lots of people in my previous home of Alnwick had dogs, photographing them was quite rare. Since moving here I have photographed more dogs than in the other 19 years of my business combined! And it is interesting to see what people buy - my absolute favourite things to sell are big beautiful wall art pieces and so many people choose this dramatic way to display their dog… not that I can blame them, our furry friends are so beautiful and appealing to look at they make for great decoration!

At fayres and shows it is always the images of dogs that get people to stop and talk, rather than the families.