OFFICIAL CLUB ADVENTURE: Through Their Eyes — A Fall Photography & Connection Walk

ABOUT THE EVENT:
For our next Official Club Adventure, we’re headed to the Little Harbor Loop Trail in Portsmouth, NH with Sandra McCarthy of Sandra McCarthy Photography and this month’s featured expert.

What if taking better photos of your dog started with slowing down and seeing the world a little more from their point of view?

Join Golden Dog and award-winning pet photographer Sandra McCarthy of Sandra McCarthy Photography for a fall Official Club Adventure that blends photography, observation, movement, and connection along the beautiful Little Harbor Loop Trail in Portsmouth.

Rather than focusing on perfectly posed photos, this experience is about noticing the dog in front of you—how they move, explore, interact with their surroundings, and connect with you—and learning how to capture those moments more naturally.

Along the walk, Sandy will lead four photography and observation stops:

• See the Environment: Learn how to recognize good light, backgrounds, fall color, and natural settings before deciding where and how to photograph your dog.
• See Your Dog — The No-Sit Challenge: No asking your dog to sit! Instead, practice photographing your dog naturally while they sniff, walk, stand, observe, or explore.
• See the Connection: Shift the focus from simply photographing your dog to capturing the relationship you share—walking together, interacting, playing, touching, or exploring side by side. Bringing a Plus One is encouraged if you’d like help capturing photos of you and your dog together.
• Change Your Perspective: Get down to your dog’s level and experiment with height, angles, framing, and perspective while considering how the environment may look and feel from their point of view.

Throughout the adventure, Sandy will also share practical tips for improving everyday dog photos, including lighting, leash placement, getting your dog’s attention, positioning, choosing where the photographer should stand, and making better use of the landscape around you.

This isn’t about creating the perfect pose. It’s about slowing down, observing your dog, enjoying the fall landscape, and learning how to capture more of the life you’re actually sharing together.

Bring your phone or camera, your dog, and your curiosity—and get ready to see your adventures through a different lens.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 1-2. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. This event is great for reactive dogs since it is in a controlled environment with focused and relaxing activities and all dogs on leash. There will be lots of room for dogs to spread out and engage in the exercises and activities offered. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

TRAIL RATING:
This Trail is rated as Level 1-1.5 Stroll. See an explanation of our Trail Rating System. The walk is approximately 1.5-2 miles on the nature trail and around the orchard and through a field. There will be a bit of an incline as we work our way up towards the orchard. 

COST: Please register for this event below. Limited to 15 dogs.

• Golden Dog Members – $35/dog (includes up to 2 handlers) (Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.)
• Not-Yet-Members – $50/dog (includes up to 2 handlers)

Full refund issued if cancellation received 48 hours prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

ABOUT JODY CROTTY:
Sandra McCarthy is an award-winning, published New Hampshire pet photographer specializing in dogs, cats, horses, and the people who love them. She offers both on-location and studio portrait sessions from her studio in Bow, NH, with a focus on capturing the unique bond between people and their pets.

Sandra is also deeply committed to giving back to the animal rescue community through fundraising efforts, including holiday portrait sessions and her 2023 book project, Pets of the 603. To date, her charitable work has raised more than $50,000 for local pet rescues.

To learn more, visit SandraMcCarthyPhotography.com.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
This adventure takes place at Little Harbor Loop Trail in Portsmouth, NH. Directions/logistics will be provided to participants in the confirmation sent via email 24 hours prior to the event.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and registered participants will receive a email cancellation notice. It will also be announced in the Event section of the Facebook Community Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.