Extend Your Session: A Proper Dog Photography Retreat in North Wales
Why a day trip misses the point
Most clients drive 45 minutes to two hours to reach our studio or shooting locations. A morning session, a same-day viewing, and you’re back on the road by afternoon.
It works. But you’re catching your dog mid-journey. Tired from the drive, unsettled by the time spent in the car, not quite themselves.
The best portraits happen when your dog is calm, present, and you have time to think about what you actually want. That requires something most day trips can’t offer: a proper retreat beforehand.
How staying changes the photographs
If you stay the night before your session, everything shifts. Your dog settles into a real space. You wake up unhurried. You can shoot in the best light without watching the clock. You return to a peaceful place to enjoy the perfect end to your days experience.
Clients who combine a session with an overnight stay report noticeably calmer dogs in frame. More genuine expressions. Less “we drove here and the dog needs to calm down” energy.
The Old Mill Holiday Cottages: Where This Actually Works
We partnered with The Old Mill because most “dog-friendly” accommodation is dog-tolerant, not dog-centred. The Old Mill is different.
Nestled in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the cottages are:
- Award-winning Four-star self-catering, family-run for 11 years
- Dog-specific design: bed provided, muddy paws towels, complimentary dog treats, local dog walking guides
- Built for pre-session calm: access to landscaped gardens, woodland walks from the doorstep, dedicated dog walking areas
- Quiet countryside setting and an outdoor covered seating area and BBQ patio
- Surrounded by dog-friendly country pubs, including the Cherry Pie Inn next door
- Easy access to beaches, walking routes and many of North Wales’ most popular attractions.
- 25 minutes from all three of our shooting locations (Studio, Waun Y Llyn, Nercwys Forest)
A place where your dogs settle in. That matters.
Your Exclusive Offer: £300+ in Photography Value
As my client booking a stay at The Old Mill, you receive:
Complimentary photography session (normally £175). A full hour at your chosen location—Studio, Waun Y Llyn’s open hilltops and Clwydian Range backdrop, or Nercwys Forest’s filtered light and depth. Followed by same-day viewing where you choose your artwork with me personally.
£125 artwork credit, redeemable against any fine art wall piece or product from your personal gallery.
Complimentary welcome hamper from The Old Mill on arrival.
Your finished artwork is crafted and delivered to your door within two weeks.
That’s £300 in pure value, plus an exclusive welcome hamper. Your cottage stay is effectively free if you’d already planned to book a session anyway.
What Makes Each Location Work
Studio Session. For dogs who need calm control or when weather won’t cooperate. Clean, simple backgrounds that hold up on any wall. Built for dogs first.
Waun Y Llyn Country Park. An open hilltop with heather, ferns, and big skies. The Clwydian Range backdrop creates stunning vista imagery that’s genuinely about this part of North Wales. Best for dogs who enjoy space and movement.
Nercwys Forest. Tall evergreens, filtered light, quiet paths. Photographs gain depth and atmosphere. Ideal for warmer days when shade keeps things cooler.
How to Book
- Confirm your cottage dates at The Old Mill (www.old-mill.co.uk or contact them directly)
- Mention Jonathan Yearsley Pet and Equine Photography when you book
- Contact me to secure your photography session for Monday–Friday during your stay
- Your experience includes a same-day viewing, selecting your artwork, receive it, via courier, within weeks
Contact: jonathan@jonathanyearsley.co.uk or 01244 456101
Liz looks forward to welcoming you to The Old Mill Holiday Cottages.
