Dogs and their people Workshop
Bruges, Belgium
8-12 participants
17.-18. April 2026
About the Workshop
Together, Meir and Ria will guide you through everything you need to know: how to work effectively with dogs and their owners, how to pose them naturally and beautifully, what gear works best, and how to find the most flattering angles.
But it doesn’t stop there—this workshop is designed to be hands-on and practical. No question will go unanswered, and you’ll walk away with valuable insights and new inspiration.
This workshop is ideal for intermediate to advanced photographers who want to refine their skills and elevate their work. You should already be familiar with your camera settings and have basic knowledge of Photoshop.
The workshop will be held in English.
Requirements
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera where you can interchange lenses.
- A laptop (or computer) with Photoshop and Lightroom installed (the trial version will do).
- Bring full charged batteries, memory cards and suitable, sturdy clothes
- We might have to walk longer during our practical sessions, so you have to be physically fit!
Day 1
Our first workshop day is all about building a strong foundation before heading into the practical part. This intensive theory session will last around 4 hours (including breaks) and takes place in the afternoon in our seminar space.
Together with Meir and Ria, you’ll explore all the essential elements for successfully photographing dogs with their owners. This includes: The camera settings Meir and Ria personally use and recommend, the best gear to bring along for a dog-and-owner shoot, how to prepare for a smooth and stress-free session, tips for effective posing and natural communication, finding the right location – and how to make the most of it and understanding and using natural light to your advantage.
To support your learning, you’ll also receive a handy workshop booklet packed with all the key theory content.
This session is designed to give you the tools and confidence you need for Day 2, when we head out together for the exciting hands-on photo shoot in the field!
Day 2
The second day starts with the practical session early in the morning at sunrise to catch the best light. We will take you to the timeless streets of beautiful Bruges!
Participants will be divided into two groups, rotating between Meir and Ria throughout the session to experience both of their unique approaches. You’ll be guided through their shooting workflow, from setup to execution, including tips on angles, posing, and communication.
As the session progresses, you’ll also have the chance to work independently with the models to put your new skills into practice and build your portfolio.
After the shoot, we’ll take a relaxing break together before heading into the editing portion of the workshop. Meir and Ria will each present a full editing walkthrough in Photoshop and Lightroom, demonstrating their post-processing techniques from start to finish. You’ll then have the opportunity to edit your own images with support and personalized feedback from both trainers.
By the end of Day 2, you’ll walk away with new skills, beautiful portfolio material, and a deeper understanding of both shooting and editing dog-and-owner sessions.
We are looking forward to an unforgetable workshop!
Included in the price:
- One-and-a-half intensive days all about photography!
- One practical session with dog and owner models in all shapes and forms!
- Drinks and snacks during the theoretical parts.
- English script about the theoretical part and a recording of our editing workflows.
- Feedback and help after the workshop in an exclusive, private group online.
Location
Our seminar room is located in Bruges.
The specific location spots for the practical sessions will be announced privately after registration and will be a close from our seminar room.
Price
The price of the workshop is 500€, which will be divided to two payments of 250€. The first payment is due right after your registration and the second one shortly before the workshop.
Not included: Meals, transportation and if necessary, overnight stays.
Registration
The minimum number of participants is 8, the maximum number is 12.
If you want to register for the workshop, send an email via dogs@meirgur.com. Your spot is fixed after you send the deposit.
Meet the teachers!
Ria Putzker
Hi! My name is Ria Putzker and I live in wonderful Vienna. I moved into the creative field very early on. My father, who is also a photographer, always helped and supported me on my way. I got a taste for dog photography mainly because of our family dog Phoebe, a sweet dachshund mix lady who has been with me since I was a teenager. I have been a commercial dog photographer since 2017 and I love my work to bits. Getting to know new dogs and people, discovering unknown locations and trying out new perspectives is great fun for me!
I am looking forward to show you my world of dog photography!
Meir Gur
The most important thing for me is to inspire my participants to capture new perspectives and have fun and enjoy photography! During the workshop, you receive tons of knowledge about dog photography and a chance to work with me by your side. We will spend time photographing dogs in natural light and I will lead you to approach different shooting conditions. You will learn how I make my photos from using light, working with dogs, composition to giving the photo a magical touch with editing.
Together we create impressive photos that you can be proud of!