About - PAWTIQE

about me

London Dog Photographer and cat mum

Some of you know me as Elena. Or El. Or Elly. I’ll answer to all of them.

Italian by origin, Londoner by choice. Cat lady by nature, though not completely feral. Yet.
I live with Keira and Macha. Keira’s rear end features in more test shots than I care to admit.

I am the human behind Pawtiqe and I create ethereal, monochrome dog portraits for people who know their dog belongs on the wall. My work is black and white only. It’s architectural and a little irreverent. It’s about the way a dog holds themselves in the city.

the what

is black and white dog portraiture

Pawtiqe is an irreverent study of the art of simply being dog. Guided by the belief that Dog is Art, I create black and white portraits that place dogs within the structure of London, where architecture meets the canine form. By pairing the clean lines of structures taht are built to last, with the organic curves of dogs, the images become minimalist, quietly atmospheric, and, at times, cinematic that are made to draw you in.

The city offers permanence. The dog offers presence and energy. And together, they create something you might have to look at twice.

These portraits aren’t just about visual appeal or capturing the personality of a dog. They reflect the adaptability, resilience, and dignity of dogs in a modern world that can sometimes forget that, before anything else, they are simply dogs. And do not need to be anything different.

the how

my approach dog photography

Dog photography in London doesn’t have to shout. No costumes. No tricks. No one pretending to smile.

Just your dog, as they are. Still, relaxed, and beautiful.

I work in black and white because it leaves nothing to hide behind. It’s about form, structure, presence.

I often compare black and white work to ancient Greek temples: once covered in vivid colours, they now admired for their raw beauty and the details once hidden by paint. That’s why I love black and white photography: it reveals what’s always been there, and what, ultimately, remains.

the who

my dog photography is for

My humans understand that their dog is not just a pet but a work of art. They appreciate quality, aesthetics, and a bit of irony. They know that elegance and playfulness can (and should) coexist.

Every session is bespoke. From our first conversation to the final piece on your wall, everything is shaped for you, and for them.

the why

black and white dog photography

I get asked this a lot: Do you ever shoot in colour?

Short answer? No.

Long answer? Because colour is fleeting. It ties an image to a specific moment, but reality shifts. What lasts is form, structure, essence. A dog’s presence isn’t about the shade of their fur, but the way they hold themselves, the way light sculpts their form. Black and white photography isn’t about realism; it’s about revealing what truly matters.

the boring stuff

qualifications and awards

I hold a BSc in Photography and Digital Imaging from the University of Westminster and have five years of experience as a Print Production Coordinator and Studio Manager at a London fine art printing company. During this time, I worked alongside leading art consultants, interior designers, museums, galleries, and photographers to produce high-end wall pieces for both national and international projects.

My photography accreditations include:

The Society of Photographers – Pet Portrait Gold Award
The Society of Photographers – Pet Portrait of The Year Finalist

International Pet Photography Awards – Gold Award
International Pet Photography Awards – Portrait Finalist

Koy Awards – Pet Portrait Winner & Second Place

I am also represented by DegreeArt Gallery and working on my 2025 exhibition at The Royal Kennel Club Art Gallery.

Finally, I am trained in canine first aid and have attended several dog behaviour classes since the age of eight. The dog’s welfare is always my top priority, ensuring that every dog, regardless of training level, is captured as the work of art they truly are.