A Misty Morning on Ilkley Moor
Our very first Blooming Hound brand photoshoot took place on one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landscapes: Ilkley Moor’s Cow and Calf Rocks. Cloaked in morning mist, the moor delivered a backdrop that felt almost tailor-made for our debut collection — rugged, timeless, and quietly magnificent. In many ways, it reflected everything Blooming Hound stands for: British craftsmanship, heritage-inspired design, and the deep connection between dogs, nature, and the landscapes we roam together.
This is the story of that day. The behind-the-scenes moments, the dogs who stole the show, the people who made it happen, and the inspiration woven into every collar, lead, and harness featured in the shoot.
Behind the Scenes: Mist, Moss & Yorkshire Magic
The shoot was planned and led by Blooming Hound’s founder, Olivia, affectionately known as the Hounder. Supported by Sean and our photographer, Kathryn from The Yorkshire Dog Photographer.
The weather delivered a beautifully moody, misty atmosphere. While the views from the Cow and Calf Rocks usually stretch across the Wharfe Valley, on this morning the world felt softened and still. The muted palette of heather, moss and stone made the colours of our prints, the deep purples, greens, and earth-toned details, stand out even more.
Everything ran smoother than we could have hoped. No chaotic dog moments. No sudden downpours. Not even a rogue gust of wind. The only interruptions came from a few mischievous sheep who appeared at just the right (or wrong) moments, peering through the heather like curious spectators at a runway show.
Sean was on-hand throughout the morning, helping adjust harnesses, greeting each dog as they arrived, and keeping spirits high with constant enthusiasm - the unofficial “Dog Wrangler of the Day.”
The Photoshoot: Luxury, Heritage & Handcrafted British Design
This shoot showcased our full range of handcrafted, UK-made luxury dogwear that make up our debut collection 'The Sower's Tale': the Moss Trail, Heather Trail, Seed Pod, Leaf, and Bloom prints. Leads, collars, and harnesses were all available for each of our beautiful dog models. Each design takes its inspiration directly from the landscape surrounding us that morning: the heather that blankets the moor, the emerald moss clinging to stone, and the organic shapes found in Yorkshire’s countryside.
Our creative direction focused on heritage luxury with a grounded, outdoors aesthetic.
Think: beauty in the ruggedness, elegance in the everyday, craftsmanship rooted in place.
Every product worn during the shoot was made from:
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Water-repellant cotton drill
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Soft, durable and luxurious velvet lining
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Military-grade buckles for strength & safety
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Solid brass hardware sourced from trusted UK-based family business
And, of course, each print was hand-drawn by our in-house designer, initially tested using manual screen printing techniques before becoming the Blooming Hound pieces we proudly handcraft today.
Spotlight on Kathryn — The Yorkshire Dog Photographer
We absolutely need to give a moment (or several) to Kathryn, who captured the heart of Blooming Hound with extraordinary skill.
She has a gift for working with dogs - calm, patient, intuitive. The warmth she brought to the shoot set the tone for the day. Her warm-up shots alone were so good, we joked we could have packed up and gone home.
Most impressively (and shockingly to Olivia), Kathryn became the first person in history to take flattering photos of Betsy the Basset Hound. A feat worth noting, celebrating, and possibly awarding.
Kathryn, you’re incredible! Thank you!
The Dog Models: A Hound-Only Lineup
Our debut photoshoot starred four very special canine models, each wearing their own size and print to showcase the full range of Blooming Hound’s fit and aesthetic:
🐾 Betsy — Basset Hound
Olivia's cunning hound. A diva in every sense. She hit every pose on cue and trotted through the moor like she’d been waiting for this day her whole life.
🐾 Chester — Foxhound
Callum’s gentle giant. Calm, elegant, and an absolute natural. A large dog with a soft soul.
🐾 Dora — Bavarian Mountain Hound
Attentive, composed, beautifully mannered. She brought a subtle dignity to every frame.
🐾 Walter — Dachshund
Not feeling his best on the day, but he powered through like a star. Small but mighty.
A huge thank you to Callum and Ryan, who kindly brought Chester, Dora and Walter to be part of our very first official shoot. To say we’re grateful is an understatement. As a thank you, they left not only with hounds dressed in luxury but also a gallery of personal photos of them with their beloved dogs.
Why Ilkley Moor? A Landscape That Wrote the Collection
Choosing Ilkley Moor wasn’t just a location decision, it was a homecoming.
Olivia’s roots run deep in Yorkshire. This is the landscape she grew up with: the dry stone walls, the heather, the crisp air, the reservoirs, the pubs tucked into hillsides, the sound of wind across the open moor.
Our prints were inspired by and born from this exact environment. The purples, the greens, the natural forms of plants and seed pods. The rugged grandeur of the moor felt like the perfect setting to showcase a collection rooted in place, heritage, and timeless British craftsmanship.
The landscape echoed our values: Quality. Craft. Connection. Nature. Heritage. Longevity.
Everything Blooming Hound stands for began here.
History, Resonance & What This Shoot Represents
This photoshoot wasn’t just a launch event; it was a statement of who we are.
Blooming Hound is built on the belief that dogwear can be beautiful, functional, long-lasting, and meaningful. That craftsmanship matters. That the places we walk with our dogs become part of our shared stories. And that slow-made, thoughtful design will always outshine fast trends.
By photographing our first collection on Ilkley Moor, we honoured:
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Our Yorkshire heritage
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Our British-made philosophy
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Our dedication to hand-drawn, handcrafted design
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The bond between humans, dogs, and the landscapes they explore
Every lead, collar, and harness represents a piece of that story.
A Final Thank You
To Kathryn, Callum, Ryan, and our beautiful hounds. Thank you for making our first Blooming Hound shoot feel like both a celebration and a milestone.
And to our fellow Hounders, the Yorkshire dog-loving community... This is only the beginning!
Blooming Hound was born in Yorkshire, shaped by the landscapes, and crafted with love in the UK. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.
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