Crufts is vibrant, busy and extremely exciting! Needless to say, there are dogs everywhere and even more dog lovers than dogs! Crufts is a beautiful celebration of the human-dog relationship. I should say that it is contained within 5 halls of the NEC, but contained would be entirely the wrong descriptive to use in this instance. In my opinion, one of the best places to start your Crufts experience in the morning is outside the main entrance to the NEC, just by the large ornamental lake. Here, you will be treated a steady procession of the many dogs that are involved in one of the very many activities available to view over the course of the day.
From the main ticket office, then to the two hall entrances, the day is yours to absorb the atmosphere, interact with the dogs at Discover Dogs, watch demonstrations and enjoy the thrill of the various performances in the @Resortsworldarena. Of course, if you choose, you could spend the entire day shopping!
For me, my day starts in the press office. I grab my coffee, the show programmes for that day as well as the ring catalogue and take a look at the press release and photocall stands. Photocalls and press information sheets can contain anything from new product launches and business promotions through to book signings, celebrity guests and charity initiatives. With all of this information, I then set about planning my day. This is almost a futile activity, as so often I have to be nimble and respond to a dynamic day. I am nearly always torn between being in one place or another and most often my adrenaline tends to convince me that sometimes I can try to cover everything all of the time.
Radzy, myself and the Valgrays rescue lady all helped to make this little girl's day! Radzy is such a lovely gentleman by the way!
Whats my secret to being in the right place at the right time?
Research and definitely an element of luck! One year, I was lucky enough to photograph Noel Fitzpatrick's (The Supervets) book signing. Just as he was about to sit down, in the neighbouring ring a heelwork to music performance began, well, some irish music started playing and in that moment we had a good ol' irish dance. Another year, I had the pleasure of photographing Michael Ball. I am extremely grateful to James Wellbeloved for including me in their photo call opportunity as the sponsors for the Scrufts element of the show. I was extremely pleased to be able to ask Michael Ball for an autograph for my mum! I told him that its not the most "professional" approach for a photographer working the photo call to request an autograph, but explained that I would be in such trouble with my mum if I didn't take one home. He laughed and said "I wouldn't be the cause of anyone getting into trouble with their mum." and he wrote her a lovely message.
My favourite stories are always associated with dog charities. They often involve lovely people who have overcome enormous life challenges, gorgeous dogs that have helped in some way or an heroic dog who has literally saved a life or continues to do so. One year, I was lucky enough to cover the photocall of James Middleton's (The Princess of Wales brother) support on the Pets as Therapy stand. James Middleton was talking about how his own dogs had helped him with a mental health crisis and discussed how he and his dog participate in the Pets as Therapy scheme. It was a fabulous opportunity and I felt so honoured to be there.
So what adventures lie in wait for Crufts 2024? What amazing dogs and people will cross my path this year? One thing is certain; I will return with many stories, many photographs and many many many dog hairs!