Over 240+ Five Star Reviews on Google • Fellow British Institute of Professional Photographers • 30+ Years Professional Experience • Multi Award Winning Photographer • Over 400+ Facebook 5-Star Reviews •

Lifestyle Photographer

Award-winning Dorchester Photographer capturing Real Moments with Calm Expertise & Creative Vision  

Location:  Dorchester, Dorset

A smiling man and woman hold hands with a young boy, swinging him playfully as they walk through autumn leaves in a sunlit forest. All three wear blue outfits, with the boy in a checked shirt, and brown and orange foliage covering the ground.

Families on Location: Authentic Moments in the Dorset Countryside

Whether you come to Andy with...

• muddy paws and wagging tails
• a smiling baby
• boundless childhood energy
• a quieter, more intense teenage moment
• generations of family together
• a simple, honest headshot
• a natural lifestyle portrait session

A cosy living room with a white sofa, beige and cream cushions, a wicker pendant lamp, and a matching basket. Above the sofa hangs a large family photo showing two adults and a child smiling in an outdoor setting with trees.

Andy has built a reputation as one of Dorset’s most trusted photographers, known for his calm, personable style and consistent five-star client experience. From spontaneous family laughs to timeless portraits that stand the test of time, he brings professional skill and authentic connection to every shoot. His work speaks for itself, and his clients often say it feels like a session with a friend behind the lens.

Always our photographer of choice ...

... Andy  captures such special moments

Andy Whale, Life Photographer, creates honest, heartfelt images that reflect your family’s story. His calm, unobtrusive approach helps you feel at ease, so personalities and connections are captured naturally.

A group of five adults and five children hold hands and run towards the camera across a green lawn. Everyone is smiling and looks joyful. There are trees and bushes in the background, and the scene is outdoors on a sunny day. Dorchester, Dorset on location family lifestyle photography

 Photography WITHOUT  the Pressure

On Location for Families, Dogs, Weddings and Commercial Photography

Black and white portrait of a smiling older man with shoulder-length white hair, glasses, a short beard and moustache. He is wearing a dark shirt and jacket, and is posed against a plain black background.

Andy Whale is a multi-award-winning Professional Photographer based in Dorchester, Dorset. With over 30 years of experience and hundreds of five-star reviews, he brings a calm, confident, and creative approach to every session.  Andy’s work reflects real connection and honest emotion, whether shooting families, dogs, weddings or commercial projects. Accredited as a Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photographers, his images combine professional excellence with a relaxed, natural style that clients consistently value and recommend.

Fellow British Institute of Professional Photography • Photographer of the Year 2023 (BIPP South West) • European Photography Awards 2023 – Commercial • NY Photo Awards 2023 – Gold (Commercial) • NY Photo Awards 2023 – Silver (People)

Black and white logo for the British Institute of Professional Photography. Large text reads "BIPP", with smaller text below: "British Institute of Professional Photography". A white band at the bottom states "Qualified Fellow (FBIPP)".
A rectangular gold and black plaque reads: "NY New York Photography Awards" in white text, with "GOLD WINNER" in bold gold text on a black background at the bottom. A large stylised "NY" is at the top.
A black and gold banner reads "2023 EPA European Photography Awards" with a Europe map in the "P" and five stars below. The text "Category Winner of the Year" appears boldly at the bottom.
A rectangular award plaque with a silver background features a large white "NY" logo above the text "New York Photography Awards." Below, a black panel displays "Silver Winner" in bold silver letters. The design is modern and minimalist.
Large black letters "EPA" are displayed, with a silhouette map of Europe inside the "P." Below, in smaller text, it reads, "EUROPEAN PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS." The design is on a white background.
A smiling family of four—two adults and two children—run hand-in-hand along a pebbly beach. The sky is partly cloudy, and grassy hills line the coast in the background. Everyone looks happy, dressed in casual, colourful summer clothes.

BEACH FAMILY PHOTOSHOOTS

Andy photographs connections, not poses. From quiet moments to carefree laughter, whether it is your family, your dogs or just you, everything is captured in a way that feels natural and real.

So you have decided that the time feels right for a location photoshoot, whether for your family, your children, your dog, or your business. Still, you wonder whether everyone will relax and enjoy the experience.

Andy works with people and animals of all ages and personalities, bringing a calm, patient approach to every session. There is no pressure and no need to perform. From energetic children and playful dogs to quieter moments with families or relaxed commercial headshots, Andy creates space for things to unfold naturally.

Many people feel unsure about being photographed, especially for business or personal reasons, but these sessions are about connection, confidence, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. Once you settle into the moment, the camera quickly fades into the background.

Over the years, Andy has been asked just about every question imaginable. Whether you have a specific idea, a concern, or a particular requirement for a commercial shoot or headshot, it is likely something he has encountered before. Please do ask. Andy is always happy to talk things through and help put your mind at rest.

Ready to capture something real? Get in touch to talk through your ideas and plan a relaxed location photoshoot that feels true to you.