Crufts 2023 arrived with a surprise. Snow fell across Birmingham as exhibitors, handlers and thousands of dogs made their way to the NEC. Outside it felt almost cinematic. Inside, it was business as usual. Rings prepared. Grooming tables lined up in quiet concentration. The rhythm of one of the world’s largest dog shows carried on regardless.

Crufts is extraordinary in scale. More than 19,000 dogs from across the globe. Agility, flyball, obedience, heelwork to music. The famous Best in Show under lights. But what fascinates me is not only the grandeur. It is the small exchanges. A handler whispering reassurance before stepping into the ring. A dog shaking off nerves in a flurry of white fur. The brief eye contact between judge and competitor that says everything.

The snow added a certain intimacy to the day. Coats wrapped around shoulders. Steam rising from coffee cups. Paw prints melting into slush outside the halls. Inside, warmth and anticipation.

Photographing Crufts demands patience and precision. It is about honouring tradition while capturing the energy that makes the event feel alive. Scale and detail. Pride and pressure. A global stage, yet deeply personal for everyone involved.