Poole pet photographer given Small Business Sunday award

Sophie Matthews of Poole, who runs By Sophie Photography and began focusing on dog portraits in January 2025, was given Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday award at the ICC in Birmingham.

Sophie Matthews runs By Sophie Photography in Poole and offers portraits, events, pet, corporate, family and property photography across Dorset. She began her photography work three years ago after taking a council-run Skills and Learning course that fitted around her childcare responsibilities. Sophie started focusing on dogs in January 2025 and says her pet photography has grown steadily. Last week she was given Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday award at the ICC in Birmingham. Key facts: - Business name and location: By Sophie Photography, based in Poole and serving Dorset. - Training and start: Began photography three years ago after a council Skills and Learning course designed to accommodate childcare. - Dog photography: Started specialising in photographing dogs in January 2025 and has worked with many different breeds. - Award: Received Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday (SBS) award at the ICC in Birmingham; SBS is reported to be in its 16th year. - Community work and events: Volunteers with Margaret Green Animal Rescue and Lewis Manning Hospice Care and will photograph the "Muddy Dog Dash" at Upton Country Park in March. Summary: The award places Sophie among businesses recognised by the SBS community and is reported to include ongoing support for members. She continues to work locally on community and pet-focused projects, with planned photography at upcoming events.