A FATHER and daughter from Penhill are proving that keeping it in the family is always best after setting up their own unique business.

Geoff Hemmings and daughter Zoe, of Penhill Drive, have joined forces to ensure our fluffy four-legged friends are treated like royalty as they are groomed and pampered in preparation for an all-important photoshoot.

Geoff, 56, who was recently made redundant from Nation-wide, took the leap several months ago when he decided to forge a career out of his two loves in life – animals and photography. He set up Poochie Portraits, and now works alongside Zoe, who owns Scrufts Pet Grooming.

“Throughout my childhood I’ve had a fascination with art,” said Geoff.

“For many years I drew and painted many pictures of different animals, dogs in particular, and as I grew so did my appreciation for art.

“I experimented with many forms of artistic expressions and found my love and passion for photography during that search.

“If I can I like to spend some time with the person and their pet so they will feel more comfortable with me walking around them with a camera, and I take as many photos as I can to catch that special moment.”

Zoe, who bathes the dogs in a professional bath before rinsing, cleansing, plucking, fluff drying, brushing, clipping and applying a dog cologne to prepare the dogs for their big moment, said the partnership with her dad was working well.

“It is just like the makeovers we have as adults, but for dogs,” she said.

“The dogs really enjoy it – Dad took pictures of three Spaniels recently and the owners couldn’t believe it, they even asked what we had done to their dogs because they had never seen them sit still next to each other before!

“We have both got experience and we work really well together. It is nice to work with dad and to be able to offer a different service for the people of Swindon.

“Everyone says it is an amazing thing, the pictures can look almost 3D. We can also put pictures of animals that have passed away on to canvas and it is just like having the dog in the room.”

For information on the services Geoff offers go to www.poochieportraits.co.uk.