A big hello and welcome
Hello from all of us at Graham Crichton Photography. We're a family-run portrait studio in Belfast, creating portraits of people and their pets that are full of personality and meaning. Everything we do is about connection – the bond between you, your loved ones and the animals who share your life.
Our sessions are calm, friendly and unhurried. We take time to get to know you and to understand what matters most, so we can create portraits that feel genuine and that you'll treasure for years to come. Most people know us for our unique and iconic colourful pet portraiture, but we also photograph families, graduations, headshots and even passport photos.
From your first chat with Hannah to your shoot with Graham, we'’'ll guide you through every step and help turn those moments into beautiful finished artwork for your home.
We tell tails, and we can't wait to tell yours.
The unique studio experience
Our studio is a little bit different. Once the old Orangefield Post Office, it is now a bright, welcoming space designed for people and pets to feel completely at ease. The original post box still stands proudly outside, a nod to the building’s past and to the stories still being shared inside.
We have created a space that feels calm, creative and inspiring. You will see where the portraits are made, the prints are finished and the frames are crafted. It is a bit like watching a chef at work in an open kitchen. It is all part of the experience, giving you a glimpse of the care that goes into every piece we make.
Around the studio you will find plenty of ideas for how your portraits could look at home. Every piece we create is made to fit your space perfectly, designed to be enjoyed every day and to last for generations.
Our superhero team…
Graham: Photographer & Co-Owner
Graham is the main person you’ll meet when you come in to have your photos taken. He’s a big nerd and has always wanted to be his own boss, originally starting out writing computer software when he was 5 years old. He broke away from this nerdiness in a fit of rebellion and went to drama school in London, before working in theatre as a professional stage manager for a number of years. But it was this drive to be his own boss that made him come back to Northern Ireland and start his journey as a photographer many years ago – now one of Northern Ireland’s most popular. When not working (which trust me, doesn’t happen often!), Graham loves walking Glyn the Dog, is obsessed (like properly!) in the story of the Titanic, loves karaoke and cooking! (You’d know he’s quite the Gordon in the kitchen by his swearing everytime he burns something!)
Graham is also a photography educator – helping other pet photographers reach their goals. His approach is totally different from the rest of the photographic education industry, with an emphasis on honest and blunt advice – cutting through the nonsense. He doesn’t care about awards or exposure. He cares about the experience of the customer. Graham is available for individual consultations, talks, seminars, podcasts, retreats etc.
Hannah: Client Happiness Manager & Co-Owner
Hannah isn’t from Northern Ireland. She’s a blow in (with now quite a discernable ‘faux’ Belfast accent!). Originally from the small village of Ynysybwl in Wales, Graham and Hannah met when he was photographing a wedding she was attending in Italy. It was instant love across the first dance dancefloor. Originally Hannah studied Archaeology at the University of Reading, but being quite OCD gave it up for the less mucky degree of Medieval History. Hannah moved to Belfast in 2010 and they both wed in 2016. Hannah has recently left her own successful career outside of the business in finance, to join the business full-time and head up marketing and client happiness. Hannah is also back at the books and studying for a degree in Business Management & Accounting at the OU.
Glyn the Dog (All Round Good Boy)
Glyn is a dog. To be particular, he is a nine year old Lhasa Apso with roots in Tibet – allbeit he is from North Belfast. He’s unusual in that he goes to work every day with Graham and can often be seen (and sometimes heard!) in the studio. He likes longish walks, food off your plate, fancy threads from Don’t Forget the Dog and old episodes of Blockbusters. When he grows up he would like to pursue a career on stage, possibly appearing on The Rex Factor or Britain’s Got Tailant.
Madison: Everything Social Media & Photo Studio Apprentice
Madison is in charge of everything social. She does the TikTok, the Facebook, the Instagram… and even the Bebo.
Explore our studio… virtually!
Take our virtual tour and be nosey around our gaff from the comfort of your own couch
Places to eat and drink in Belfast
When you're up visiting us, why not make a day of it in Belfast and visit some of these great places to eat and drink:
- Hearth Bar, Ballyhackamore (5 mins from studio)
- Lazy Claire Patisserie (2 mins from studio)
- French Village Bakery (5 mins from studio)
- Bullhouse East (5 mins from studio)
- Ichiban Sushi Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant (Okay, this one is in Newtownards... but is worth the de-tour!)
Things to do in Belfast
When you're up visiting us, why not make a day of it in Belfast and visit some of these great places:
- Titanic Belfast (10 mins from studio)
- The Avenue Cinema (15 mins from studio)
- Prison Island Escape Room (15 mins from studio)
- Dundonald Ice Bowl (15 mins from studio)
- HMS Caroline (10 mins from studio)
Places to Shop in Belfast
When you're up visiting us, why not make a day of it in Belfast and visit some of these great shops:
- Innocent Chaos (5 mins from studio)
- Hunter Paper Co. (10 mins from studio)
- Oh Doggy (Literally across the road!)
- St. George's Market (15 mins from studio)