A Day to Remember: Olly and I Step From Still to Seen

Back in February, my little Jack Russell terrier Olly and I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a truly unique photoshoot with photographer Rayh. The session was part of her new creative project, From Still to Seen, and it turned out to be an experience I’ll treasure for years to come.

As an author, moments like these are rare gifts. Over the last ten years I’ve been lucky enough to publish a number of books, but this shoot was about something deeper. It was about celebrating the journey, the creativity, and the little dog who inspired me. Olly, of course, is the heart of my Olly The Jack stories, and being able to capture a moment in time with him felt incredibly special.

Meeting Rayh and Her Team

From the moment we arrived, Rayh and her team made us feel instantly welcome. Their warmth and calm energy helped both Olly and me relax right away, no small feat when I have anxiety at the best of times, and Olly was a little nervous being somewhere new too!

Rayh is the founder of Iris Art Tech, where she blends photography, storytelling, and innovative technology to create immersive artistic experiences. Seeing a little behind the scenes of her process — and hearing about her past exhibitions like The Post-Pandemic Exhibition and HAIR — gave me a real appreciation for how much thought and care goes into her work.

What Is From Still to Seen?

From Still to Seen is a portrait and storytelling project for artists, creatives, and dreamers.

The idea is beautifully simple and powerful:Rayh creates photographic portraits layered with sound and augmented reality. When a portrait is scanned, the artist’s own voice tells their story, reflections on creativity, persistence, and the journey behind the work.

The project is supported by Innovate UK, as it explores new ways creatives can document their work, humanise technology, and develop storytelling tools others can use in their own communities.

What I loved most was Rayh’s philosophy: honesty over polish, process over outcome, and participation over observation. It felt meaningful to be part of something that values real stories and shared authorship.

Our Time in the Studio

Olly and I quickly got comfortable in front of the camera. The session began with an interview, where we talked about my writing journey, Olly’s role in inspiring the books, and what creativity means to me.

Then came the photos, mostly of Olly and me together, others with his books. Watching Olly pose (and occasionally attempt to steal the spotlight!) made the whole experience joyful and memorable. Trying to get us to both look at the camera at the same time was Rayh’s biggest challenge (what do they say, never work with kids and animals). Olly certainly lived up to his “Diva” nickname, and was more interested in being nosy than posing … but Rayh convinces me we got some great shots.

We were in the studio just over an hour, but honestly, we could have stayed much longer in such a fun and friendly environment.

Why It Meant So Much

As writers, we often spend our time behind the computer screne. Seeing our journey reflected through photography and storytelling was incredibly moving. This wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about honouring the path that brought us here.

Most of all, it was about celebrating Olly — my companion, my inspiration, and the star of my stories.

Looking Ahead

Our official portrait will be part of a photobook created from the From Still to Seen project, and I can’t wait to see how Rayh’s vision unfolds. Knowing our story will sit alongside other creatives’ journeys makes it even more special.

I’m so grateful to Rayh and her team for such a thoughtful, inspiring experience — and to Olly, for being the best little muse an author could ask for.

✨ You can find more information about Rayh’s work and the project at: https://www.irisarttech.co.uk/about

You can also keep an eye on my social media pages where I will post updates on the project once more become available... and especially the final portrait of myself and Olly!

If you ever get the chance to be part of a creative project like this, take it. Capture the moment. Celebrate the journey. And if you’re lucky, bring your little four-legged co-author along too 🐾