"Animals are more than ever a test of our character, of mankind’s capacity for empathy and for decent, honorable conduct and faithful stewardship. We are called to treat them with kindness, not because they have rights or power or some claim to equality, but in a sense because they don’t; because they all stand unequal and powerless before us." ― Matthew Scully

 

My love of animals and photography were two passions I shared with my father.  Our family pets taught me about life, love and myself. I was and still am emotionally attached to all my pets with what feels like a magnetic and connected closeness to all. 

My father was a photographer and I cherished my childhood weekends learning about photography and film. It was about the magic & the unlimited creativity. Telling stories by freezing moments in time, captivated me.

Today I combine my two loves, my two passions as an Animal photographer. When I am photographing an Animal it doesn't feel like work, it's part of who I am. When I look through the lens I see them but most importantly I feel them. This is a labour of love, time stands still, it sustains my soul….

 

 

Experience

 It was to my fathers shared skills that I owe my true inspiration to take up a serious photographic career. I would stay in my dark room for hours, carefully learning the skills required, developing and printing images captured on the streets of Sydney from inner to suburban city.

In my final year at school I won the top Art prize, and my photography submission was chosen to tour around Australia as part of the Art Express exhibition.

It was hard to get work as a photographers assistant, opportunities were rare and in those days it was literally knocking on doors. I started my photography apprenticeship first with well-known Fashion photographer Patrick Jones, and after a period of time moved on to work with established Architectural photographer Michael Nicholson. From there I was photography assistant to Quentin Bacon, who was photographing for Vogue magazine, covering Lifestyle and Food. Much time was spent on location, a demanding experience requiring much preparation, organisation & patience.

After a period of time London called, and I began working with Food photographer Chris Knaggs. Soon after, it was clear that freelancing was a calling and I ended up working for a number of different well known London-based photographers. It was an exciting time to be in London, the era of ‘the Brand’ where heady advertising budgets created great photographic opportunities.

After some time I returned to Australia, and for various reasons ended up in Dubai with many Animals including 2 horses. One day I was casually asked to photograph an equestrian event & since then I have n't looked back. I bring to my work a new perspective after years of experience, travel, challenges and personal growth. 

Please browse my Gallery pages for a full range of my work.

 

 

 

 

Giving back

As part of my giving-back focus, I have worked with rescue charity K9Friends Dubai photographing for their calendars. All our family pets are adopted or personal rescues. Some of them are featured on my Gallery pages, dogs: Betty, Ava, and our cats: Charlotte and Garfield.

 
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K9 FRIENDS CALENDAR

These are some of the dogs I photographed for the Animal Rescue Charity K9 Friends annual calendar.

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