01 SUNSET AT THE BEACH
Alex spent a relaxing evening by the coast in south-west England, photographing Penny the Dalmatian playing in the sea during a beautifully colourful sunset
Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Exposure 1/2500 sec, f/3.2, ISO160
HELLO ALEXANDRA. Tell us about your journey. How did you get into pet photography? In my mid-teens, I would often take pictures of my own pets and those of my family and friends. I’ve always loved and been fascinated by pets and wildlife. However, it wasn’t until my last year of university that I discovered my true passion for pet photography. For my final project, I decided to combine my love for animals and photography by capturing dogs in beautiful landscapes, and spending hours planning and creating each shoot. After graduating, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in pet photography. I started by researching the industry and learning as much as I could about the art of capturing animals on camera. I also joined supportive groups for pet photographers, which helped me connect with other professionals in the field. To gain more experience and build my portfolio, I organized model calls and offered my services to friends and family. Over time, my skills and reputation grew.
02 DALMATIAN IN THE SUNFLOWERS
Alex sometimes uses her Canon macro lens for dog portraiture; here, the 100mm focal length at f/3.5 lends itself perfectly to a profile shot of Vinnie
Lens Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Exposure 1/1000 sec, f/3.5, ISO250
What was studying photography at university like?
My university course provided me with the freedom to learn and grow as a photographer while connecting with other like-minded individuals who also shared my passion. It enabled me to explore a wide range of genres and techniques. We had access to professional-grade equipment and facilities, which allowed us to experiment with different types of work, such as film and studio. In the end, studying photography at university lay the foundation for my future career.
Did you have any mentors who