What two things have always brought me the most joy in life?

Animals & photography!

​

I have always been absolutely crazy about dogs. Like seriously obsessed. And photography has been a big part of my life since I got my first SLR camera at 12 years old. So to be able to bring my two passions together by doing pet photography is the ultimate dream come true! However, I never thought I could turn it into my job, and originally pushed it aside thinking it would only ever be a hobby, and that I should probably focus on getting a “real job”. Silly me.

 

Originally, I had convinced myself that screen production would suit me as a career option. I have always been a visually creative person and all the fun behind-the-scenes TV and movie stuff appealed to me throughout High School. So I began a three year degree at Massey University majoring in Media Studies, with the intention of going to film school after graduating. 

 

During my three years at uni I had a part time job as a dog handler, working at Sharrow Boarding Kennels, out in West Auckland. I have always just had a natural knack for interacting with dogs, but working there honed my dog skills and intuition even more. Thankfully they tend to love me, just as much as I love them (thank god!). 

 

That’s where it all began. I started wondering how I could ever move on to a job which didn’t involve dogs. How would I survive out there in the real world if I wasn’t constantly surrounded by these beautiful, hilarious, goofy and loving littles monsters 100% of the time? My heart won the race, and left my brain in the dust. I had to take the risk and focus my life on my passion, otherwise I just wouldn’t be happy.

 

Film school didn’t eventuate after I left uni. Instead, I worked full time at the kennels for two years while considering what my next move would be. It had to involve dogs, and it had to satisfy my need to be creative. There was only one option. Pet photography. My family’s dogs had always been my favourite subject to photograph. Imagine doing that professionally?! So began Dog&Co. At first I was doing it part time, while remaining at the kennels for a reliable income. Then it grew, and my confidence in my decision to pursue it grew. Two years later it is almost my full time job (there's always room for growth and improvement!). I can actually call myself a professional pet photographer. What!? I have never been so happy. And I even still do the odd casual day at the kennels. They can’t get rid of me. The more dogs I get to cuddle, the better.

​