Annnnddd that's a Wrap for 2022

Well it’s almost the end of the year and what a successful first year in business it has been!

We had been travelling Australia for almost 2 years when we found Albany. We were searching for a beautiful country/coastal town to get settled again. Albany was PERFECT. We purchased our house Dec 2021.

We came from South Australia and our family and friends are still in SA. We’ve had moments of intense homesickness and we are looking forward to seeing those loved familiar faces for Christmas this year after almost 2 years away.

We know we have made the right choice living in Albany, because this Southern part of WA really is very magical. We pinch ourselves when we bask in the natural beauty that is Albany, especially at sunrise or sunset. We truly love our new home!

There’s something about the turquoise water, the squeaky white sand, and the many beaches. There’s stunning cliffs, so many hiking trails, Midds, Yorks, the lookouts, the warm and friendly community. There’s the country feel to the place with an economy big enough to support business and sustain employment. There’s the convenience of having everything you need while still feeling like a Country town. What’s not to love?!

I have been a photographer for years, dabbling in all sorts of genres. But I loved Pet photography the most and did this as a side hustle for many years, alongside my role as a dog trainer and even when I worked in mining.

I do have experience in running my own business, as I ran my dog training business in Adelaide for 9 years, Nutts About Mutts Dog Training. I had over 6000 clients in that time and I am forever grateful to have been a part of early learning for many dogs in the northern Adelaide suburbs.

I launched my business in Albany, March 2022 and have been kept busy ever since, photographing beautiful pets and providing memories and art for many families in Albany, Mt Barker, Denmark and surrounding areas.

I have reached out to make many connections with pet related businesses in Albany. Many I frequent to keep my own boys fed, healthy and looking their best. It is so nice to support other local businesses and to be supported by them. There are some really hard working, truly caring and genuine folks running businesses in Albany - the same reliable faces, day in, day out. It makes me proud to have moved to such a welcoming, friendly community.

I have volunteered this year with the Albany All Breeds Dog Club and it has been an absolute buzz to be back running classes again. The Albany dog training community have been especially welcoming to a newbie and I would like to especially thank Donna, Thea, Chantelle, Vicki, Amy, Michelle and Delia and Joe for making us feel so welcome. But of course the whole club has been incredible.

When putting images together for this blog, I was so saddened to remember that some of the animals I have photographed have crossed the Rainbow Bridge since our shoot. Devastatingly some of these animals were not old. I am so honoured to create everlasting memories of very special family members. I know pawrents will look back on these images fondly.

If your dog is unwell or elderly, I am more than happy to fit you into an emergency booking. I will do whatever I can to get a tribute shoot in wherever I can - even working on my only day off. So if you need it, please contact me straight away. We can do morning shoots and I can photograph your dog in your home.

So what’s happening in 2023?

2023 will see us working with two main animal rescues in Albany. Albany Animal Welfare and All 4 Hooves.

We will be running an exciting calendar competition that will help raise money for these amazing local animal charities. I can’t wait to be working with rescues again and raising money to help cats, dogs and horses in need.

We will be running Limited Edition sessions for Christmas in July - we NEVER do mini sessions. So if you want your dog(s) photographed with a stunning Christmas Scene with 50 Christmas Cards to gift to your friends and family, you won’t want to miss this!

We are hoping to be event ready in the New Year too, so when you are attending events around Albany, please do stop in and say hi! We have so much planned for 2023.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my clients from 2022, I have really loved photographing your animals and creating memories for you. I truly love what I do and consider myself blessed to be able to continue to work in jobs that feed my soul.

I wanted to sign off letting you know that we will be closing for Christmas soon and will be back shooting in week 3 of January 2023.

May you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends this Christmas. This time of year can be really tough on some. Check in with those you know and make sure everyone is doing ok. If you know someone who might be alone or lonely, please catch up with them and make sure they are ok.

Lastly, make sure you show love to Vet staff, First Responders, Hospitality and Retail workers at this time of year - they are working hard when others might be enjoying their time off. See you in the New Year. xoxoxo