ALEX’S PROFILE
Leader in her niche
‘Dogs Today Magazine’ in the United Kingdom proclaimed our photographer Alex Cearns to be “one of the greatest dog photographers in the world”. That she is, and so much more. Of all the ways we humans connect, some of the strongest bonds for many of us are the bonds we create with our animal friends.
Alex intuitively understands what makes her animal subjects tick. With the magic of her camera, she has the uncanny ability to see into their souls and capture their visual language. By telling her eloquent photographic stories, Alex lovingly shows that the separation between us and our animal friends is very slim. She reminds us to enjoy, rejoice and empathise with every beloved pet and extraordinary sentient being that shares our precious planet.
What is it about Alex that gives her this unique ability? Perhaps the answer lies in her childhood. Alex grew up in the country surrounded by dogs, orphaned bottle-fed lambs, rescued joeys, rabbits and reptiles. Any creature in need of rehabilitation was welcome in Alex’s world and offered a safe haven in her family’s kitchen. Animals became her best friends and she developed a magical way to communicate with them, something she carries through today.
Animal Photography Specialist
Alex’s point of view is set squarely on the animal kingdom. She creates remarkable portraits of around 1300 animals each year – from dogs, cats, reptiles, rats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, horses, goats, and sheep … to bilbies, penguins, possums, monkeys, bears, tigers and elephants.
Her four strongest aims are to:
- capture uplifting and positive images that evoke a heartfelt connection between the viewer and her subject
- celebrate the unique personalities of beloved ‘fur kids’ for their parents
- be a vocal advocate of animal rescue – to speak for those who can’t, and to
- provide excellence in everything she does as a professional photographer.
With fifteen years of dedication to professional animal photography, she is an undisputed leader in her niche.
Awards and Accolades
Alex has won more than 350 awards for photography, business and philanthropy. Her deep, long-term commitment to philanthropy and her advocacy for animal rescue and wildlife conservation was distinguished with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours List 2019 from the Council for the Order of Australia for her service to the community through charitable organisations. Her images have appeared in countless Australian and international media publications, on book covers, in magazines and in advertising campaigns. They’ve been published in an Australia Post stamp collection, featured on sleepwear ranges by Peter Alexander Pajamas as part of an ongoing collaboration, and included in the ‘Best Dog Photographs in the World’ series by UK magazine Dog’s Today for more than 36 consecutive months.
Philanthropy and advocacy for animal rescue and wildlife conservation
Alex is deeply committed to the well-being of all creatures great and small, and she is considered one of Australia’s most passionate champions and voices for animal rescue and wildlife conservation. Inspiring others with her joy of working with animals, Alex’s commitment includes partnering with or providing sponsorship to, around 40 animal charity and conservation organisations.
Influence
Alex’s exquisite photography, active philanthropy and passionate advocacy for rescue and conservation have earned her high regard among animal lovers. Her social media influence includes a strong following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
She is a Pro Team Ambassador for Tamron’s Super Performance Series Lenses in Australia and the United States, and Brand Ambassador for Profoto, BenQ, Spider Camera Holster and Seagate Technology.
Books
A published author, Alex is currently signed to leading publisher ABC Books/Harper Collins Australia. Her hotly anticipated ‘Perfect Imperfection’ was released in March 2018. Please click here for information on how to order. Her book ‘Zen Dogs’, was published in October 2016 by Harper Collins New York. Her books ‘Mother Knows Best – Life Lessons from the Animal World’ and ‘Joy, A Celebration of the Animal Kingdom’ were both published in 2014 by Penguin Books Australia. In 2015 she collaborated as the photographer of ‘Things Your Dog Wants You to Know’ released by Penguin Books Australia.
Keynote Speaking
Alex is an accomplished and inspirational public speaker. She uses warmth, humour and uplifting visual storytelling to engage her audience with her passions for photography, animal rescue and wildlife conservation. She is a popular guest speaker at photography events, conferences, expos, camera clubs, women’s groups and corporate functions. Not afraid to step out from behind the lens, she’s appeared on Channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise and Today Tonight programs, on Channel 10’s Studio 10 and on news programs in WA, South Australia and Tasmania. Alex is a regular guest on the WA-produced TV show ‘The Couch’ and has been interviewed on Mix 94.5’s Drive Show, 6PR, 96fm, Nova 93.7 and ABC Radio National. She also appeared in an episode of ’60 Second Docs’, which was viewed by over 9 million people.
Global Travel
Alex is the first female professional photography tour leader for global travel company World Expeditions. Her sell-out annual wildlife tours have taken her to some of the world’s most exciting animal destinations and she has ticked off all 7 continents on her travels.
Houndstooth Studio
When you come to Houndstooth Studio, you and your pet will receive the full benefit of Alex’s exceptional experience, her intuitive animal handling expertise and Houndstooth Studio’s full commitment to client satisfaction.
Please join our Facebook community here to see more of what Alex does and how she does it. We look forward to welcoming you and your furred, feathered, finned or fanged friends into our studio soon.