I Photographed This Boxer Dog Holding His Favorite Things (13 Pics)

I first photographed Dozer when he was a tiny puppy so have known him how whole life. He is a sweet boy with a playful personality who is loyal to his family and friends. It’s always fun photographing Dozer as he loves being in front of the camera. 

My lifelong love of animals came well before my love of photography and began during my formative years in outback Australia where my father was a sheep shearer and wool valuer. As an only child, my constant companions were my dogs, guinea pigs, horses, rabbits and bottle-fed lambs. My family had a great regard for Australian wildlife and I often helped my mother rescue and care for a wide array of injured kangaroo joeys, birds and other creatures until they could be released back into their natural habitat.

Photography became a serious passion in 2006. On occasion I’d used a point-and-shoot camera and film camera until then, but when a friend showed me the scope of digital photography I was hooked. Never one to do things by halves, I spent every spare moment studying photographic literature, and practicing the craft on my own pets, those of friends and family, as well as farm animals and wildlife. I tried a few other genres such as landscapes and people, but animals enthralled me more than any other subject. Within a short period of time, I knew animals would be the focus of my lens.

I’m very clear on why I get out of bed each day to take photographs. I want to show people how beautiful animals are through images and support, promote and endorse, animal rescue.

Philanthropy is a huge part of my business philosophy and one of my driving passions. I work pro bono with dozens of animal rescue charities, sanctuaries or shelters, by providing images, sponsorship and conducting major fundraising projects every year. To be honest, I wouldn’t take photos at all if I couldn’t use photography to give back to animal charities in some way. I see pet photography as my day job – it’s an awesome day job, but it’s what I do to earn the majority of my income – whereas my charity work is my passion, and I’m blessed that my day job gives me the leverage (the funds and time) to conduct animal charity projects, either close to home or overseas.

Every charity project I undertake is about improving the lives of animals. Knowing I can help make a difference to the lives of rescue animals is a huge motivation for me. The right image viewed by the right person can mean a dog is re-homed, a donation is made, or the media will run a story that increases awareness or raises public concern for a cause that directly affects the welfare of the animal.

A very important goal of mine is to continue to do whatever I can to promote and support effective animal rescue and conservation organizations, be it dog rescue, bear rescue, or tiger rescue, through my images. There are so many species that need help right now and so many great animal organizations that need help.

I know that many people feel as passionately as I do about animals and conservation. If ever there was a time to step up for those who don’t have a voice, it is now. The more we share information and discuss issues, the sooner we can all act to help create change.

No matter where you live, there will be an animal rescue organization dedicated to making a difference to the lives of rescue animals. I would love to see more people becoming involved with a charity that resonates with their own personal ethics and compassion. All effective organizations welcome support via donations, attending fundraising events, volunteering or maybe even becoming a foster carer for domestic pets or farm animals.