Alex Cearns OAM is no exception to that AAA-grade category of professional, dynamic, and creative image makers we have had on The Camera Life podcast. While we first caught up with Alex in the lead-up to BFOP 2025 (Bright Festival of Photography), it wasn't until we met in person and our subsequent chat on The Camera Life podcast that we peeled back the layers of this brilliant, funny, business-minded photographer with a profound love of animals and a desire to do her bit to protect them.
As it turns out, Alex’s list of achievements and experiences puts most of us to shame. Granted, I gave her a bit of grief over her absurdly long email signature, which included all the links to her multifaceted work. But it was all in good fun. As boldly stated on her website: “This is Alex Cearns. The most important person you’ll meet this year. Here is why…”. And to her credit, she humbly claims that title as a professional and highly sought-after photographer, ambassador, educator, tour leader, published author, keynote speaker, award-winning creative, and recipient of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). Oh, and she is also a pro movie critic, watching and reviewing hundreds of movies a year under the banner The Popcorn Panel. We are not sure where she finds the time.
Alex Cearns is the Creative Director of pet photography operation Houndstooth Studio, located in Perth, Western Australia. Alex’s profound love and commitment to protecting all animals is at the heart of everything she does. Considered one of Australia’s champions for the welfare of all animals, including animal rescues and wildlife conservation, her signature style celebrates the diversity of Australia’s domestic and wild creatures. As a professional photographer, Alex works with local and international corporate brands to support animal charities and conservation efforts. She received the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2019 for her charitable and philanthropic contributions to animal welfare. But the accolades and acclaim don’t stop there! Alex Cearns is the published author of eight books, a keynote guest speaker, contributor to online and print publications, insightful TV and radio guest, and a multi-award-winning photographer. Beyond that impressive list of outputs, Alex is World Expedition’s first female wildlife photography tour leader and has travelled to countless countries across all seven continents. Given her experience, it’s no surprise to learn that Alex is an ambassador for prominent brands such as Tamron, SanDisk, and Profoto, among others.
Alex Cearns is one of the most business-savvy creatives that I have met in a long time. She is undoubtedly one who has inspired, supported, and championed countless other photographers to build a career with focus, commitment, and a proven strategy to make it work. One of the many successful arms of Alex’s animal-centric brand is The Pet Photography Coach. With a proven track record as a pet and wildlife photographer, Alex has taken all she has learned and bundled it into a package for other keen pet photographers to build a successful business with. The Pet Photography Coach and Business Acceleration Program for Pet Photographers have supported countless clients in establishing a name and brand in the pet photography industry. With global recognition and widespread adoption, Alex’s program is guiding and inspiring the next generation of professionals who photograph your pooch. It’s even got Justin (Lucky Straps Founder) considering a shift in his photographic career.
Given Alex’s professional and creative rap sheet, it’s no surprise that she was invited to BFOP (Bright Festival of Photography) 2025 as a workshop instructor. While we caught up with Alex to conduct a pre-BFOP workshop instructor interview, I had no appreciation of the breadth and depth of Alex’s capabilities, experiences, achievements, or amazing sense of humour until we met in person. Justin (Lucky Straps Founder), Jim (Lucky Straps VP of Customer Experience), and I (Lucky Straps Lacky) had the good fortune of hanging out with Alex during the BFOP weekend. I vividly recall the hysterical conversations I had with Alex about her decision to purchase and subsequently proudly promote a new Lucky Straps leather belt (yes, we make those too!). She rocked that belt like a pro and never hesitated to show it off or encourage others to get one. We thank her for her service. As a first-time BFOP instructor, Alex was a little unsure about what to expect from the infamous weekend of photography, creativity, and shenanigans. Turns out, she had a ball!
“I don’t know if anyone has ever ended up in jail, and if they have, we won’t speak of it. I’ve just heard that it’s a lot of fun. That everyone is pretty much coming for like an adult school camp based on photography. Mum and Dad aren’t there to supervise. It’s a good time. Everyone is really keen.”
While Alex attended BFOP 2026 as a Tamron Ambassador, she also hosted two unique workshops. The Marvellous Macro Meander Masterclass was a close-up macro experience designed to guide photographers in identifying and capturing stunning macro images. Her second workshop, Feathered Focus Foto Fest, was a masterclass in wild bird photography, covering everything from settings to composition. Now that I know the level of energy, capability, and educational support Alex brings to everything she does, I am sure that both workshops were a hit.
As fellow animal lovers, it was a delight to spend time learning Alex’s story, discovering her journey, and celebrating all that she has achieved in the name of animal welfare. And while our interview with Alex hit the three-hour mark, we could have easily spent another three unwrapping even more of her remarkable personality. I couldn’t help but feel more than a little inspired by Alex’s story and her lifelong dedication to all creatures great and small. It’s hard to put into words just how powerful and profound Alex’s contribution is to everything she does. Despite her impressive business acumen, extensive resume, and amazing images, Alex is still seeking ways to expand her brand and reach new audiences with her message.
If you’re unfamiliar with The Camera Life Podcast, be sure to take a look at our YouTube channel for the latest episodes and, of course, our back catalogue of weekly shows. Our shows are also available on popular audio podcast platforms. If you like what you see, please give us a thumbs up, subscribe to The Camera Life, and click on the bell icon to receive notifications of upcoming shows. We host two shows weekly, the first being every Thursday at 9am AEDT (Australia), where we interview amazing guests. The second show, The Random Photography Show, airs every Monday at 7:30 pm AEDT. The Random Photography show is a little random, a little loose, and a lot of fun! Be sure to check them out.
Find Alex Online:
- https://www.houndstoothstudio.com.au/
- https://www.thepetphotographycoach.com.au/
- https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-quokka-s-guide-to-happiness-alex-cearns/book/9780733341090.html
- https://bfopaustralia.podbean.com/e/alex-cearns/
Instagram:
Facebook Groups:
