MEET CAITLIN
Photographer. Author. Educator.
Animal Advocate. Mum
Carrier of dog treats + Snuggler of kittens
PHOTOGRAPHER
I was always going to be a photographer. It’s my love language - in moments of joy, my instinct has always been to reach for my camera.
It’s that instinct that lead me to start winning awards and exhibiting my work internationally by the age of 18. I studied fashion photography in New York and Melbourne. Photographing beautiful models was fun, but deep down I was aching for something more. More meaningful, more passionate, more SOUL.
And so, in 2010, I launched Ragamuffin Pet Photography. Twelve years later, my days are spent creating soulful portraits for pet lovers, and I couldn't be happier!
AUTHOR
I published my first book, Tails of Melbourne, back in 2015. Since then, I've published four more fundraising coffee table books: Tails of Tasmania, Tails of Friendship, Tails of Adoption, and Pug Hugs & Wrinkled Love.
I'm currently working on my sixth book, Short & Sweet, filled with the adorable and hilarious dachshunds of Melbourne!
You can purchase copies of my book from the Online Bookstore
EDUCATOR
I have the best job in the world - but it took many years to get here. That's why I am so passionate about sharing my knowledge.
In 2018, I co-founded the International Pet Photographers Club, connecting thousands of photographers around the world.
My educational specialities are coaching photographers on how to grow a heartfelt business and teaching pet owners how to take better photos
ADVOCATE
I am a passionate advocate for animals in need and have raised over $20,000 for animal rescue charities with my books and calendars.
In 2016, I founded the Tails of the World Collective .
The Collective is made up of professional photographers from all around the world, all fundraising by publishing their own "Tail of . . ." books in their cities.
To date, we have raised over $200,000 for charity!
MUM
Finally, I am proud mama to two scruffy dogs, Lyra and Maple, one rescued cat named William, Hufflepuff Lizardnardo the Bearded Dragon (Puff for short) AND my small humans, Oliver and Brody.
Lyra is my soul dog. Ragamuffin quite literally would not exist without her.
She taught me to slow down, showed me the beauty in the unconditional love & loyalty of dogs and convinced me to spend my life celebrating that for other pet lovers.
She is my first baby, my scruffy ragamuffin, my girl.
“What’s the key to a successful pet photoshoot? Patience and love.”
Being a good pet photographer is a little bit about the photography, creativity and knowing your craft. But it’s a lot about the pet. Our ultimate goal is to create images that captures the essence of your pet. Their soul, their personality, what makes them unique. Images that make you smile wide and say to yourself “Oh my god, that’s so them!”
In order to do this, I pour myself into connecting with the animal I am photographing. Forgive me a moment if I sound soppy (or even a bit nutty), for this is the simple truth. I can chit chat and change exposure, measure my light and location scout, but really what I’m doing at all times is carefully, intensely, getting to know your dog. Reading their expressions. Matching their energy. Coaxing out the confidence of a nervous boy, or happily meeting an excited girl in her enthusiasm.
Every movement I make, every word I say, is me trying to communicate “Hi, I am a friend. I see you. I appreciate you. Please, let me know you.”
It is my greatest honour to enjoy and share in even the tiniest part of the lives of so many dogs.
“Caitlin is the most patient photographer I have ever worked with, I would highly recommend her. Every family that we have sent to Ragamuffin Pet Photography have been amazed by her ability to connect with their children and dogs and to have captured the special bond a child shares with their companion or assistance dog.”