Page 52 - Australian Photography Dec 2020

STYLE
Cearns style of photography is very deliberate – in the studio she shoots on a white or black background, with the intention of showing the viewer “everything” of the animal. There are no distractions – just the animal in its purest, cleanest form.
This is something that comes from her background in photographing rescue animals – the right photograph of the right animal at the right time can mean the difference between an adoption or a donation, or awareness being raised.
Interestingly, this minimalist style is also some- thing she aims for when working outside the stu- dio, where she often finds herself favouring clean, unobtrusive backgrounds.
“My wildlife photography is often very clean and simple, and I use natural elements such as grass and sky for my backgrounds. I don’t like man-made elements in my images and often aim for a solo portrait rather than a group shot or action shot,” she says.
THE GIFT
At the heart of everything Cearns does is the idea of giving back. It’s clear her charitable work is a hugely important part of who she is, but it’s also remarkable when you consider she not only runs a busy photogra- phy business, but also works as a business coach and mentor, is a published author, keynote speaker, an ambassador for a number of photographic brands, and acts as a judge for many photography competitions, including our own Photographer of the Year and The Mono Awards.
In total, she partners with, or provides sponsorship to around 40 animal charity and conservation organ- isations around the world, and in 2019 was recog- nised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day honours list for her service to the community through charitable organisations. Of all her interests, it’s this she will not compromise on.
“Let me put it this way: if I couldn’t do all the beauti- ful things [having my own] business allows me to do for charity, I wouldn’t photograph people’s pets. My driving interest in doing this job is it allows me to give back to char- ity. I’ve always thought if I can support them, I should.”
Cearns is quick to confirm the old saying that charity begins at home.
“You don’t have to be a pet photographer to give back to charity – it could be just about any professional service – you could put out a call on social media for towels or blankets, or stand there rattling a tin at a donation drive. There’s lots of different things people can do. I’m just very blessed that my day job and my passions align.” ❂
PROFILE: ALEX CEARNS
LEFT: This
kelpie x dog was photographed in front of Uluru. I had to lie on the bitumen road and photograph up using a 24-70mm lens to ensure
I captured Uluru in the background. There are several sacred sites on the rock, which are forbidden to be photographed
– one is behind the dog and the other
is out of shot on the left hand side. I had this image in my mind’s eye before
I visited and was thrilled I was able
to make it happen. Canon EOS-1D X, 24-70mm f/2.8 lens @ 31mm. 1/6400s @ f2.8, ISO 640.
THE QUOKKA’S GUIDE TO HAPPINESS
Alex Cearns’s latest book, The Quokka’s Guide to Happiness, showcases the unique West Australian native marsupial and is the result of more than six months photographing in the beautiful wilds of Rottnest Island. Published by Harper Collins, the 144-page book is
out from December 2. Find out more at harpercollins.com.au.
| 52 | DECEMBER 2020 | AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM