JOY

Photographs of animals from around the world that will lift your spirits and warm your heart - for those who love our non-human friends and who care about their welfare.

Animals bring us joy. When we look into their eyes, see the connections they forge or simply experience the joy they have in their play, it lifts our spirits immeasurably. Expert animal photographer Alex Cearns - author of Mother Knows Best - has captured special moments that show what animals bring to our lives.

Here you'll find a whole menagerie of beautiful images - from the intricate beauty of a bird's wing and the characterful face of a baby wombat to the exuberance of a dog playing with bubbles.

Alex also shares some of the funny, heart-warming and joyful stories of animals she has met along the way - from the wild pig that just wanted a cuddle to the rescue dog that beat the odds. From the littlest lizard and the craftiest cats to the soulful majesty of elephants, Alex's photographs are a reminder that we need to look after the welfare of our animal friends.

Passionate animal lover Alex Cearns is a pet and wildlife photographer who specialises in crafting exquisite animal portraits under her brand Houndstooth Studio. She has won more than fifty Australian and international photographic awards and her images have appeared in press and online media, books, magazines, cards, calendars and advertising campaigns. Inspired by the joy of working with animals and her endless fascination with their individuality, Alex strives to capture each subject's character and spirit in every portrait. She photographs around 1300 animals per year. Alex lives in Western Australia with her partner and their beloved cats and dogs.