Photographer in line for top award
On any given day, Alex Cearns might have giant rare dogs, baby wombats, fairy penguins or even scorpions in her studio.
Such is the life of being one of Australia's leading wildlife photographers.
"I get to hug different animals every day so it's kind of cool," Perth-based Cearns said.
But the "icing on the cake" of the former police officer's dream job is her place on Australian Geographic's ANZANG nature photographer of the year short list, an award that drew more than 1400 entries from photographers in 13 countries.
It's the latest accolade in a long list for Cearns over the seven years she has been operating and being praised for her ability to connect with animals and produce unique images.
She said the key to a great shot was to make friends with the critters through toys or treats and then keep calm while watching their actions.
"The pictures are usually taken in split seconds and it's about just letting the animal do what it wants and just grabbing those beautiful shots as they come," Cearns said.
She cites Max, the "funny and naughty" wombat in her ANZANG entry, as a memorable model and also twin Tasmanian devil joeys she met on a conservation trip to Hobart last year.
Cearns will release a book, Mother Knows Best, on April 23 that showcases the bonds between animals and their young.
