Who is Zoe the Pet Photographer?

Patient & fun — the perfect mix as a pet photographer

My ‘Heart’ Dog

I didn’t quite know what a ‘heart dog’ was before Lexie

I have had a number of dogs throughout my life and each of them has left paw prints on my heart. Each with their own special personalities and funny quirks that make me smile when I think of them.

Lexie is the friendliest, sweetest little Staffy you ever will meet. She beams when you smile at her and thinks she has a chance for a cuddle. She especially loves belly rubs!

Our bond grew through training, lots of cuddles and play, play, play! Becoming involved in dog sports — agility, disc, obedience and dog tricks — opened a whole new world and helped to build this beautiful relationship I have with Lexie.

Zoe and Lexie, a special connection
Lola the dachshund at the beach
Not Always Dog Friendly — And That’s OK

I understand nervous dogs, because I live with one too

As much as she loves people (especially if you’re wearing Hi-Vis!), like many dogs, Lexie can be temperamental if dogs are too much for her. So I can sympathise with many of you who come to me worried about having your session around other dogs.

It puts you on edge as you don’t know how your dog will react. Rest assured — because I live with this too, I will completely understand and be on the alert with you.

Meeting Zoe over the weekend was amazing! My little dachshund Lola is a little nervous when it comes to strangers and different surroundings. Zoe worked so well with her and let Lola take her time!
Lola’s family
But That’s Enough About Our Relationship…

It’s time to talk about me

  • Dogs before celebritiesI’d reluctantly pass on Keanu Reeves & Johnny Depp behind a kissing booth if there is a dog petting booth nearby.
  • Dog training is a passionLexie opened up a whole new world through agility, canine disc and obedience training — experience I’m so grateful for during photo sessions.
  • Born a makerMy happiest moments are whilst building, crafting or being creative in some way. I dream of building a campervan and exploring the East Coast of Australia, camera in hand, photographing all the doggies.
  • Guilty secretCan you pop over and fold my clothes? I’m your comfy activewear, no make-up, ponytail-wearing kinda gal who hides her pile of washing in a corner of the bedroom.
  • Podcasts & audiobooks changed my lifeCurrently engrossed in fantasy stories about magic & witches — highly recommend the ‘Found Things’ series and the ‘Shadow Chronicles’ by Paula Brackston.
  • My superpowerThe ability to visualise the unseen. My imagination for what ‘can be’ allows me to create magic others don’t see.
Patient & Fun

Your dog sets the pace, always

It’s hard work to sit, stay, and pose like a supermodel when all you want to do is run, sniff and be freeeee! I like to give them plenty of breaks to do just that.

Sometimes dogs can be a little shy and need time to warm up to new people. I often become known as the treat lady as I begin handing out treats whilst clicking my camera offside. Sometimes the camera is scary!

There’s nothing worse than capturing photos of your dog with his tail between his legs or worry across her face. Through years of dog training, I have a few tips and tricks up my sleeve to help persuade your dog to have fun during the photoshoot.

Zoe McGrath, Brisbane pet photographer
Young Zoe having a tea party with Dena the dog
A Lifetime of Dogs

I’ve always been an animal lover

Ever since I can remember, I’ve LOVED animals — especially dogs! I wanted a dog so badly that at 3 years old I essentially ‘borrowed’ Caesar, the dog from down the street, sneaking her out of her backyard to come play. So naughty!

A few years later, I persuaded my grandmother to keep a stray dog I had found. Dena became my partner in crime — she’d play dress-ups, join me for tea parties, and I would tell her all my secrets. Being an only child, she was my best friend for many wonderful years.

I am so grateful I grew up having a dog I could whisper all my secrets to, cry my tears into her fur, and imagine wild stories with as we played for hours in the backyard. I couldn’t imagine my life without a dog in it.

I’ll try my hardest not to take your dog home with me, but given my history, I can’t be making any promises. Haha!

Let’s create something beautiful together

Tell me all about your dog and we’ll plan a session you’ll both love.

Tell Me About Your Dog See How It Works