From dogs to frogs, a day in the life of one of Australia's best pet photographers involves patience, pet food and the ability to talk to animals.
Ken Drake has won numerous photography awards and was last year named AIPP Australian Professional Pet/Animal Photographer of the Year.
But such fame has not led to a life of glamorous overseas photo shoots; instead the Brisbane-based artist spends much of his day lying on the ground at his workshop in Milton.
"I have an unusual technique for a photographer as I hold the camera in one hand as I use my left hand for communicating," he said.
"I'm often down on the floor trying to get photos.
"We got some great shots but he nearly pulled my arm out of my socket."
The former software developer said before pet photography he was constantly travelling for work and was never home long enough to have his own animal.
"I took a few months off and got my first digital camera and a couple of cats and it all connected instantly.
Capturing an animal's personality
Mr Drake said photographing animals successfully involved spending time with them before going into the studio.
He said having food and toys at hand — as well as good conversation — helped capture the animal's personality.
"When an animal comes in I get them moving around, running, jumping and throwing balls around the studios.
Working with children and animals
The saying goes, 'Don't work with children or animals', but Mr Drake said one of his most touching sessions involved both.
The subject was a Jack Russell that had an amputated leg, severe scaring and had beaten numerous cancers.
"I took photos of him with the owner's four-year-old daughter; she was with him in a pink ballet tutu.
"The personality that came through for both of them was absolutely fabulous."
And one of the smallest animals Mr Drake has had to photograph turned out to be one of the most animated.
A rewarding and giving career
Mr Drake said his work was very rewarding, especially when people received their prized photograph.
"It's such a privilege to meet so many lovely personalities that we have in our dog friends and other animals," he said.
"Also seeing the connection people have with their pets is a beautiful thing.
Mr Drake works with the RSPCA regularly and shoots its calendar each year.
He also recently published a book, Paw Traits, with a portion of the sales going to the charity.
"It was so exciting to see my images in a book; all the owners were so excited to have their pets on a page.
"This is why I do what I do, it's my calling and I don't imagine there will ever be a time in my life I won't be photographing animals.
"It's something I'll do right up until the day I die."
