A local pet photographer from Forest Lake has achieved international fame, securing seven gold awards and three honourable mentions at the London Photography Awards for her skill in capturing the unique character of pets.
The achievement occurred recently, marking the first time the Forest Lake studio has entered this prestigious global competition. Julie Brown, who leads the photography sessions at the local studio, began her career with no professional experience just four years ago. She honed her craft under the guidance of studio founder Anne Neiwand, who expanded her own landscape photography background to include a dedicated focus on animals.
The recognition from the London-based panel serves as a major milestone for the small business. The awards program is designed to highlight exceptional talent in the photography industry across the world, specifically looking for artists who demonstrate creativity in their work.
One of the most successful entries for the studio was a portrait of a food-motivated dachshund named Gnocchi, which captured the dog’s intense focus and was titled “Anticipation.”
The process behind the images involves much more than just a camera. Brown credits much of the success to a collaborative effort within the team. Her husband, Michael, plays an essential role as a wrangler during the sessions. He works to help animals feel at ease, particularly those that arrive feeling nervous or shy.
According to the team, many pets that are initially hesitant around men quickly grow to trust Michael, often becoming quite attached to him by the end of the session.
For Brown, the most rewarding aspect of the work is the emotional connection formed with the animals and their owners. She finds joy in observing the transition of timid pets into confident subjects who are happy to engage and play. The positive feedback from the local community remains a primary motivator, with the studio maintaining a strong reputation among pet owners in the region. The team intends to continue participating in the international awards circuit in the future to keep pushing their creative boundaries.
Published Date 06-July-2026
