Get to know me
Hello, I'm Anthea
I’m a Melbourne-based dog photographer with a background that has nothing to do with photography and everything to do with why my sessions work. Years spent training and rehabilitating reactive dogs — including my own fear-aggressive Staffy, Bones Malone — taught me how to read dogs, manage their environment, and create space where they can actually relax. That’s what I bring to every session, alongside the craft to turn those moments into artwork worth keeping.
Not long after I started working seriously with Bones and his reactivity, I realised how few people truly understood dogs like him. Most photographers — even experienced ones — weren’t equipped to read a reactive dog, manage their environment, or adapt when things didn’t go to plan.
When I started Malone Photography I’d already spent years around dogs that most people wouldn’t go near. I’d learned from some of the best in the world, walked and rehabilitated dogs through GRC Melbourne and HonestHounds Neutral Walks, and learned to read dog body language that most people miss entirely.
Picking up a camera felt like a natural extension of that. A way to give dogs like Bones — and the people who love them — something they’d been told, or thought, wasn’t possible for them.
The photography side grew from there. I developed my craft through Unleashed Education, and in my first year of award submissions the results spoke for themselves. Cowboy earned a Silver Distinction with the International Pet Photography Awards. Sarge’s Parliament House session won the Unleashed Education Embark City Slicker challenge and a Bronze Distinction with the IPPA. And then in 2025 Mugi’s autumn session earned a Bronze Distinction with the IPPA, Highly Commended at the Australian Photographic Prize, and an Honourable Mention with the International Photography Awards.
Away from the camera
Currently reading
At least one fantasy, probably a romance, definitely more than one at a time
On Sundays
Training for GRC or enjoying a hike with Bones
Also on the go
More than halfway through my Masters of Education (Digital Education)
Behind the camera
5+ years working with reactive and aggressive dogs, natural light only, love my telephoto lens
Worth knowing
A dog on a lead can still have a beautiful Session
