Judith Conning | Joy of Dog by Jude Conning Photography

Diamond Beach, NSW Australia

Joy of Dog by Jude Conning Photography

DIAMOND BEACH PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Diamond Beach is part of a coastal area known as Hallidays Point on the east coast of New South Wales in Australia. It encompasses four dog friendly beaches - Diamond, Redhead, Black Head, and Back Beaches. It’s not uncommon to see dolphins riding the waves and you can even spot Humpback whales as they pass by on their annual migration.

In 2023, Judith Conning joined professional photographers around the globe to make a difference for pets in need with 'Tails of the World'. This unique collaborative project celebrates dogs with an annual coffee table book and our latest volume has raised over $65,000 for animal rescue!

Judith raised US$340 for Sweet Pea Animal Hospital and Rescue with ten Diamond Beach photoshoots. Fringed by bushland, Diamond Beach is a popular off-leash spot for the local dogs (and their people) to meet up. There are several furry faces from Judith's photoshoots who will be recognised by many in the community.

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Champ and Luna

Champ is a 16 month Shitzu/Poodle/MalteseTerrier mix. He's been a beach boy all his life, comes to the beach on his dad's bike, and patiently waits with the towels when his dad is surfing. He has a larrikin old soul wrapped in a young dog's body.
Luna/ lunatic/ looney is 4-year-old Australian red kelpie whose Dad was one of the highest auctioned working dogs at the Casterton Kelpie muster in 2015. She loves chillin' with Champ at Diamond Beach.

Turbo

Turbo is a powerhouse in a tiny body and has no fear of the wild surf. When his Dad is swimming Turbo is keeping a watchful eye and barking out safety instructions.

Jamie

Jamie is a mixed breed (Amstaff, English Staffy, Mastiff, Great Dane) graduate of Sweet Pea Rescue (the nominated rescue for my fundraising) Jamie came to them as a skinny little pup and through the team's love and care he thrived. He's now 4 years old. He still loves to meet up with his rescuers and adores the beach and his doggy friends.

Millie

Millie was a long-term visitor to the beach and everyone loved her. She developed problems with her hind legs but still made her way through the sand until her mum and dad brought her along in a trolley. She was a wonderful example of how our community cares for the dogs and supports their owners. Over the years we've said goodbye to the old ones, welcomed the new ones, and supported those in their grief. She deserves to be in this book.

Murphy

Murphy is one of the "new" kids on the block and being a 4-year-old Border Collie loves sticks, balls, and frisbees. When at home he's dedicated to his soft toys and is usually seen carrying one in his mouth. He also never lets his mum out of his sight.

Odin and Juno

These two lucky Dobermans, Juno, 7 and Odin, 4, Have been rehomed with Chris and Dianne who run a fabulous luxury dog and horse-friendly resort known as Seahorse, it is also wheelchair friendly and set on 3 acres at Diamond Beach. They also enjoy a beach walk most days.

Rosita

This young lady is a Groodle and a supermodel. She visits Diamond Beach regularly and is definitely a beach babe.

Sam and Cara

Two beautiful Maremmas who spent the first half of their lives guarding a flock of sheep on a 50-acre property. At the ages of 8 and 10 they moved with their family to Diamond Beach. After an initial settling-in they finally progressed period of walking on leash and then finally achieved the freedom of the beach. Being typical Maremmas they have never let anyone, except their family, pat them and they faithfully guard the house.

Stella

This lovely girl is 17 years old! She comes to the beach nearly every morning with her dad and then waits for treats to come her way. Her dad often surfs so Stella follows other beachgoers up and down the sand and then takes herself home. Fortunately, that's quite close. Her dad tells me she will often visit neighbours during the day and spends time with them watching TV. Known as the Queen of Diamond Beach.

Sallee

Sallee is 10 years young, loves the surf and happily dives after balls and sticks no matter how wild the waves. She was rescued from a country pound at 5 months and is believed to be a Ridgeback/Kelpie cross. At the time she kept her Dad company after ankle surgery. At 3 years she and her family moved to Diamond Beach and she now moving into her senior years but still hits the beach with youthful, fearless energy.

All images are shared here with the artist’s permission

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Judith Conning is an official photographer for our fundraising book, Tails of the World: Volume Two. You can follow Judith’s pet photography adventures on Instagram, and be sure to check out the Joy of Dog by Jude Conning Photography Website to learn more.

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Purchase your copy of the Tails of the World Book, and enjoy more dog photography and stories from around the globe. 100% of the proceeds of this book go to Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc.

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ABOUT SWEET PEA ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND RESCUE

Sweet Pea is located in Forster, NSW, which is a 30-minute drive from Diamond Beach. It is a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital staffed by skilled and compassionate clinical staff. The independent, self-funded rescue facility is on the same campus and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers The hospital provides medical and nursing care for rescued and surrendered animals so it is a match made in heaven.

VISIT WEBSITE
@sweet_pea_animal_hospital

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

I live in a beautiful place called Diamond Beach which is dog-friendly and leash-free. 6 years ago I started taking photos of my and other people's dogs and discovered an absolute love for animal photography. I've called my business "Joy of Dog" because that's what I see in dogs when they are living the best life. I love both outdoors and studio work. To say I am beyond excited to be invited to participate in this wonderful project is an understatement.

WEBSITE

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