Annabel Osborne

Dog stars steal the show at Bondi Beach

From Scarlett, ‘Queen of Bondi’, to opera star, Oscar, amazing dogs will be celebrated with a heart-warming new photo exhibition as part of the Head On Photo Festival.

Ten stunning dog portraits will line Bondi Beach promenade capturing the spirit of dogs in Woman’s Best Friend by photographer, Annabel Osborne, from November 2021 - end of January 2022.

Bondi photographer and filmmaker, Annabel Osborne, has 25 years’ experience shooting from Centennial Park to the Amazon jungle, but photographing dogs is her ‘happy place’. 

“I’ve always felt that dogs are nature’s greatest gift to us humans. By our sides for our greatest joys and deepest heartbreaks, somehow, they help us become the best version of ourselves. They’re like smiling superheroes in furry coats, and that’s how I love to portray them.” Annabel said.

“The portraits may look serene but capturing them can be challenging. Speaking fluent doggo is vital to keep the dog stars focused and smiling. Things never go to plan, but that’s part of the fun.”

Each portrait has a unique back-story with photos to be installed at dog-height along Bondi Beach Promenade for both canines and humans to enjoy. Ms Osborne, owner of Bondi Beach photography studio, Call of The Wild Pet Photography, said the exhibition is, “a tribute to the pure joy of dogs, who heal our hearts in so many ways”.

The portraits include, Scarlett (pictured) the Dachshund-Staffy cross, a starving street dog who slept on Bondi Beach. A local artist, Catherine, and the community took Scarlett under their wing. Each day Scarlett would visit local shops and restaurants for food including 5-star fine-dining at Sean’s. She became the Doggo ‘Queen’ of Bondi Beach, never going hungry again.

“Scarlett was my Doggo God-daughter and visited me every few days through lockdown. She gave me comfort, laughter and unconditional love. Like so many dogs around the planet during Covid, she became a little furry lifesaver. I’m so grateful she was there,” Annabel said.

 The Head On Photo Festival is Australia’s premier photography event and a world-leading art festival. This year’s exhibition will feature 751 photographers, with Bondi Beach Promenade and Paddington Reservoir Gardens as the major venues.

Annabel uses different creative techniques to elevate the dogs from the ‘every day’.  An ultra-wide-angle lens and low angle make the dogs seem larger than life. Deep depth-of-field brings out every detail of their natural setting.

Ms Osborne also shoots stills for film and TV, and fine-art landscapes. She is developing LUCKY DOG, a feature film based on a true story about an oddball Sydney family who can’t get along. When their Staffy, Lucky, is stolen, they must learn to work together to get her back. For more information about Annabel’s work: https://www.annabelosborne.com/