Pauliina Saarinen, a Duncan based pet photographer, is a top dog among 32 finalists of the International Photographic Competition in the Pets and Domestic Animals category for one of her photos of a family dog that was captured in a beautiful location at a local forest park.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 a nature lover. I want to capture the beauty of Vancouver Island landscapes in my pet photography,B次元官网网址� said Saarinen. B次元官网网址淚 found the e-mail in my junk mailbox and was about to hit delete when I clued in what the message said. I almost missed the news. ItB次元官网网址檚 a great feeling to be included among the finalists in this prestigious international competition. If my image advances in the competition, IB次元官网网址檒l celebrate it but, in my mind, I have already won.B次元官网网址�

This esteemed competition is organized by Professional Photographers of America, and will culminate in a live event in Louisville, Kentucky on Jan. 27, where, through four more rounds of judging, finalists will be narrowed down to the category winner. While Saarinen wonB次元官网网址檛 be making the trip to Kentucky, she is excited to tune in online and follow real-time updates on their website. To view the finalists visit .

Saarinen said that photographing pets and wildlife has been a longtime hobby of hers and in 2020 she started her pet photography career as a full-time professional.

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B次元官网网址淚 travel all over Vancouver Island to photograph mostly dogs and their people B次元官网网址� but also cats, horses, and other pets,B次元官网网址� said Saarinen. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 the best job in the world! I love to create deeply personal art for my clientB次元官网网址檚 homes.B次元官网网址�

Earlier this year SaarinenB次元官网网址檚 images were awarded in the International Pet Photographer of the Year competition B次元官网网址� the largest photography competition that showcases talent within the pet photography industry. Receiving more than 2,200 entries from across the globe, two of SaarinenB次元官网网址檚 submissions were among the contestB次元官网网址檚 top 100.

B次元官网网址淧ets arenB次元官网网址檛 the easiest subjects to photograph so many people choose to leave the job to the professional,B次元官网网址� said Saarinen.

When SaarinenB次元官网网址檚 work isnB次元官网网址檛 being regarded as the catB次元官网网址檚 pajamas in photography competitions she uses her award-winning talent to make a difference in the community. Along with the proceeds from three contests sheB次元官网网址檚 entered, Saarinen has produced a series of Vancouver Island Dogs Calendars B次元官网网址� raising nearly $100,000 over three years for the Vancouver Island charity Operation Freedom Paws Canada based in Fanny Bay. This charity, is an important one as it matches rescue dogs with people needing a service dog, and provides support and training to certify them as Service Dog Teams under the BC Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a great feeling to be able to help. I want to put my photography to work for the common good,B次元官网网址� said Saarinen. B次元官网网址淥peration Freedom Paws Canada rescues both ends of the leash and offers a lifeline program for their clients. IB次元官网网址檓 pleased to donate my time and effort to this small but mighty charity. I couldnB次元官网网址檛 have raised that money without the support of generous sponsors on Vancouver Island and beyond. They have donated fantastic prizes for the contest. ItB次元官网网址檚 the combined efforts that create the biggest impact.B次元官网网址�

Saarinen has created three calendars for OFP Canada to date from 2022-2024. The 2024 Vancouver Island Dogs calendar is available for purchase through the charityB次元官网网址檚 website at . The Vancouver Island Dogs 2025 calendar contest will launch on March 19. The contest is open to all dogs on Vancouver Island. If you want to get your dog in the contest follow Pauliina Saarinen Photography on Facebook and Instagram or contact her through her website at where you will see her portfolio of pets and other animals.

B次元官网网址淚 aspire to capture the animalB次元官网网址檚 essence and personality in photographs because thatB次元官网网址檚 what their owners see every day at home,B次元官网网址� said Saarinen. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 what they love most about their pets. Pets make our hearts fill with love, and they make us laugh. I want the feelings of love and joyfulness to shine through my imagery.B次元官网网址�