Kelly is a seasoned photographer with a remarkable 13-year journey dedicated to preserving the captivating essence of rescued animals in sanctuary environments. Kelly’s devotion to the animal kingdom transcends mere admiration; it’s a lifelong commitment to fostering kindness and using the transformative magic of photography to narrate their tales.
Her photographic odyssey commenced with a volunteer stint aimed at exposing animal mistreatment within the horse racing industry. Through the lens of her camera, she unveiled the concealed hardships these animals endured. Today, her arresting photographs serve as a bridge between farmed creatures and humanity, doubling as a potent instrument for advocacy and outreach endeavors.
For Kelly, photography is more than just capturing visually striking snapshots; it’s a mission that extends well beyond the boundaries of the viewfinder. Her camera is the driving force behind her quest to motivate and guide others in the realm of animal photography, sharing a wealth of knowledge, insights, and over a decade of invaluable experience.
Please tell us more about yourself
Let’s be inspired to create a kinder world, one click at a time. 🐾💛
Kelly Dinham
I’m Kelly, I live in Victoria, Australia. I’m currently working at a farm sanctuary called Edgar’s Mission, where I take photos of the rescued animal residents and share their stories on social media.
Choose kindness on your plate
Kelly Dinham
I’ve been vegan for 14 years, a journey that began with the birth of my daughter Isabelle in 2009. Her arrival into my life brought about a deeper empathy and understanding towards animals, forcing me to reckon with the harsh realities that animals experience in the agriculture industry.
I wanted to foster a respect and love for all creatures in her, a value I realised wouldn’t align with consuming animal products. This led to a complete elimination of animal products from our lives, guiding me to actively support animal rights organisations and advocate for a vegan lifestyle.
I consider myself quite fortunate as we live in a fairly vegan-friendly area. Even in the countryside, there’s an abundance of choices. For instance, my favourite Mexican restaurant, Las Margaritas in Woodend, Victoria, Australia, which has a dedicated vegan menu, is just a 20-minute drive away. My husband and I find ourselves there quite frequently.
They have an entire vegan menu that’s incredible. If you are ever there, try the vegan nachos – they are amazing!
Being vegan has been an enriching journey for me. Above all, I cherish the fact that my lifestyle choices do not contribute to animal cruelty. It aligns with my core values of compassion, love, and respect for all living beings.
Let’s raise a glass to a dairy-free future, nourishing our bodies, the Earth, and creating a kinder world for all. 💚🐄
Kelly Dinham
A frequent misconception is the perceived protein deficiency in vegan diets, alongside the belief that our food options are limited to salads.
To dispel these notions, I make a concerted effort to discuss the varied and nutritious plant-based meals we enjoy whenever the topic arises.
Additionally, while it isn’t directly a misunderstanding about veganism, I find it important to address the misconception many hold regarding the emotional depth and individual personalities of animals, particularly farmed animals.
Leveraging my social media platforms, I shed light on the emotional richness and unique characteristics of these animals, emphasising through photography, personal anecdotes and stories that they are beings with feelings, deserving of respect and freedom from being used for food or fibre.
I would say, “Give it a try with an open heart and mind. You might be pleasantly surprised at how fulfilling and flavoursome vegan dishes can be. Plus, every meal without meat and dairy is a step towards a kinder, more sustainable world.”
Start slow and don’t be hard on yourself. Transition at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Explore new recipes, join vegan communities online, and educate yourself on the benefits – both for your health and for the environment.
Adopting a vegan lifestyle has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It’s more than just a diet; it’s a commitment to kindness, compassion, and making a positive difference in the world.
I hope my story inspires others to take steps towards a more compassionate future. Thank you!
I’d be delighted to share my journey and experiences with a wider audience:
- Instagram: @kellydinhamphoto – a window into my animal photography and videos of my rescued sheep friends.
- TikTok: @kellydinham – a lighter take, showcasing my home life with my 11 rescued cats and 4 rescued dogs.
- My Website – offers a free guide with tips on leveraging animal photography for fostering a kinder world.
Kelly Dinham
Photographer
🌏 Working towards a kinder world for animals
🐑 Obsessed with sheep & cats 🐈
🆓 Animal Photography Guide ⬇️
📸 Capturing moments at @edgarsmission ❤️
all images from Kelly Dinham, Edgar’s Mission and Be Here Be Now Photos & Film