Meet Jane

Jane Rowland, dog photographer as a baby with her mother

This is the only photo of me as a baby with my mum - youngest of three girls, the novelty well and truly wore off by the time I came along. Nevertheless, I've kept it for 50 years, despite the fact that it's blurry and you can't really see the facial expressions. Your photos will be SO much better!

Jane Rowland, dog photographer's shamrock tattoo

My dad was Irish. He died when I was 18. I have vivid memories of childhood holidays playing on my cousins' farms in County Mayo and Sligo. I don't have the opportunity to go back very often, so it's important to me that I have a teeny part of me that's forever Irish.

Jane Rowland, pet photographer,  with sisters at Valley Gardens in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Me (in the hat) with my two sisters. All northerners, but I’m the only one who moved to the other side of the Pennines - from Lancashire to Yorkshire.

Betty's Tea Rooms in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

I love Yorkshire! I moved here to do my teacher training and never left. Sheffield - Rotherham - Huddersfield - Leeds - and now Harrogate. I've loved all the places I've lived in. Yorkshire has become my literal and spiritual home.

When I started the business, I struggled to choose what to specialise in, because I love ALL portrait subjects; I started with newborns (humans), families, weddings, superhero composites. In the end, I had to ask myself, “What makes your heart soar the most?”. Dogs! The answer was dogs. And the rest is history.

Pet portrait of a Birman cat, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

I love (and photograph) all animals. I will never knowingly pass a cat on the street without bending down to have a little stroke and a chat. Happy to be covered in fur and doggy drool during photo sessions.