Sara Nell Steedman - Member Spotlight
Nov 03, 2026
I am Sara Nell, originally from Canada and now living my best life in England with my wonderful husband and my two whippets, Oslo and Oska! My favourite Hobby is Photography. I couldn't imagine going somewhere without my camera and my Hounds!
Tell us a bit about you?
What can I say about me? Well, I am a room guide and Visitor Welcome Volunteer for the National Trust (protecting historic buildings and gardens). Can you imagine all the photo opportunities, especially when my husband brings our whippets, Oslo and Oska, after my shift! We also love travelling with them, visiting different parts of England. Of course, the beach is always a favourite.
Why did you start photographing pets?
Aww, I always have pets and love photography! I mostly did landscape images. Then I started taking pictures of Oslo and Oska, but they kept moving all the time, and my pictures often had missing legs or were blurry! One day, I saw a post from Unleashed Education with free tips sent by email every day. I did sign up, and since that day, I have learned so much that it is now fun to know how to take better pictures of them without missing legs! Haha!
What camera and lenses do you most often use?
I did have lots of cameras, from Canon to Nikon. One day my husband did surprise me with a Sony A7III! I was a little disappointed, I was a Canon girl...I resigned myself and tried to learn how to use a Sony... We all have different cameras that we love for different reasons, but to my surprise, after a few tears, I did love my Sony! I have a really nice collection of Sony lenses too, from prime lenses to zoom lenses. My favourite Lens is my Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
What’s one thing in your camera bag you can’t live without?
My camera bag is really full, but the most important thing is a nice big blanket for the dogs while they wait and relax. I also have a small towel that I can use on the floor for a quick change of lenses.
What’s the best thing about being a pet photographer?
Aww, it is everything! I love having a glance at people when I take pictures of the dogs. I often see people watching and to see them smiles while enjoying looking at the dogs really warm my heart. People seem happier when they see Oslo and Oska showing little tricks. They will often come after to say hello. I often take random pictures of people's dogs and send them the images later as a surprise. The best thing is also when you finally sit and look at all your pictures and found some really special one, its like finding a little surprise among them all!
How would you describe your style?
About my style... Well, at first, when I discovered editing, it was like a colouring book for me, I went way too much with bright and vivid colours until I did realise that it was not a good idea. I did learn a better balance with Unleashed Education. I am still discovering my style, but I do like clean, vibrant and colourful... I love actions and movements with a beautiful landscape...
What is your proudest achievement as a pet photographer?
Wow, I never would have thought I could say that, but there are a few since I am with Unleashed Education. It was almost unbelievable when I saw my images being awarded overall second place at Emerge 2025! What an honour! Then, still not sure of myself, I waited two years before I took the courage to send something to IPPA! I finally did, and received a silver Award, then 2 Bronze Distinctions
2 Bronzes! Yeah, I am really proud of those achievements. I love that quote: "It won't happen overnight, but if you give up, it won't happen at all".
What specific skills have improved since being an Unleashed Education member?
One of the best things I learned is about light with the help of the Sun Seeker App, during one of Charlotte and Craig's videos. I never waste time anymore and know when it is the best time to go, where the light will be, and how high in the sky! I am also really happy with my pictures. There is so much more, but it will be too long to read...
What's your favourite thing about being an Unleashed Education member?
Wow, I love everything! I love to say that I feel like a little kid inside a candy shop! There are so many choices of things to do, to learn, and to participate. All my pictures were edited with everything that I learned from all the videos, tips, and valuable feedback from Charlotte and Craig. They really keep us busy. I had to take the lifetime membership because I didn't want to miss anything. My favourite thing is to follow an editing tutorial step by step.
Have you ever had something funny happen during a shoot?
I remember one day during an Emerge video, Charlotte used the expression "Blob," and I didn't know what it was until I read about it.
So one day, I was taking pictures only of Oslo ( blue whippet ) and not Oska. So my husband asked, "Why don't you take Oska in the picture too?" I reply he looks like a "Blob"! My husband replied that it was not nice to say that about Oska...Then, later, during the past few months, I was about to take Oska, and my husband replied, "No, Oska will look like a Blob in that one, take Oslo! We love little Oska, but not the perfect model yet...Haha!
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