Meet Your Photographer: Michelle Dawkins
Hi! I am Michelle Dawkins, owner and master photographer of Island Paws Photography. I began this incredible journey into dog photography back in 2019. Since then I've been committed to honing my craft, and have trained with some of the world's top photographers in Europe. I have a love for competing in photography competitions and have participated in numerous prestigious photography competitions globally, and earning recognition through publications in various media and consistently receiving top awards for my work.
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My 3 dogs, Troy, Daisy, and Morgan are my world and help model for me when I am searching for new and beautiful locations, or constantly keeping up with my education and training.
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I hope my love and dedication shows in my work for each and every dog I've had the privilege of meeting since starting this journey.


Awards and Publications
2024
Dog Photography Awards-Action Category Finalist. Forbes-Dog Photography Awards.
500PX Unbreakable Bonds Photo Competition - 1st Place.
International Photographic Competition (IPC) - Finalist.
2023
TOG AwardsTop 8 finalist. Dog Photography Awards-Top 5 Action Category Finalist x2. WPE World Photography Cup-1st Round-Gold & Silver Awards-2nd Round-2 Silver Awards-3rd Round-3rd place overall Pets and Animals Category. 500PX Overall Winner-Make A Splash. Daily STARR. The Guardian. Bored Panda. Nikon USA Road Trip-State of Maryland Featured Photographer.
2022
International Photography Awards-Top 10 Special Category-Pets-Honorable Mention. International Pet Photographer of the Year-Top 25 Action Photographer. Dog Photography Awards-Action Category Finalist. Worlds Best Photographer of the Year.
2021
2nd Place Overall-Action Category-Dog Photography Awards. International Photography Awards-2 Honorable Mentions. Bay Times Article. NY Post. Orvis-May Cover Photo. 35Awards-Top 100 Motion Photographer in the world. 35Awards-Top USA Motion Photographer. Pet Photographers Club-Top 100 Action Photographer.