Jen Read

Jen Read (UK) is an animal-art, pet and wildlife photographer based in Folkestone, Kent. Born with phocomelia, a condition that mainly affects her right arm, Jen has developed her own creative ways of adapting her camera equipment and photographic process. Guided by the belief that being disabled does not mean being unable, she approaches photography with determination, humor and a willingness to keep learning.

Jen’s journey into photography began after her dog became seriously ill. While searching for photographs of him, she realized that although she had many snapshots, she had very few images that truly captured his personality. That experience shaped the purpose behind her pet photography: creating meaningful portraits that preserve the character, connection and memories people share with their animals. She also offers free end-of-life photography sessions, giving owners a lasting and deeply personal memory of a beloved companion.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, after her own pets had grown understandably tired of being photographed, Jen turned her camera toward wildlife and discovered another passion. Today, she balances pet and wildlife photography while supporting conservation organizations and encouraging others to appreciate the natural world. Through her work and her own journey, Jen hopes to show that challenges may require a different approach, but they do not have to limit creativity, ambition or the stories we are able to tell.