Jo Howell is a Melbourne-based photographer whose work blends fine detail with evocative storytelling. Specialising in wildlife, nature, and illustrative pet and people portraiture, Jo creates imagery that reveals both the beauty of the natural world and the character of her subjects.

Her career highlights include being awarded 2025 Australian Professional Photographer of the Year (IRIS Awards), along with recognition in other major competitions. Jo also works with Zoos Victoria, furthering her commitment to conservation through photography.

In addition to her wildlife work, Jo founded one of Melbourne’s first dedicated pet photography studios, where she built a reputation for capturing expressive, personality-filled portraits of dogs, cats, and horses. Over the years, her studio became known as a welcoming space for clients who wanted artwork that celebrated the bond between people and their animals.

Known for her meticulous eye, creative curiosity, and approachable nature, Jo balances professionalism with warmth, making both wild creatures and domestic companions feel at ease in front of the lens.

ABOUT MY PROJECT:

I recently got to try the new Fujifilm X-T30III, and it really surprised me with how much punch it packs in such a small, stylish body. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great choice for travel, street shooting, or just keeping with you every day. The autofocus feels super quick and reliable, which gave me confidence to capture moments on the fly. What really stood out was the animal eye tracking, it locked onto both furry and feathered friends with incredible speed and accuracy, so getting sharp shots felt effortless.

The viewfinder and tilting touchscreen made it simple to compose and adjust on the go. But honestly, it’s the Fujifilm simulations that kept me hooked, switching between them felt like trying on different moods for each scene. The way the colors pop straight out of camera means I don’t always need to edit, and it gave me the freedom to just play with the look as I shot. Even in low light, the Fujifilm X-T30III held detail nicely without too much grain.

On top of stills, the video performance is solid, offering crisp 4K recording with the same beautiful Fuji color science that makes the stills so special. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to create both photos and content for social media without needing a second camera.

Overall, the Fujifilm X-T30III feels like a perfect mix of fun and performance. It’s approachable enough for beginners but powerful enough to keep up as your skills grow, all while delivering that signature Fujifilm look.