Our Photographers
Sally Anne Thompson
Sally Anne Thompson was born into the photography business. Her father was head of Scaioni's fashion studio in London, and when the young Sally Anne rejected the ladylike future mapped out for her at finishing school she persuaded him to let her learn photography. She undertook a tough apprenticeship under the demanding tutelage of her father. Starting in the darkroom, she was groomed to be a fashion photographer, but found during her weekend excursions with a camera that what she most enjoyed doing was photographing animals.
She soon gained a reputation in her chosen field for the quality and finish of her photographs, which were made first on a 2 1/4" Hasselblad and more recently a 35mm Nikon.
Her break came in 1967 with the publication by Harrap of Champion Dogs of the World, for which Sally was commissioned to travel around Europe and America photographing dogs chosen as top specimens of their breeds. The book was a best seller and received rave reviews, in particular for the superb pictures by a brilliant young photographer.’ This book was followed by two others for Harrap. The World’s Finest Horses and Ponies and Champion Cats of the World.
Her own book, 'Photographing Dogs' has been an inspiration to many people and although it is out of print there is still a great demand for copies.
Sally Anne is one of the very best photographers in her field: her images have been used throughout the world in specialist publications, calendars, books and advertising
She has combined the perfectionism of her photographic training with her extensive knowledge of dog breeds and a way with animals which allows her to photograph them at their best. 'I like the dogs in my pictures to have a sort of proud, self-sufficient look' she has said. 'Almost a look of superiority, not appealing to the viewer for anything.'
Sally Anne works with her husband Ron, a photographer with highly developed skills in animal handling who has contributed many of the 35mm images to the library. She is a past President of the Norfolk Terrier Club of Great Britain, a co-editor of the Club's website and active in greyhound Rescue. Sally and Ron live on the Isle of Wight and have two rescued greyhounds and a Norfolk Terrier, 'Kevin'.
Ron Willbie
Ron Willbie, a flyer in the Air Force and a glider pilot, is an amateur painter of aircraft. From his earliest days his ambitions centered on flying and pictures and he thinks himself lucky to have been so involved in both.
He joined Sally Anne in photography in 1975 and specialised in 'catching the moment' and action shots. He was also much appreciated by Sally for taking over the donkey work in the darkroom as she never found any fun in mixing chemicals and developing films.
His family's dog was always a Lancashire Heeler - they even owned one when all the dog books said they were extinct! Ron and Sally live on the Isle of Wight and have two rescued greyhounds and a Norfolk Terrier, 'Kevin'.