Lauren Meehan of Catch It in the Moment wins Rising Phoenix Award for Pet-Themed Photographer and Author 2026 UK

Pet-themed photographer and author recognised for creativity, determination, inclusive practice and a deeply personal approach to preserving meaningful memories.

“The heart of what I do has never changed: capturing moments that people can treasure forever.”

That belief became even more significant following the loss of Joey in 2024. Having photographed him throughout his life, Lauren found herself experiencing first-hand just how important those images had become.

The loss marked a defining point in both her personal life and her career, reinforcing the value of photography not simply as an image, but as something that can become part of the memories left behind.

“One day, a photograph isn’t simply a photograph anymore, it becomes part of the memories you have left of someone or an animal you love.”

Rather than allowing that loss to stop her, Lauren chose to carry Joey’s memory forward through her work. His influence remains visible throughout Catch It In the Moment, including a memorial in her studio, and continues to shape the care and understanding she brings to each session.

Lauren’s approach has also been shaped by a strong belief that professional photography should feel welcoming and accessible. She works with a wide variety of pets and families, including nervous animals and people with additional needs, and places particular importance on creating an environment where clients never feel excluded.

Affordability, patience and inclusivity remain central to the business, with Lauren seeing every client and every animal as having their own individual story worth celebrating.

That commitment has helped Catch It In the Moment build a reputation not only for photography, but for the personal experience surrounding it. For Lauren, the greatest reward still comes from seeing somebody receive photographs that they know they will keep for years to come.

The Rising Phoenix Award also reflects the determination that has underpinned Lauren’s wider journey. Building the business has required continued learning, adaptation and a willingness to step beyond her comfort zone, particularly through periods when plans changed or challenges arose.

Receiving the award therefore carries particular meaning.

For Lauren, the idea of rising through difficulties and continuing forward closely mirrors her own experience. While recognition was never the reason she began her work, the award represents both how far she has come and the determination that continues to drive the next chapter of Catch It In the Moment.

Among her proudest achievements are building the business from a genuine love of photography, becoming a published author, producing documentary work and receiving recognition for her photography. Yet behind those milestones remains something more personal: the knowledge that she has built meaningful work from something she truly loves.

Looking ahead, Lauren plans to continue growing Catch It In the Moment while protecting the values on which it was founded. Her ambitions include reaching more people through photography, books and documentary work, continuing to support animals and families, and developing further opportunities that are inclusive and accessible.

She also hopes to continue telling stories around the relationship between people and their animals, while encouraging others facing challenges of their own not to be discouraged by setbacks.

Lauren’s advice is simple: progress does not need to happen overnight. Small steps, mistakes, resilience and remembering the reason behind the journey can all become part of moving forward.

Whatever opportunities come next, one principle will remain at the centre of Catch It In the Moment: creating something meaningful that allows people to hold on to a moment long after it has passed.

About Lauren Meehan

Lauren Meehan, founder of Catch It In the Moment, has been named a winner of the Rising Phoenix Award – Pet Themed Photographer and Author 2026 UK, recognising a journey shaped by creativity, resilience and a genuine commitment to helping people preserve the moments that matter most.

Lauren’s connection with photography began long before Catch It In the Moment was established. In 2009, she began photographing her dog, Joey, capturing the everyday expressions, experiences and memories she never wanted to lose. That passion would eventually lead to the launch of Catch It In the Moment in 2016, created to give other people the opportunity to hold on to equally precious memories of their own pets and families.

Over the years, the business has developed far beyond photography alone. Lauren has become a published children’s author, worked on a dog documentary and received recognition through awards, radio, magazines and press opportunities. Her children’s book series, The Adventures of Benmore Dogs, has also reached readers internationally.

Despite that growth, the meaning behind the work has remained constant. At its core, Catch It In the Moment remains focused on creating personal, lasting memories for people and their animals, with every photograph shaped by the same care and purpose that inspired Lauren to begin.

Contact Details

Email: locxy574@gmail.com

Website: https://www.amazon.in/Catch-Moment-Lauren-Meehan-ebook/dp/B0BHKRB3WH

Book: Lauren Meehan – Ebook, available at dp/BOBHKRB3WH