My dream to become a professional photographer was inspired by the movie A Lot Like Love. My motivation to become a professional photographer was sparked by an image of a bunny taken by a local photographer. My pet photographer aspirations faded away and now I’m a photography blogger, but I still hold a soft spot for pet photographers. When I saw this picture, I immediately tracked down the photographer and asked for an interview…
Why pet photography? Was there another niche that you considered?
When I was a kid I wanted to be on the cover of surfer magazine. That never really worked out. 
But I did always enjoy photography. I have shot a variety of things from architecture to stock to babies and families, but really pets were always what I enjoyed most. As I got more into pets I really found that the relationship between pets and their people is what really resonated with me. Hence my tag line: Photography for cool pets and happy people.
What’s your favorite lens?
I love the 24-105 f/4 L, I just wish it was a 2.8! I also really love the 50mm 1.4
How did you choose your dogs names? Is there a story behind Bailey & Banjo?
Bailey was the first dog me and my husband shared together and we both really liked the name Bailey. I have always enjoyed the Banjo as an instrument and just thought it would make a cool dog’s name. You can’t be sad listening to the Banjo and I feel the same way about dogs, they always make you happy. It ended up being a perfect name for our boy Banjo. Not a sad sulky bone in that dog.
How much time do you spend marketing and how much time actually taking pictures?
Way more on marketing than shooting. I wish it was the other way around, but business doesn’t seem to work that way.
Do you ever get the time to take pictures for fun?
On occasion sure, I mostly spend it taking pictures of Bailey and Banjo and of course my son.
Do you do studio work, on location, or both?
I do both. Mostly on location because I love that the most, but I also really enjoy indoors but not studio (so in the comfort of a home with the help of a light) and then also studio, but more for special projects or winter time.
Do you use props?
Balls, sticks, whatever the dog likes. Not often, but if it the owner has something special I am all for it being a part of a shoot. It really has to tie in with the family I am photographing or it doesn’t make as much sense to me.
How long have you been a pet photographer?
Since I was a kid (junior high), but not for a career until about 4 years ago.
Do you have any formal training?
Mostly self taught. I was in yearbook in HS so I learned a bit there and one technical photography class in college just for fun. Other than that a couple of awesome workshops. And really just shooting with friends that are also into photography goes a LONG way!
What’s your favorite animal to photograph and why?
Definitely dogs. Because they have such great personalities and stories to tell. They love to love and it’s fun to be around. Owners really REALLY love their dogs as well, and that bond is just as strong as with family and sometimes even more so. They get us through everything.
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08/30/2011 at 6:37 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE these pet shots. Great Interview.