Although it seems like I’ve been taking pictures my entire life, my path toward professional photography truly began with the impending birth of my first nephew. Blindly walking into a local camera store I emerged with an all manual 35mm camera and a few rolls of film, and was instantly hooked. The next few months I obsessively took pictures of everything (and I do mean everything) I could, with decidedly mixed results. There were some pathetic landscapes and blurry shots of my neighbor’s cat, who learned to run from the mere sight of me, as well as some black and white images of my grandmother in her home that are priceless now. (And yes, a large number of pictures once the nephew arrived!) Very quickly I realized that although I appreciate interesting composition and artistry, it’s the soul and emotion in photographs that makes an image sing. Life can be full of emotional experiences, as I saw once I began shooting weddings and documenting the love, joy, and humor that mark those occasions. But there is a special quality that exists between pets and their people, and it’s a wonderful connection that often goes without the attention it deserves.
Pets are such an important part of our lives, often giving unconditional love and support in ways we cannot get anywhere else. Shortly after I began accepting portrait work I was asked to photograph a friend’s elderly dog, who was not expected to live much longer. Those pictures were so precious to that client, I saw a need and realized that this was an opportunity for me to better serve the people I work with.
In addition to my professional work I enjoy using my skills to give back. In support of pets and the people who love them I’ve donated my time and services to various charitable organizations, including Homeless Pets Foundation, Bark for Art, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue, and Spay and Neuter Society of the South. I am also a participating photographer with the Inspiration Through Art, an organization dedicated to capturing memories for families with children suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability.
I look forward to hearing your story and working together to create images that reflect your pet’s unique personality and the bond you share.