Published and awarded pet photographer serving the Charleston SC area with seasonal appointments in Northern Virginia.

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"For the pictures see what we do not see, if only because we are too busy to see them."
     ~ Lorenzo Dominguez

Roux & Gracie, 2021 National Cuddle Up Day!

With Roux & Gracie, Nov, 2020 - thanks Dirty Paw Photography for this little gem!

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Number one question I am asked: How long have you been doing this? It's hard to say! I have always loved animals of every sort and some of my best friends have been dogs (sorry, peeps!). They are, to me, the most amazing creatures and they completely inspire me in so many areas of my life. This lifelong connection started for me with my first sweet girl, Penny (photo: circa A LONG TIME AGO!). Then my first dog as an adult was Addie (oh what a perfect girl!) and I added her gorgeous son, Bandit. One of Addie's images was my first magazine publishing in 1996 and soon after, one of her photos was chosen for use by a major pet food brand - this started me down the pet photography path - but I didn't know it at the time!

Then in 2003 I met a dog named Twister, who set me on a course of volunteering with rescues and shelters that was truly life-changing for me. I felt I had found my calling and I owe it all to him. I have now been working with shelters and rescues for over 21 years!

I love the things that come together to make a photo - colors, light, angles, shadows, and let's not forget expression! Self-taught, I have read and studied volumes of technical textbooks and inspirational works, practiced and experimented, and in 2003, added pet photography to a creative freelance business I had established in 2002. In 2007 I adjusted to an exclusive pet-focus. I am proud to say my work has been published in the US and internationally. I have been fortunate enough to earn several accolades over the years, most recently being named 2024 Best Pet Photographer in Mount Pleasant Magazine's annual "Best Of" competition for the SEVENTH year in a row! This year I was also awarded Platinum (1st) for Pet Portraits in the Community Votes program, also for the Mount Pleasant area. More info on publishings, etc., can be viewed under the FAQs tab. Earlier this month I was notified of a very special honor relative to my volunteer work, but that isn't shareable quite yet. In the summer 2020, I was selected as a featured Animal Advocate by Lowcountry Dog Magazine (honored to be among only six people selected per year) and in fall 2019, I was asked to participate in ABC's Lowcountry Live Pet Day - you can view the interview here. I have also been invited to display my work locally the past several years through the City of Goose Creek and it is always a popular exhibit with staff and visitors - how can you not love looking at beautiful pets! Most recently, I was honored to be recognized in South Magazine's Spring 2023 issue for my work, with a specific lean-in to my shelter work.

Since moving to SC in 2016, I have also developed relationships with local pet publications and this has given me some FUNtastic opportunites for photo assignments, as well as authoring articles. I now have a digital portfolio available for publication representatives interested in discussing assignments. Please inquire.

I offer a special program for terminally ill pets or those who have received a difficult diagnosis. To learn more about it, please click here.

Self-employed for over two decades now, I am confident in my practices, my approach, and my workflow. Before I promoted myself, before I "hung my shingle", I met with an awarded pet photographer whose work I admired. She critiqued my then-fledgling portfolio and we discussed the business of pet photography (because, believe me, it isn't all just taking photos!). I communicated with an internationally recognized pet photographer about style. I picked the brain of a lifelong friend who is a highly recognized, Nobel-prize winning photographer, among a multitude of other accolades. And then I really started working at it as a business. None of this happened by accident or on a whim. As far as pets go, it's about pets for me. Pets aren't an add-on service, and they aren't supplemental. They are my my priority, my specialty and my niche. Although my work has given me great opportunities to meet and photo some celebrities, I don't fan-girl over humans -- but goodness, present me with a tail-wagging dog and you'll get a whole different reaction!

I'm a dog-mom to Roux and Gracie, two red Catahoula Leopard dogs (left). I volunteer in at least one shelter every week photographing adoptables and have done so since 2003. I love what I do! I could go on with more personal history, but I think this will give you a glimpse as to who I am and whether you think we are a good fit.

The Facts:
- I haven’t vacationed without my dogs since 2003 and I wouldn't have it any other way. When I plan a trip, the priority keyword in my search is "pet-friendly"!
- Confession: I become a little teary sometimes when I look at my dogs. Do you feel this way too?
- I adore when shy shelter dogs give me kisses during their photo time.
- One of my favorite words is "Adopted".
- I am a validated introvert.
- As a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian or a marine biologist. Now I focus my love of dogs and dolphins in my photos.
- Chances are good I will show up to your session wearing flip-flops and, depending on our location, may end up barefoot at some point.
- I used to be terrified of gorillas, but now will be the first in line to any movie that includes chimps or great apes, proving that you can learn to love what you fear!

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, my end-products show time and attention to details of moments you may have seen as they happened during our session - or missed because they happened just that quickly. The care I will take with your photos will be evident in every proof, every product. You will not see every image I take – but those I put forth for you are the ones I deem the best and I am proud to have stand with my name on them.

So if this looks like a potential match for you and your pet(s), do get in touch!