A 15-Year Journey That Began With Two Dogs

 A Journey That Began With Two Good Dogs: Celebrating 15 Years of Dog Photography

August 2025 marks 15 years since I started this little business of mine. What some might have called a mid-life crisis, I prefer to think of it as following my heart. This unexpected career began with a lifelong love of animals, a passion for photography, and two very extraordinary dogs.

I earned my master’s degree in physical anthropology back in 2000, with plans to study primates in the wild. But after a decade of working in unrelated fields and relocating from Canada to San Diego, I let go of that dream and made space for a new one. I still wanted to work with animals, so I found another path; through photography.

The Two Dogs That Started It All

I set out to photograph animals; dogs in particular. I had two very important inspirations for this genre of photography; Kiko and Loki. My bond with Kiko and Loki inspired me and they became my muses. It was through them that I realized just how fleeting every moment was, and how deeply meaningful and important I was to preserve those moments. That’s really where the heart of this work began.

The Learning Curve

Though I had been a hobbyist for most of my life, stepping into the professional world came with a steep learning curve. After I married my husband in 2009, I mentioned my interest in photography to our wedding photographer, and he generously offered to mentor me. He believed the best way to learn was by doing, and soon I was second shooting weddings alongside him. Nothing sharpens your skills, or your nerves, like the pressure of capturing a once-in-a-lifetime event!

Over the next year, I continued second shooting weddings and, since pet photography wasn’t really a mainstream genre yet, I also launched my own wedding photography business: Candid FX Photography. Weddings helped me establish myself while giving me the time and flexibility to grow the dog photography side more gradually.

The Move That Changed It All

In 2015, we moved to Houston, and I made the decision to leave weddings behind and concentrate solely on dogs. I also made the move indoors and focused on studio photography. If you’ve ever lived in Houston, you’ll understand why! After a couple of years experimenting with studio portraiture, I found my style and began to hone my skills even more through print competition and education.

A New City, A New Brand, & A New Name

In early 2019, we relocated to the Austin area, and my business evolved again. I shifted my focus to creating timeless studio portraits while offering an artwork line that was both Eco-friendly and free from animal byproducts. That transformation also led to a full rebrand and a new name: Green Paws Photography.

Learning and Growing Through Print Competition

Another part of my journey has been through professional print competition, which pushed me to grow both technically and creatively. Over the years, I’ve been honored to receive multiple awards for my work. Recognition that’s meant a great deal, especially in a niche like dog photography. Through continued education and involvement in the photographic community, I earned my Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America, as well as the Master of Animal Imagery degree through Animal Image Makers. These milestones reflect years of dedication to my craft and a deep respect for the animals I photograph.

Looking Back On The Journey

Here I am, 15 years later and miles away from where I thought I’d be. I’ve photographed hundreds of dogs over the years and deepened my understanding of their behavior along the way. My business has had many ups and downs, and not everyone has seen the value in what I do, which hasn’t always been easy. But I still believe that every dog’s legacy matters and every dog deserves to be remembered. Each dog who has stood in front of my camera has left an imprint on my heart and shaped the work I create.

Legacy & Love

Kiko and Loki are no longer with me, but they’re still at the heart of this work. The portraits I have of them helped me through the grief of saying goodbye. Every time I create a portrait that helps someone remember their dog and hold onto those memories, I’m reminded why I do this.

Looking Back

Throughout the month of July leading up to my 15-year anniversary, I did a daily retrospective, looking back on some of the hundreds of sessions I have done over the years. Check it out on Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky using #15yearsofgooddogs

 

If you have ever considered professional portraits of your special dog, I would love to help you create that legacy. GET IN TOUCH