Meet the Photographer

Ann O'Neill Deal, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, MAI

My Name is Ann O'Neill Deal and I am the owner of Green Paws Photography. I have been a professional dog photographer and portrait artist for over 14 years and have earned my Master Photographer degree, Photographic Craftsman degree, and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation through PPA (Professional Photographers of America), as well as my Master of Animal Imagery credentials through Animal Image Makers (AIM).

I grew up in Canada, though I was born in London England, and as you can tell from my name, I am of Irish descent. I have a background in animal behavior with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Physical Anthropology with a specialization in Primatology (Primate Behavior) from the University of Alberta. After working in Academia and research for many years and moving to California in 2009, I became interested in the idea of turning my photography hobby into a career, so I took a chance in 2010 and combined my love of dogs with my love of photography. In 2015 we moved to Houston, Texas, where my focus shifted to studio dog portraiture. In January 2019 we relocated to the Austin area, where my business underwent a rebrand and a new name!

My husband Ron and I currently share our home with two rescue dogs; Jax (Chihuahua, Russian Toy Terrier, etc. mix) and Cooper (Pomeranian). Though gone, the heart and soul of my photography and my two loves of my life - Loki and Kiko - will always be in my heart. I miss them terribly every day and cherish every photo of them. Scroll down for more about my fur family.

Meet The Crew

Colonel Jax O'Neill

Head Mascot, Lighting Expert, and Chief of Security

In August 2016 we welcomed Jax to our home; full name Colonel Jax O'Neill (if you are a Stargate fan, you will understand). Jax is a Chihuahua/toy fox terrier, and possibly Russian Terrier mix and he has quite the personality! Jax is affectionate, energetic, alert, and playful. I flew out to Sacramento, California and drove up to Redding to get him from a rescue there. Jax become fast friends with Loki, who was missing his buddy Kiko. Jax has become a bit of a mascot for the business, as he loves being in front of the camera! Follow Jax on Instagram @coloneljaxOneill

Cooper

Chief Treat Tester and Studio Overseer

Also in 2016 we adopted another little rescue dog named Cooper. Cooper is a uniquely colored Pomeranian. His coloration is what first caught my attention and that curiosity landed him in our home within the week! Cooper is a fluffy bundle of lazy! He loves food and napping, but on occasion he becomes a tiny bulldozer when he decides to play. If I am in the kitchen, you can be sure to find him right below me smiling. I even got him a chef's outfit so he fits the part!

In Loving Memory

“It is a fearful thing to love what death can touch.” – Unknown

Loki

2005 - 2021

Loki was two weeks shy of his 16th birthday when we had to say goodbye. He was a gorgeous Belgian Tervuren and my protective shadow; always by my side looking out for me. Every part of my day involved him and his beautiful smile. My life feels empty without him. 💔

Ever since the first time I saw this breed, I knew I had to have one in my life. Belgian Tervurens are intelligent, attentive, loyal, and protective. Bonding with a Tervuren is something that is beyond family. I had Loki from when he was 9 weeks. He grew up with his best bud, Kiko, who was only a year and a half when I brought Loki home.

Loki and Kiko inspired me to become a dog photographer and were the heart and soul of everything I did. They each took a big piece of me with them, when they left. Losing them irrevocably changed me and not a day goes by that I don't miss them terribly.

Kiko

2004 - 2015

Kiko was a Papillon/Pomeranian mix and my little side kick and muse. He was always ready for the camera and sparked my passion for dog photography. I lost my little Kiko to cancer after a year-long battle, which devastated me beyond words.

Kiko was precocious and extremely intelligent. He had a wide range of vocalizations and knew how to use them to get what he wanted. When that failed, he pulled out all his tricks in a flurry until something worked. He was the boss of the house and knew it. He loved being carried and also loved walks, so he often incorporated the two together quite well. ;-)

I miss that smart and cheeky boy every day; his wiggly butt, the smell of his fur, his crazy snuffling, his many tricks, but mostly just holding him until my arms ached. 💔

Achievements

PPA Master of Photography (M.Photog.)

PPA Photographic Craftsman (Photog.Cr.)

PPA Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)

PPA Imaging Excellence Award

AIM Master of Animal Imagery (MAI)

PPA Six-time Medalist (IPC)

PPA Top 10 Grand Imaging Award Finalist (IPC)

PPGH Master Photographer of the Year 2021

Credentials: Ann O'Neill Deal of Green Paws Photography

Publications

Professional Photographers of America Imaging Excellence Collection: Volume XXV, Marathon Press, 2022 (4 images)

Professional Photographer Magazine: Feature “2022 Diamond Photographers” February 2022, p.48

Professional Photographers of America Imaging Excellence Collection: Volume XXIV, Marathon Press, 2021, p. 7, 490, 491, 492, and 459
Professional Photographers of America Showcase Collection: Volume XXIV, Marathon Press, 2021, p.292

Professional Photographer Magazine: Article “We Should Talk.” June 2021, p.23
Professional Photographers of America Loan Collection: Volume XXIII, Marathon Press, 2020, p.252
Professional Photographers of America Showcase Collection: Volume XXIII , Marathon Press, 2020, p.238
Professional Photographers of America Loan Collection: Volume XXII , Marathon Press, 2019, p. 111 and 112

Professional Photographers Guild of Houston (PPGH) Viewfinder Magazine: November 2018, Cover

Professional Photographers of San Diego County (PPSDC) Focus Magazine September 2012, Cover

Austin Dog Photographer | Award-Winning Photographer | Fine Art Photography

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