About
Meet the Photographer
Why Choose Green Paws Photography?
At Green Paws we specialize in dog Photography. The focus is on capturing the individual personality of each animal and turning your dog into a work of art. If you are like me, your dogs are part of the family; they hang out on the couch, sleep in the bed, go on vacation, enjoy special treats (sometimes too many ;-) ), and are loved beyond measure. You treasure every minute of the unconditional love they provide and will cherish those memories for a lifetime.
My educational background has given me a considerable understanding of animals, and my particular interest in dogs has allowed me insight into their behavior, their body language, and how to work with dogs of all personalities and temperaments. Choosing a professional photographer that specializes in animals will help you get the best results. Your photographer should have experience working specifically with animals to bring out their unique personality and beauty. An experienced dog photographer will be able to engage with your dog and capture them in a way that creates art.
Animals are my passion, my life – I love to create beautiful artwork that celebrates the story of each dog and the unique place they hold in our hearts.
I also believe that beautiful artwork does not have to come at the expense of the environment and other living creatures. My goal is to preserve your precious memories, while still preserving the environment. To read more about our cruelty-free and Eco-friendly approach to dog photography and the Green Paws mission, check out "About Green Paws Photography."
Read more about me and my crew below!
About The Photographer
My name is Ann O’Neill Deal and I am the owner of Green Paws Photography. I am an award-winning Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and an avid animal lover and tree hugger.
I grew up in Canada, though I was born in the UK and as you can tell from my name, I am of Irish ancestry. After many years working in academia and research, I moved to California in 2009, where I married my awesome husband, Ron. I became more and more interested in photography as a career, rather than a hobby, so after several months of second shooting weddings for another photographer, I established Candid FX Photography in 2010 and specialized in pet portraits, as well as weddings. Then in 2015 we moved to Houston, Texas, where my focus shifted to dog portraits only. In January 2019 we relocated to the Austin area, where I rebranded my business to Green Paws Photography!
Austin is one of the most dog-friendly, Eco-friendly, and vegan-friendly cities in the US, so I decided to create a new brand of photography that reflects these values and with it a new business name. Green Paws Photography was created to provide Eco-friendly and ethically-minded photography services to dog parents in Austin, Texas and the surrounding area.
My love for dogs and all animals began at a very young age and in my mid 20s I was bit by the photography bug! After many years in academia and research, my two passions finally collided! Photographing dogs and capturing their unique personalities is the perfect fit. Dogs are amazing animals that have unconditional love for their humans. I think dogs are pretty much the most perfect creature on the planet!
I have a background in animal behavior and a BA and MA in Anthropology with a specialization in Primatology (study of non-human primates). I have considerable insight into dog behavior and body language, as well as extensive knowledge of their evolutionary history and physiology. I guess you could say I’m a little obsessed about dogs!
My wonderful husband Ron and I share our home with our three dogs and a Maine Coon cat. Our lives pretty much revolve around them!
I value the lives of all animals, which is why I am vegan and an advocate for animal rights. I believe it is possible to create an ethical, compassionate, and sustainable world for everyone; humans and the animals we share this planet with.
Meet The Crew
Loki
That magnificent animal you see here is my handsome Loki. Loki is a 14 year old Belgian Tervuren and my protective shadow; always by my side looking out for me. Though he has slowed down a lot since his exuberant youth, he still shines that beautiful smile at me daily. Ever since the first time I saw this breed, I knew I wanted a Belgian Tervuren. It took me a while, but then I found my beautiful boy in 2005. He was only 9 weeks old at the time and grew up with my beloved Kiko. Loki and Kiko were my muses and inspiration for becoming a dog photographer. They are my heart.
Colonel Jax O'Neill
This adorable ginger boy is Jax. 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 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. He flew back to Houston with me and has made himself right at home. I was so relieved that 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
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! If I am in the kitchen, you can be sure to find him right below me smiling. I got him a chef's outfit so he fits the part!
In memory of my beloved Kiko
2004-2015
Kiko was a Papillon/Pomeranian cross and my muse. Always at the ready for the camera, he ignited my passion for dog photography.
In 2015 I lost my precious little Kiko to cancer. The Loss of My Beloved Kiko has been the most devastating and painful loss of my life. Having photographs of my little boy has been my life raft; helping me cherish all those precious memories and keep him close to my heart every day.
There will be a day when you won’t be woken by their wet kisses or greeted at the door by their wagging tails and excited paws. Time passes quickly and those precious moments are what make our lives worth living.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss my baby bear. I miss that wiggly butt, the smell of his fur and those soft ears, always ready for photos, crazy snuffling of pillows, blankets, or towels, his many tricks he would pull out if treats were involved, holding him in my arms until they ached...and so many more things.
If you read all the way to the bottom; THANK YOU!
Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me and my fur family :-)
