About
Meet 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 established Candid FX Photography and married my awesome husband. Then in 2015 we moved to Houston, Texas. I am excited to say that as of January 2019 we have relocated to the beautiful city of Austin, Texas!
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 pet owners 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 has been a dream come true. 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 and I share our home with our three dogs and 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.
Why Choose Green Paws Photography?
At Green Paws we specialize in Pet Photography. The focus is on capturing the individual beauty and character of each animal and the bond between pets and their people. If you are like me, your pets are part of the family; they hang out on the couch, sleep in the bed, go on vacation, enjoy special treats, 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, body language, and how to work with dogs of all personalities and temperaments. Choosing a professional photographer that specializes in pets 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 pet photographer will be able to engage with your pet 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 and the environment. To read more about our Animal and Eco-friendly approach to pet photography and the Green Paws mission, check out "About Green Paws Photography."
Meet the Crew
That magnificent animal you see here is my handsome Loki. Loki is a 13 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 pet photographer. They are my heart.
The adorable ginger boy is Jax. In August 2016 we welcomed Jax to our home; full name Colonel Jax O'Neill. Jax is a Chihuahua/toy fox terrier mix (The little red boy on the left) 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! Read Jax’s story in the blog.
Also in 2016 we adopted another little rescue dog named Cooper. He is the 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! Read about how Cooper came to be part of our family in the blog.
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 pet 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.
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