Est. 2010
About
Ann O'Neill Deal, M.Photog., Cr., MAI, MPP
Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, Master of Animal Imagery, Master Photographer in Portrait
Experience & Achievements
I started my photography business in 2010 with the goal of capturing the unique beauty and personalities of dogs. I have a background in animal behavior and a life-long obsession with dogs - their intelligence, evolution, and interwoven history with humans over tens of thousands of years - so it was inevitable that they would become the focus of my photography.
I earned my Master of Photography degree and Photographic Craftsman from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), as well as the Certified Professional Photographer designation. I was also one of the first nine animal photographers worldwide to earn the Master of Animal Imagery credentials through Animal Image Makers (AIM). My most recent achievement was earning the Master Photographer in Portrait through the prestigious Master Photographers International degree program (MPI). Learn more about credentials.
Over 15 years, my images have earned recognition in regional, state, national, and international print competitions; including medals, pins, trophies, and top finishes across multiple professional photography organizations. Click here to view Awards and Achievements.
Why Dogs?
My connection to dogs has grown out of a long-standing interest in behavior, evolution, and the relationships between species. While my Master’s degree focused on Primatology, my broader studies in Physical Anthropology included human evolution, a subject I also taught at the community college level for several years. Alongside that work, I became increasingly fascinated by the parallel evolution of dogs and humans, how dogs adapted not only to our environments, but to our social structures, diets, and emotional lives. That shared history shapes how I see dogs today, as perceptive, expressive individuals whose bond with us is the result of tens of thousands of years of living side by side. At the heart of it all is a simple belief I’ve carried with me for as long as I can remember: dogs are extraordinary beings, and I’ve been drawn to their presence, their intelligence, and their quiet perfection my entire life.
My Journey
I’m a British-born Canadian with Irish roots, now living in the U.S.A. I have a background in animal behavior and earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physical Anthropology (specializing in Primatology) from the University of Alberta.
I moved to California in 2009, where I married my husband Ron. A year later I shifted gears and decided to turn my photography hobby into a full-time career. Then in 2015 we moved to Houston, where I brought my dog photography indoors, focusing on studio dog portraits. Then at the start of 2019 we relocated to the Austin area; bringing a new chapter to my business and embracing a fine art style and an Eco-friendly mission.
After seven years in the Austin area, we've relocated to Roseville, California! I'm looking forward to bringing fine art dog portraiture to the Sacramento area, and to the incredible dogs waiting here.
For more on my Photography Journey, check out the Blog Post A 15-Year Journey that Began with Two Dogs
Meet the Studio Mascot, Lighting Expert, and Chief of Security
Always in My Heart
“It is a fearful thing to love what death can touch.” —Yehuda HaLevi
Life moves quickly, and their time with us is far too brief.
Reach out to start your dog's portrait journey.
