About
Ann O'Neill Deal, M.Photog., Cr.,CPP, MAI
Experience & Recognition
I started my photography business in 2010 with the goal of capturing the unique beauty and spirit of dogs. Initially I focused on outdoor and lifestyle portraits, then switched to studio portraits in 2015. I have a background in animal behavior and for the past 20 years, my area of interest has been dogs; learning about their behavior and understanding their unique personalities.
I earned my Master of Photography degree and Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), as well as the Certified Professional Photographer designation. I am also one of of only nine animal photographers worldwide to earn the Master of Animal Imagery credentials from Animal Image Makers (AIM).
In addition, I have have been honored with numerous awards for my images, including 7-time Medalist, Grand Imaging Award Finalist, and Imaging Excellence Award recipient with the Professional Photographers of America's International Print Competition. Click here for more 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 and emotional lives. That shared history shapes how I see dogs today, as perceptive, expressive individuals whose bond with us is the result 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 for my entire life.
My Journey
I spent most of my life in Canada, though I was born in London England, with roots in Ireland. 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 settled in the Austin area; bringing a new chapter to my business and embracing a fine art style and an Eco-friendly mission.
Ron and I share our home with our two rescue dogs, Jax and Cooper. Forever in my heart are Loki and Kiko, who inspired this journey and continue to be the heart and soul of Green Paws Photography.
On a personal note, I’ve always been more of a homebody and I’m happiest in quiet spaces, spending my spare time reading, staying active, or trying new vegan recipes. I love to cook, both for my husband and for the dogs, who are convinced everything that comes out of the kitchen is meant for them.
For more on my Photography Journey, check out the Blog Post A 15-Year Journey that Began with Two Dogs
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 Long-Hair Chihuahua mix and he has quite the personality! Jax is affectionate, energetic, alert, and playful. He can be wary of strangers and jealous too, but that comes from his deep loyalty. Jax is always ready to hop up onto the ottoman the moment the studio opens, but he usually offers me his most serious “professional model” expression rather than a smile. Jax joined our family in 2016, after I flew from Houston to Sacramento, California and drove up to Redding to get him from a rescue there. Jax quickly captured our hearts and has become a bit of a mascot for the business!
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. He’s a small dog with a big sense of independence, happiest with all four feet firmly on the ground and never too keen on being picked up. If I am in the kitchen, you can be sure to find him right below me smiling, or if I am not moving fast enough with his dinner, the smile turns to demanding barks!
In Loving Memory
“It is a fearful thing to love what death can touch.” —Yehuda HaLevi
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. 💔
Life moves quickly, and their time with us is brief. Reach out to start your dog's portrait journey.
📞 Or book a no-obligation call today!
