Instructor: Ann O'Neill Deal, MPhotog., CPP, APAI
Working with dogs in a studio environment can be challenging for even an experienced photographer. How those challenges are approached may determine the outcome of the session. With 30+ years’ experience in animal behavior and 12 years working with and photographing dogs, Ann shares best practices for safely and successfully photographing dogs in a studio environment. From planning the sessions and setting expectations, to approaching the many challenges that come with studio dog photography, including nervous dogs, untrained dogs, special needs dogs, puppies, multiple dogs, etc. Every dog is a unique product of their environment, socialization, life experiences, and genetically distinct history, so every session should be tailored to that unique personality to achieve the best results.
Ann O’Neill Deal is an award-winning Master Photographer, Certified Professional Photographer, and an Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery (Animal Image Makers). Ann is a six-time Medalist at PPA's International Print Competitions and a 2022 Grand Imaging Award Finalist. Ann is currently working toward both her Master Craftsman and Master Artist degrees and also completed the IPC Juror's workshop in 2021. Ann has been a professional dog photographer for over 12 years and has more than 30 years’ experience in animal behavior, including a Master’s degree in Anthropology with a specialization in Primatology (primate behavior). Ann has been an animal rights advocate and ethical vegan for over 35 years, as well an environmentalist. Ann created a business model to reflect those values. Ann is owner and photographer at Green Paws Photography in Austin, Texas, specializing in low-key fine art dog portraits and an animal and Eco-friendly product line.
Check out Awards and Merit Images HERE
Working with dogs - behavior, body language, and best practices
Working with dogs in a studio environment
Approaching challenges, including nervous dogs, untrained dogs, special needs dogs, etc.
Studio lighting and camera settings
Posing and capturing natural expressions
Basic retouching for dog portraits
Eco-friendly photography
Sign up to be notified of 2023 virtual workshops
I am planning to create a few workshops throughout 2023 that will cover several topics of interest, including working with dogs in a studio, posing and lighting, challenges and special needs dogs, basic retouching, etc. These workshops will be either 2 or 4 hours and take place via Zoom. I am currently taking expressions of interest in order to plan dates and content. If you have interest in one of these workshops, please fill out the form below to be contacted about future programs.
"I was confident this would be a fun workshop. What I was not counting on was walking away from it with twenty-six pages of notes chock full of such actionable information. This whole day has been so inspiring, beginning to end. The instructor is so generous in sharing her insights and tools, too. I can't wait to implement what I have learned in my own home studio and look greatly forward to participating in whatever workshops Ann gives in the future." - Marie
“I took Ann’s workshop on photographing dogs. And I’m so glad I did! It was a very comprehensive workshop covering breeds of dogs, dog behavior, how to handle dogs in the studio, lighting, composition and much more! Ann’s images of dogs are outstanding! Ann presented her workshop in an online Zoom class and covered so much material. Participants were able to ask questions and see examples with still photographs and videos. I highly recommend taking Ann’s class if you are interested in creating fine art images of dogs.” - Diane
"Ann's step-by-step "how-to" guidelines are exactly the kinds of things every dog photographer should know, if they are interested in pursuing successful studio photography sessions." – Elaine
“Ann is an award-winning photographer whose class will forever change the way you approach dog photography. Her technical skills along with her clear presentation style will make photographing dogs in the studio a whole new experience for you and your clients.” - Joan
“Ann was a fabulous instructor for this workshop. She was kind to answer any questions we had. She kept me motivated and eager to learn more. Ann was very professional with her work ethics and as a speaker. I would love to take future classes with her and would highly recommend her if you desire to learn photography for your beautiful fur babies.” – Teresa