You’d never guess that… I was once terrified of dogs. Now they’re my life.

You’d never guess that I used to be terrified of dogs. Not just nervous. I’m talking full-on panic at the sight of one 50 feet away. It all started when I was a kid and a dog chased and nipped me. That one moment left such a mark that for years I couldn’t even walk down a street if there was a dog in sight.

Fast forward to today, and my life? It’s all dogs, all the time. Photographing, training, cuddling 💖

So how did I get where I am now?

A gentle giant named Benjamin. He was my friend’s Irish Wolfhound, and despite his massive size, he was the softest soul. Little by little, Benjamin showed me that not every dog was something to fear. He cracked open the door for me to step through, first with cautious curiosity, and eventually with love.

Eventually, I got the courage to bring a dog into my own life. Naturally, I chose a Golden Retriever, one of the friendliest, most easygoing breeds, right? Well, my Golden clearly hadn’t read that memo. He turned out to be fearful, reactive, and was trying to bite me when he was just a few months old (and no, not puppy biting).

He doesn’t look ferocious…

After many, many tears, I knew I could not give up on my Casey. I wanted to understand him, help him, and figure out how to build trust. Thankfully, I discovered CanineUniversity (where I still teach 25 years later). Those classes opened up a whole new world to me. What started as a desperate attempt to help my dog became the beginning of a new passion. To help the misunderstood, the fearful, the “scary” dogs. I went on to become a dog trainer, specializing in reactive and aggressive dogs — because I knew what it felt like to live with one and love one deeply.

And since I just happened to have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography, what was more logical than to focus my work on my favorite creatures – DOGS. Sorry humans, you’re a distant second, maybe third 😜. And my journey with Casey made me uniquely suited to photographing all kinds of dogs.

I understand that not every dog is calm, social, or easy to handle in new situations. That’s okay, I’ve been there. I know how to read body language, give them space, and create a safe, relaxed environment so their true spirit can shine. For my clients, that means peace of mind: whether your pup is shy, bouncy, or a little spicy, I’ll capture them beautifully, just as they are.

So yes, you’d never guess that the girl who once crossed the street in fear of a dog is now surrounded by them – behind the lens, on the couch, and in her heart. And now? I can’t imagine life without dogs. The cuddles, the love, the joy, the laughter – they bring it all.

So what would we “never guess that” about you?

xoxo

Donna

Finding Connections is Magic in this Digital Age

Last weekend, I hopped on a plane to Pittsburgh for a long-overdue weekend with some of my favorite humans, three fellow pet photographers who’ve become like family. We met two years ago at a retreat with our online business coaches in North Carolina, and something just clicked (photography pun intended 😁). Since then, we’ve talked daily (shoutout to Voxer!) sharing big wins, tough days, ideas, support and of course, dog photos. When you’re a solopreneur, this kind of connection is priceless.

This was the first time we’d all been in the same place since that retreat and being together again – swapping stories, talking dogs and business, laughing over meals – felt like coming home.

in person connection time with my pet photographer besties
Business and Life Coach extraordinaire, Heather Lahtinen.

One of our amazing businesses coaches (Hi Heather!!!) joined us too. She’s one of the people who first brought us all together. Her grounded wisdom, humor and gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle 🙂 mindset guidance have shaped so much of how I approach my work and life. And getting to soak that up in person (with pizza and chocolate!) alongside the women who’ve become my sounding board and support system? What a gift.

The hot weather in Pittsburgh kept us from doing too much exploring. But we managed an afternoon at the Phipps Conservatory (that Chihuly glass among all those blooms!) and a visit to the National Aviary. Both were simply amazing.



But the real reason we were in Pittsburgh was to celebrate the connection that we’ve shared these last two years virtually. There’s something powerful about being with people who truly get you. Just sitting in the same room discussing every subject under the sun was amazing. We don’t get to do that enough in our high-speed, online world. Sharing the joy, the doubt, the chaos and heart behind building a small business that’s also deeply personal. I came home recharged, inspired, and full of gratitude.

in person connection time with my pet photographer besties

Of course, no trip is complete without a little drama. Sunday’s storms canceled my flight home at the last minute, but I somehow snagged the last seat on the last flight out. Nothing beats coming home to tail wags and happy barks from your dogs, like, “You were gone FOREVER, is it dinner time?.”

Trips like this fill my cup. They’re a reminder that the best parts of life – whether it’s time with close friends or quiet, ordinary moments with your dog – are the most important things in life.

That’s really what my work is about. Capturing the everyday magic of the relationships that matter most. The way your dog looks at you, the way you feel when you’re together. Those are the moments worth remembering. And it’s my honor to help you capture that for you and your four-legged-family members.

Let’s connect soon!

Donna

P.S. Not to forget about the other half of the dynamic duo who brought us together, Nicole Begley, Sadly, she wasn’t in Pittsburgh to hang out with us 😥