It has been a while since I have talked about my journey into pet photography. While some of you have been following me for a while, others may be new and curious as to what brought me to this place.
Childhood historian
Growing up, pictures were an integral part of my childhood. My mother’s family seemed to have a ton of pictures and it was a joy to see my mother, aunts and uncles as they were growing up. I couldn’t wait to get my own camera and once I did, I seemed to become the family historian of our lives through pictures. In high school, I was fortunate enough to take photography class. My newly obtained puppy was a feature of many of the pictures as he was my pride and joy. I had been begging for a dog since I was young. Smokey was my comfort during those teenage years. As I went on to college I took photography electives and had dreams of being another Ansel Adams. Despite those lofty goals, I continued my studies for a regular career and my photography took a back seat.
Brain overload to new business
After college, I pursued my career and confined my photography to traveling and family. I did this until one day I came to the realization that I was spending too much time at work and not having a balance in my life. My left brain analytical side was in overdrive and I was not cultivating and exploring my artistic right side brain. I started to explore photography again to regain that balance. During this time of unbalance, I also lost my heart dog. He had only turned 4 when I lost him to lymphoma. I realized that although I had plenty of images of him, I had very few of us together. I did not have a recorded history of us together doing the things we loved in the places we loved. This business was born from the belief that you deserve to have images of the bond with your pet.
Book a session with your Pet
Simply email or call if you wish to discuss more details of these photo sessions
We will start with a consultation to determine your goals for your session with your pet as well as the artwork/album goals. The session is designed to keep you and your pet comfortable and to enjoy each others company while some images are made.
It’s an International circle!
Join the fun! This group of International Professional Pet Photographers bring you information on our weekly topics. While we focus on one broad subject, we may each have a different spin on it or provide you with additional information from our world of pet photography. Follow the next link to view how the next amazing photographer tackles this weeks challenge. Follow each link at the end of each blog until you return to me. Then you have successfully completed our blog circle. Enjoy!
+++++ NOW head over to:
BARKography by Kim Hollis shares why she photographed this smiling yellow labrador retriever in a classic truck in downtown Waxhaw NC
Come and find your Best Friend!
Second Chance has a unique program near Syracuse N.Y. where inmates train the rescued dogs. This program gives both the dogs and the inmates a second chance in life. Appointments currently required related to Covid-19 protocols.
Meet Roddy!
Roddy is super sweet but shy boy.
Please contact Friends of Second Chance.
Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
6660 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
315-435-5584
https://www.jamesvillesecondchance.com
Capture your journey with your pet. Nancy Kieffer is a pet and nature photographer serving Central New York, the Adirondacks and Beyond. Capture how you share your life with your pet! It may be a vacation adventure or curled up on the couch. Travel assignments welcomed.
So nice to hear about your path and documenting our lives is such a precious thing. Especially in the face of devastating loss.
Our paths cross in a number of ways, it was fun to learn that about you. How heartbreaking to lose a pet so young. We lost our sweet Dingo to lymphoma last year but at least we had him for 14 1/2 years before that happened ($%^&$# cancer!).
Love seeing your journey, Nancy! Such a sweet picture of the dog and woman in the woods.
I loved reading about your journey. I feel like it was a similar journey to my own, and probably many other pet photographers. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for a peek into how you came to be where you are today! It looks like many of us follow a similar journey into pet photography. Our grief for our heart dogs bond us all together.
You and I share a very similar road to the camera, Nancy. I agree that everyone should have a photo WITH their pet.
Thank you for sharing your pet photography journey! It’s so fun to look back and see how everyone has grown and where they’ve come from!