"It's NOT all about the Dogs"

Pets are an integral part of many families. And whether it is the beloved family dog, the

faithful companion to a growing child, the cats that are treated like children, or any of the other

wonderful animals that people choose to have as pets, we, as photographers, are often called

upon to photograph these special family members. For many photographers, this is a bit of a

challenge, as there is a whole new aspect to photographing animals that isn’t taught in our

photography manuals. I will go beyond the technical aspects of photographing animals and

teach you some of the many helpful ways to work with animals in general, as well as specific

tips for working with specific animals. We will cover everything from the importance of a

pre-consultation, to pet specific handling tips, successful studio lighting arrangements, and

even proper ways for posing not only pets by themselves, but successful ways to pose pets

with their people (if time allows).

Angela Lawson is an International Award Winning photographer, a Certified Professional Photographer, and has earned her Photographic  Craftsman and Master of Photography Degrees thru PPA. She is currently working toward her Master Artist Degree, and  took the judges training workshop in March 2022 to work towards becoming a PPA juror.  She has also had her art displayed at ArtPrize (which is an open art competition, in which hundreds of artists from all over the world display their work throughout the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan). 

She started in photography 25 plus years ago, back in the days of film, and has seen many changes in the industry.  Along with industry changes, she has had several large focus changes in her own business.  In 2013, she found herself narrowing her focus to several specialties, pet portraiture being the one to take the lead.  Having worked as a veterinary assistant for several years (as she was just learning photography), working for the DNR as a volunteer animal rehab foster home, as well as volunteering at several Humane Societies and animal rescue organizations, she has a unique perspective on how to work with animals.  It doesn’t hurt that she has a soft spot for anything with fur, feathers, or even scales!