"You cannot share your life with a dog...or a cat, and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities and minds and feelings." - Jane Goodall (British Anthropologist and Conservationist)
That's one of my favorite quotes. I love pets and animals. Having dogs and cats as family members from childhood on up, I felt that I knew who they were by looking deep into their eyes. I could find their souls. As a pet photographer, showcasing their boundless joy and one-of-a-kind personality is my goal. And believe me, I see so much when I look through the viewfinder and I want to share that with you!
Our pets are our family. It's that simple! Having photos of your pet to enjoy today, tomorrow, and long into the future will bring immense joy. Photo sessions with you and your pet = fun! I'm excited to work with you and your pet. I want to find those special and unique qualities about your pet and make them come alive through artistic imagery.
Here are a few things about me...
I have had a camera around my neck since the age of seven. Thanks to my incredible parents, they gifted me with my first Kodak Brownie camera along with rolls and rolls of B&W film. I took pictures of everything and I was hooked. Although pet and animal photography is my #1 specialization, I also enjoy photographing architecture, landscapes, musical instruments, and I dabble with abstract imagery.
You also must know that I'm a musician...a cellist. I am a professional freelance cellist and you can most often find me playing for musical theatre. I also love chamber music.
I am the orchestra music editor for Neil A. Kjos Music Company. Kjos is an educational music publisher serving schools, private music studios, and churches. I've been a full time member of the editorial department since 1983.
A couple other random tidbits...
• I am a "foster fail." Six years ago I fostered two 5-week old kittens from the San Diego Humane Society. It was love at first sight and sure enough, they are members of the Elledge family!
• Thanks to conservation efforts by San Diego Zoo and a few others in the U.S, I am obsessed with pandas. People like me are lovingly called "pandaholics."
• I am a Disney fanatic.
• National Parks and Monuments are a favorite family vacation destination. Give me a trail at Zion National Park any day!
And finally...
I am a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America), PPC (Professional Photographers of California), and PPSDC (Professional Photographers of San Diego County. I am currently working towards earning a Master of Photography through PPA. A number of my photographs have been on exhibit at the San Diego Exhibition of Photography at the San Diego County Fair and the Orange County Fair. In 2019-2020, a small gallery of my pet and animal photography was on display at a Senior Assisted Living Community for residents and their guests.
In January, 2020, 2021, and 2023, images were on exhibit (as part of the Merit and Imaging Excellence Collection) at the International Print Competition Exhibit at Imaging USA. See gallery page "Merit Collection Images."
Oh, but wait...
Education has always been important to me and that includes learning to be a good pet photographer. I want to thank Margaret Bryant, Arica Dorff, Kimberly Hartz, and Barbara Brady-Smith for teaching and guiding me. The photos above were taken by Barbara Brady-Smith and talk about a fun photo session! A pure treat to receive kisses from Barbara's own Joey and Julie.
I am honored to have photographed the many pets and animals you'll view in my gallery. Some have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, since these photos were taken, including the beautiful Rottweiler on my Welcome page. For me, it makes some of the images that much more meaningful and powerful.
Thank you so much for visiting my website. Please enjoy and please contact me: 619-997-9273!
Diana