The 8 Best Pet Photographers in Providence

While we make much ado about portraiture in general, we don’t hear nearly as much about those whose expertise lies in photographing our non-human companions. Pet photography has evolved into a specialized niche of its own, and for dedicated pet parents, nothing sounds better than a photoshoot to commemorate and celebrate their favorite furry friend. The niche is relatively small since it takes more than just being an animal lover to become a pet photographer. To ace this game, you need the prowess of an animal whisperer. And today, we list a few Providence pet photographers who we think are terrific at this craft. 

1. Crystal Wiggins

Crystal Wiggins is primarily a family photographer with a penchant for clicking terrific pictures of the young ‘uns in the family. And this extraordinary skill also extends to her other niche, pet photography. Some of her furry subjects include cats. Known for their love-hate relationship with strangers, cats may not always be free and open enough with someone to allow photography. And yet Wiggins pulls it off each time so effortlessly. Her ability to speak dog or cat comes in handy, we believe. 

For those of you who aren’t in Providence, Ms Wiggins works across both the East and the West coast. So if there is a chance to, definitely book a session with her!

2. Penny Souza

Penny Souza is probably one of Providence’s finest when it comes to photographing pets. She captures majestic poses in endearing portraits of your four-legged friends. Interspersed between these regal pictures are meme-faces, derp faces, and adorable photoshoot fails of these furry creatures, and we argue that they all look terrific. 

Souza definitely has a touch of the patient pet parent. This priceless patience combined with her seasoned portraiture skills make her one of the most sought-after Providence pet photographers. 

3. Mindy Dutka

Mindy Dutka doesn’t simply photograph animals. She uses her shots to tell the story of each creature she meets and shoots. And her Instagram handle at @dogsimeet is a testament to this. Every photograph Dutka takes is captioned warmly and candidly about the story and character of the dogs she has painstakingly befriended, photographed, and showcased. Her work includes both young active dogs and old rescues, and her IG handle is replete with visual stories of these adorable pets, often with their favorite humans. 

We think you and your furry friend would enjoy a session with Dutka. Because with her, it’s never just a photo session, it is a life-long relationship in the making. 

4. Kathy Salmon

Kathy Salmon mainly works as a residential and real estate photographer. Most of her formal work includes gorgeous homes we’d love to move in. But as we keep scrolling, we’re met with an adorable furry surprise in the form of the dogs and cats that Salmon meets, be it acquaintances or shelter adoptees. 

From the photographs, it is clear that these animals have developed a beautiful comfort level with Salmon. Her work extends to taking adorable pictures for adoption. And like the many, many people who know her images can assure you, her work is absolutely heartwarming. 

5. John Gaylord

John Gaylord is the principal photographer of OTL Pets — a photography outfit that specializes in clicking your fur-buddies. From a very young age, Gaylord combined his love for small animals with his passion for photography, and is today one of the most sought-after pet photographers on the east coast. 

His ability to become comfortable with both animals and humans, and help the fur-baby express their personality freely in his portraits, is what sets him apart in the city. Don’t listen to us, look at the photographs of these very good boys, and you can be sure he’s one of the best Providence pet photographers. 

6. Gina Mastrostefano

A freelance writer and photographer, Gina Mastrostefano treats us to a sneak peek into her vibrant life and experiences, all made even better by the presence of her favorite four-legged pals. 

Sometimes relaxed, sometimes playful, sometimes alert and downright artistic, Mastrostefano’s depiction of her dog is what we believe she can also do for your furry friend. Her formal portrait photography also shows off the relaxed warmth characterized in her Instagram. And we’re sure your doggo will love the experience too, as she captures them at their natural best. 

7. George Ross

Any list of remarkable Pet Photographers in Providence is incomplete without the mention of George Ross. An expert at capturing motion, Ross’s work encompasses both humans and animals — posing or playing in an array of setups and environments.  

But what we love the most about Ross’s work are his dog photographs, given that he manages to capture them in the thick of action — be it galloping around, or chasing a ball or even play-fighting other dogs. He’s a genius at capturing them in their element, in a way no pose can do justice to. And this makes Ross one of the finest Providence pet Photographers out there today. 

8. Kate Barnes

Kate Barnes believes in living colorfully and we can see it in her extensive range of photographs featuring tiny humans, grown-ups, and cute furry animals. Her work celebrates events of all kinds. So if you have a new pet in the house, or your fur baby is going to become a mommy (yes, dog maternity shoots and newborn pup shoots are a thing), or your four-legged friend is celebrating his adopt-a-versary — give Barnes a call. 

Capturing all kinds of moments, from casual to posed, will be a delight with her, and you are sure to come back home with some very lovely memories of your furry family member. 

Providence pet photographers create pawsome photographic memories

The city of Providence — and by extension the state of Rhode Island — is home to some very diverse practitioners in the photography segment. Yet, pet photography is a niche not many specialize in or know how to pull off well. Perhaps our collective penchant for pulling out our own cell phone cameras to record our furry friends and not planning an entire shoot is the reason for this state of affairs. 

But the truth is that our pets make our lives happier, more chaotic, more entertaining, and far more livable with their love and affection in the face of day-to-day banalities. In their sadly short lifespans, they fill our lives with so much warmth, and we need professional photoshoots to commemorate the best of them and keep their memories with the family. 

Few photographers venture into this segment, but we totally get behind those who do. They must have a remarkable degree of patience, kindness, and animal-whispering superpowers. We hope this list of Providence pet photographers gives you ideas on how you can celebrate your pet and create treasured memories with them! 

Find unique photoshoot locations in Providence on Peerspace