The 8 Best Pet Photographers in Oakland, CA

The Bay Area is world-renowned for being home to some of the best photographers in the world. From fashion to food, the talent pool here is second to none. But did you know this also extends to pet photography? Each of the most talented Oakland pet photographers offers something unique. From posed studio sessions to documentary images taken inside your home, there’s something for everyone in this collection!

1. Ellen Shershow Photography

Studio pet photography is one of our favorite genres to explore! Ellen Shershow is an Oakland pet photographer who happens to be a master of this artform. By using perfectly controlled lighting, well-chosen backgrounds, and classic vignettes, Ellen crafts heirloom fine art portraits that are irresistible in character.

The unconditional love of dogs is a major subject of hers. After all, dogs tend to be the most cooperative studio subjects. But Ellen is flexible enough to include other animals in her collection. Cats, pigeons, and even horses find their way into her portfolio and our hearts!

2. Angie Rose

Pets and pet photography are a major part Angie Rose’s life and career. The first few images she captured include a photo of her daughter and their dog, Axel, who’s over two decades old. This image has the power to take viewers back in time, immediately bringing to life the feeling of what it was like then.

Angie brings this gift of lifelong memories to Bay Area clients. She artfully captures animals as they engage with one another in the outdoors and quiet moments with their owners. We especially love the attention Angie pays to what makes each animal unique, such as how a given dog runs, the mood inherent to how it sits, and its curiosity or caution make each pet portrait special!

3. Tonya Perme

As a Bay Area native, Tonya Perme is the pet photographer to turn to if you’re in need of ideas on when and where to have a session. Her portfolio is full of inspiration, taking you on thrilling journeys to the beach, in downtown settings, and even in the homes of her clients! Tonya’s pet photography can also include just the animal, you with your fur baby, or the entire family together in formal and informal ways.

Tonya also gives back to the Bay Area community by working with rescue and adoption agencies. Her pet portraits are far superior to the basic cell phone snapshots most agencies use to showcase their animals for adoption. Tonya’s soulful images cast rescues in the best light possible, speeding their transition to a loving new home!

4. Kira Stackhouse of Nuena

Children, kids, and fur babies are the main subjects of Kira Stackhouse! She has been an Oakland pet photographer for nearly a decade. Kira founded her brand, Nuena, back in 2007, and she documents not only the human-pet bond but also events, families, and portraits for couples and individuals.

Kira’s photography has seen publication in places like BayWoof, Animal Planet, Paw Nation, and many other places. She also has experience photographing more than just dogs and cats. Her portfolio includes turkeys, turtles, frogs! Kira is an expert at using a mixed approach of posed and documentary-oriented captures. No matter if it flies, slithers, walks, or swims, Kira can photograph it in an artful and engaging way!

5. Rebecca Capper

One aspect we love about Rebecca Capper’s artistry is that she offers a film experience for her clients. This Oakland pet photographer uses a medium well-known for its subtle highlights, grain, and color reproduction compared to digital. Her compositions are just as classic in character.

Rebecca often portrays subjects framed in the backyard, surrounded by flowers, at scenic California locations, and so on. Moody exposure and tasteful vignettes further the nostalgic character of her images.

6. Lyka Mak

Weddings and lifestyle photography are what Lyka Mak specializes in. Her lifestyle images convey deep, emotional narratives about what it’s like to be a part of the subject’s life. And these stories can include everything from couples coming together to families and their pets on adventurous outings.

Lyka even uses her soft, pastel wedding profile in her pet photography. The cheerful colors and bright exposure creates a nostalgic air that’s a delight to see in this genre. If you’re interested in working with Lyka, her client feedback is a great place to begin looking. Her past clients have nothing but praise for her! Here is what one person had to say about their experience, “Her photos are not only technically excellent but her compositions evoke the most profound emotions while viewing them.”

7. Erica Danger

From little kitten toes and detail-filled feline eyes, few Oakland pet photographers have the laser-focus of Erica Danger. Her pet images center around the world of cats. The quirky way your felines play with their toys, expressions ranging from pouty to adorable, and even you, their pet human, are more than welcome to enter the frame for heart-warming family portraits!

Erica also travels throughout the country, offering pet photography services in Los Angeles, Dallas, and other areas. She is open to working in the outdoors, in her personal studio, and even in people’s homes, wherever best tells the story of you and your pets’ shared bond.

8. Anna Munandar of Mini Anna Photography

Anna Munandar is the creative mastermind behind Mini Anna Photography! Her specialty is family members, including the furriest ones of all! Outdoor pet photography is classic in style, yet it’s also one of the most common approaches to the genre. Anna instead offers studio pet photography as well as an exciting lifestyle approach.

She works in your home, photographing your pet as they interact with the environment and the rest of the family. It’s a documentary-oriented approach that offers an entirely new perspective on your pets. Lifestyle pet photography is also well-suited to cats and other animals that don’t cooperate with posing or enjoy being taken out of their zone of comfort.

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