I’ve had many jobs in my lifetime, but I really have only one calling - dog photographer.

It wasn’t even an option on the 8th grade “Which Career is Right For You?” handout.

I stumbled on the possibility of becoming a pet photographer after taking my lumps in other pursuits. I’ve spent a literal lifetime with a camera in my hands. I love the Minnesota landscape, the tall pine trees and Jack Pine forests, the myriad lakes, the ever changing seasons, the craggy cliffs on the North Shore and the grassy prairies in the southwest. Rugged, rough, colorful. Sturdy, like the stoic folks who inhabit this landscape. Many of my most treasured photographs are from these places.

Being an introvert I strongly prefer one on one discussions and the deeper the better. I’m also drawn to emoting beings that speak less and listen more. For many years I thought that would best be served making portraits of humans. I liked it and on some days I loved it.

And yet.

My soul will always commune with animals and dogs in particular. Dogs communicate in ways that humans cannot (dare not?) They are always honest even when they are working at getting what they want. Pet parents who cave at those puppy dog eyes, I’m lookin’ at you…. Their souls are pure. They only want to love and ask nothing in return. To photograph a dog is to see into their soul. No mask. No pretense.

Moreover the bond between humans and their dogs is beautiful. I find it endlessly fascinating. That bond and the pure soul of a dog is what I document, it’s what drives me to move forward into being a better dog photographer every day. I work hard at this dog photographer gig. I am often lying on crushed rock or muddy trails, or wading deep into frigid lakes, all while holding a camera in my hands and a duck call in my mouth. To passersby- and clients- I look completely ridiculous.

It is literally grounding work. I am up close and personal to the land, the Earth, and the beings in my presence. I always lose myself in the process of creating. It feels sacred and divine and peaceful. The creativity flows from a force beyond myself and I am at the same time most fully myself.

I’ve found my bliss.

I’m Lisa, and I’m a dog photographer.