Four years ago today I officially launched BARKography.

I fell in love with photography in 2016 at a pet photography workshop in Barcelona surrounded by 14 other dog photographers. I remember standing watching the sunset on the last night I was there. I remember thinking “cherish this moment.”

I had a feeling something big was happening to me.

A year later I attended my 2nd workshop hosted by the same three world-renowned dog photographers. Nicole Begley, Charlotte Reeves, and Kaylee Greer. On the first day of the workshop when we were going around the room and introducing ourselves, through tears in front of the whole group I thanked the instructors for helping me find “my why” the year before in Barcelona.

I still had so much to learn because photography is hard but I knew every ounce of energy I devoted to perfecting my craft was worth it.

It’s not been easy. I studied non-stop for the first couple of years. I invested money in my education and my camera gear. I still do. I still want to learn and improve.

The saying you have to spend money to make money is pretty accurate imo when it comes to learning photography.

I’ve almost given up but I’m so glad I didn’t because photography has brought me so many gifts.

I had no idea that through photography I’d make so many good friends. My fellow photographers Audrey, Tara, Joanne, and Sandy… all ladies I met in Barcelona and all have meant so much to me.

Then there is Courtney, one of my first clients in Charlotte. I’ve photographed her dogs since 2016. We’ve become friends and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

To every client who has helped and supported me along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly grateful.

To every photographer before me, thank you for the inspiration to improve.

And finally to this dog. My Moose. He’s been on this ride with me the entire time. He’s the reason I do this. This is a photo of him that I will cherish forever and I took it. That’s a great feeling. That’s my why.

I said this to Charlotte at the first workshop I attended: “I want to be so much better it hurts.” I still do and I’m still working on it.

I’ve said this a million times: I have the best job ever and I am grateful every day.