How I Started Photographing Dogs
I didn’t set out to become a dog photographer.
It happened when two lifelong passions - animals and photography - finally came together in a way that felt meaningful and true.
Before Woof House Studio
Animals have always been at the center of my life. Long before photography entered the picture, I was drawn to them instinctively - their quiet presence, their honesty, the way they communicate without words.
That connection stayed with me, even as my path took me elsewhere.
At fifteen, I discovered photography, and the darkroom quickly became my sanctuary. That spark led me to study fine art photography in Cardiff, Wales, and eventually carried me from Wales to Toronto, London, and finally New York City.
For nearly a decade, I worked as a professional photographer in NYC, creating images of models, actors, and musicians in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
The work was beautiful, but something was missing. I found myself craving depth - images that felt personal, grounded, and emotionally honest.
Life has a way of clarifying what matters.
Oct 16th 2022 the day I discovered my dream Job and Woof House Studio was born
The Moment Everything Change
After stepping away from the city and entering a quieter chapter of life, I found myself drawn back - again and again - to animals. The connection was still there, waiting. Then, on October 16, 2022, everything shifted.
I was unexpectedly asked to photograph an event called Puppy Pics in the Park at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in New Jersey. In one afternoon, I photographed eighteen dogs and their people. What I felt that day - joy, connection, purpose - was undeniable. It was as if the two things that had always shaped me, animals and photography, had finally aligned.
By the end of that weekend, Woof House Studio was born.
Why I Photograph Pets Today
Today, I’m a fine art pet photographer based in New Jersey, serving New York and Pennsylvania. I specialize in creating timeless portraits of dogs, cats, and horses -images that celebrate the bond we share with the animals who walk beside us through our lives.
My sessions are calm, intentional, and unhurried. Whether in the studio or outdoors, my focus is always the same: to create honest, soulful artwork that reflects who your animal truly is in this moment.
If you’ve ever felt how deeply animals shape our lives, you’ll understand why this work matters so much to me.
Learn more about portrait sessions
Daniel and I both cried with how amazing the portraits were. Nadia really captured them perfectly! As long as Nadia is photographing dogs we are coming to her every single year.
— Justin, Danial, Atlas & Apollo
Meet the family
When I’m not behind the camera or deep into editing, you’ll find me building our little dream farm alongside my husband and wrangling our furry crew: Rodney Dangerfield, Kodha Bear Bodicca, Bodhi Bear, and our cat Ricci. Life with three dogs and a cat is anything but dull- they keep me on my toes, make me laugh every day, and are the heart of our home. We hope to add chickens and a couple of goats to our growing family this year.
Our dogs are also my adventure buddies, leading me on long hikes that keep me fit and inspired. They have an uncanny knack for sniffing out the most breathtaking spots- many of which end up becoming the stunning backdrops for my location portrait sessions. Whether it's farm life, trail explorations, or cozy moments with the pack, they remind me daily of why I love what I do.
My Keepers
Rodney Dangerfield is our little staffy mix rescue and my step son. Rodney is just misunderstood, little ball of anxiety and love just needing gentleness, love & constant reassurance.
Ricci short for Ricochet because when she was a kitten she literally would bounce of the walls with the amount of energy she had. She was one of the last cats I rescued when I lived upstate NY and I couldn’t home her so she became part of the family.
Kodha Bear is my 1st dog. I got her in 2020 and she is my 2nd daughter. She is the most loving girl with the most energy. A daily 5 mile walk is the only thing that hits the spot for her.
Bodhi Bear the very newest to addition to our family is our Sweet Giant boy with not a mean bone in his body. I met Bodhi on a portrait session. He had 11 siblings. I had no intention of a 3rd dog but when I met him the only way I can describe it was I knew he was family and I couldn’t not bring him home. Bodhi and Kodha are thick as thieves, wrestling like two luchadores… When it comes to Rodney he shifts his play to gentle tug of war or keep away and lots of jaw joisting and kisses. He’s just an incredibly beautiful and gentle soul.
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Dogs obviously. Whether I’m behind the camera or walking my own pups, dogs are my heart and soul—and, let’s be real, my daily source of laughter. (Looking at you, Bodhi, and your sock-stealing antics.)
A perfectly brewed cup of coffee. It fuels the early morning shoots and pairs perfectly with photo editing marathons. Bonus points if it's enjoyed with a dog curled up at my feet.
The perfect golden hour. Nothing beats capturing that magical glow with a dog running joyfully through it. It’s like nature’s version of a mic drop.
Spontaneous dog zoomies. It’s like pure joy unleashed, and it’s a guaranteed mood-lifter—until it’s happening during a photoshoot setup.
Treat pouches with secret snacks. I say they’re for the dogs, but those pockets may or may not be holding snacks for me too.
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Capturing canine personalities. From goofy grins to soulful stares, I have a knack for bringing out the unique spirit of every dog I photograph.
Making dogs (and their humans) feel at ease. Whether it’s a nervous pup or a camera-shy owner, I create an environment that feels fun, relaxed, and stress-free.
Creative problem-solving. Uncooperative weather? A stubborn pup? A last-minute costume malfunction? I’ve got a trick (or ten) up my sleeve to make every session a success.
Turning memories into art. From envisioning the perfect shot to delivering museum-quality wall art, I love transforming moments into something tangible and meaningful.
Dodging drool in mid-air. Turns out, 4 years with a Cane Corso and 2 years of reflex training with excitable dogs pays off in more ways than one.
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A sunlit field at golden hour. The perfect backdrop for dreamy dog portraits- and a moment of peace to soak in nature’s beauty.
Cozy coffee shops. Where I brainstorm ideas, edit photos, and maybe sneak in some people-watching (with a latte, of course).
Dog-friendly beaches. Nothing beats capturing a pup’s pure joy as they race along the shoreline, sand flying, ears flopping.
Anywhere with fall leaves. Crunchy leaves, gorgeous colors, and pups having the time of their lives- it’s my seasonal paradise.
Trails and parks. Especially when exploring with Bodhi and Kodha- it’s our quality time and my favorite kind of adventure.