It’s 8 a.m. and I’m in South Austin meeting Krista Allenby of Ruff Adventures for an adventure and photo session with Gary, the Brussels Griffon. I’m awake and functioning much earlier than I’m used to, but Allenby explains that mornings are when she goes on most of her adventures. It’s just one of the steps this Austin dog photographer takes to ensure her four-legged subjects are happy, comfortable, and safe.
Krista Allenby is one of the lucky few who are able to turn their passion into a business. For her, being a dog photographer in one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country is both exciting and rewarding.
Ruff Adventures’ clients come in all different shapes, sizes, and temperaments. But years of experience have taught Allenby how to capture their personalities while they adventure to their favorite spots around Austin.
Her client this morning is a leggy, cheerful pup named Gary. Using delicious dog treats, positive reinforcement, and at times, a squeaker in hand, Allenby snaps away with her camera as Gary (almost purposefully) strikes poses.
For each session, Allenby picks up the dog(s), and returns them happy and tired after their joint adventure. She says that when she goes out without the owners, a dog’s true personality comes out.
Designing a Dog Photo Session
Thanks to her job as a dog photographer, Allenby has developed a mental database of “Instagram-worthy” dog-friendly places in Austin. Here’s how she decides where to take her furry clients:
First, she must take into account a dog’s size. Smaller dogs can get lost in front of a large piece of street art, but they look incredible next to delicate Texas wildflowers. Big dogs, on the other hand, photograph well with detailed street art. Allenby added that it’s a blast taking big dogs on messy adventures to swimming spots.
When Allenby designs her pet photo sessions, she thinks beyond the spots she thinks are cool. She also considers what makes the dog special, and the favorite spots they visit with their human family.
Since Gary’s parents own chickens, we were determined to find a chicken or rooster to pose by. We headed to East Austin Poultry, and–after some odd positioning–Allenby felt she couldn’t get a great photo of Gary with the chicken sign. So, we moved on to the next spot she had in mind.
Sometimes, being a dog photographer means getting down to their level to capture that smile
By the time the photography session is over, we’re all worn out. Allenby knows she got some great shots to share with Gary’s parents. And Gary? Well, he’s happy that his belly is full of yummy treats.
Austin Dog Photographers to Consider
Including Krista Allenby of Ruff Adventures, there are a handful of other photographers in Austin known for their ability to capture the unique spirit of our furry best friends.
Ruff Adventures
Ruff Adventures offers personalized pet portrait sessions in Austin, TX. With photographer Krista Allenby, your dog will go on a four-hour adventure around town, hitting all the cool murals along with your family’s favorite spots. Your dog(s) will be able to play and explore while Allenby captures portrait and action shots in a low-pressure, fun session.
Fetching Fido Fotography
When Jane of Fetching Fido Fotography decided she needed a career change, she combined her two passions: pets and photography. Her first assignment was photographing over 50 dogs at a local doggie day care center, and her business evolved from there. Fetching Fido offers both studio and outdoor sessions to capture your furry friends in their best light.
Zilker Bark
There’s a good chance you’ve spotted Alex Hopes at Zilker Park. He spends nearly 30 hours there each week. His photography business, Zilker Bark, began when he quit his job and started taking as many photos as he could. Now, he’s in high-demand, taking up-close-and-personal shots of Austin’s most playful dogs.
Being a dog photographer looks plenty fun from the outside, but there is real work behind these incredible shots of Austin’s best friends. It can get messy, and things might not go as planned, but these awesome photographers know that’s the small price they have to pay for having a job this cool.
@bigwrldsmallgrl wants to know:
Where would you love to see your dog photographed in Austin?
Since moving here, I've been writing and sharing the dreams and ideas behind some of the city's most beloved brewers and distillers. What I love to write about most though, is a story of a struggle that has been overcome or a dream that was chased. Those stories make me realize just how lucky I am to be here pursuing my passion.
When I’m not writing or doing the hard research about this city’s booze, I'm usually stuffing my face with local eats and exploring new spots on the Greenbelt. Read all about my boozy adventures on my blog, Big World, Small Girl.
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Love this article! Just checked her website…the photos are awesome!!!
Krista is an amazing dog photographer! Highly recommended!
Following Ruff Adventures on Instagram and Facebook brings a smile to your newsfeeds! Krista takes the best photos – capturing images of furry friends and amazing Austin art.
I’m looking forward to the Fur Ball too – what a great idea!
From one dog owner/lover to another, go check out Ruff Adventures on Facebook/Insta and thank me later for the smiles it brings you. How Krista captures these pups in such poses is beyond me but what professional adorable-ism it is. Yap, just made that word up, just for this. Go check em out!!