Get to Know Your Phoenix Dog Photographer
Hey there, dog lovers! I'm Monica, a passionate dog photographer based in the sunny heart of Phoenix, Arizona. My lens captures more than just images; it freezes moments that showcase the deep connection between dog guardians and their companions. Now, I'm turning the spotlight on myself – join me on a journey from Dairy Queen to dog photography, with a sprinkle of love and a dash of sun!
Chapter 1: The Beginning
Evan, not just my life partner but also my trusty photography assistant. Our story started back in Portland, Oregon, where we crossed paths at my job in Dairy Queen. Picture this – I was a cake decorator, he was friends with the cook, and I couldn't resist his charm. Fast forward, and here we are, inseparable since the age of 18. Many think that we are high school sweethearts, but we are not! We both went to different schools!
Chapter 2: High School Artistry
In high school, I, Monica, wore many hats – a photographer for the school newspaper and yearbook, a cartoonist for the paper, and a proud member of the band and choir. Winning state awards for my photography was a delightful bonus. Growing up surrounded by dogs and horses, my love for animals was deeply rooted.
Evan, with a passion for photography as well, but found his focus in the world of baseball.
Chapter 3: Corporate Detour
Life took us into the corporate world, where 9-5 jobs became the norm. My camera took a back seat, making appearances at weddings, senior sessions, and auto races. Photography was a love, but a full-time pursuit seemed like a distant dream.
Chapter 4: Embracing Change
The decision to trade the familiar for the unknown brought us to the warm skies of Phoenix, AZ. A need for change, coupled with the challenging loss of my parents, fueled our desire for a fresh start under the desert sun. I landed a job at Mayo Clinic and eventually became an Epic Analyst, I can chat about hospital electronic records software all day! But, it clearly wasn’t my passion. Evan worked in sales, while he was good at it, I’m sure that you can imagine that it was exhausting.
Chapter 5: Volunteering at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control
As part of our newfound purpose, Evan and I decided to volunteer at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Our journey started with dog walks, but it didn't take long to realize that these shelter dogs deserved more – they deserved professional photos. And so, Pup + Me was born, sparked by the desire to make a difference.
Chapter 6: The Impact
Through the lens of Pup + Me, we've captured the soulful eyes of thousands of adoptable dogs. More than just photographs, we've raised over $70,000 for local charities, bringing hope and support to our friends.
From Dairy Queen days to being advocates for shelter dogs, the journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, growth, and joy. Grateful for the changes and the opportunity to make a pawsitive impact, Evan and I look forward to more chapters in the Pup + Me story.
Share your own tales of canine companionship! Follow our journey on Pup and Me’s Instagram and explore the heartwarming moments we've frozen in time. Let's celebrate the love between humans and their best friends – one snapshot at a time.