About Portrait Princess

About

Pets are a blessing that only grace our lives for a short period of time but their love lives in our hearts forever. It is my mission to provide a bonding experience for you and your pet through photographs that will outlast the test of time.

Growing Up

I grew up in a small town in West Virginia. My father was a reputable photographer, and my mother owned her own retouching business. It's safe to say I was born into photography, and it became a lifestyle. I was raised at the photography conventions and seminars. I enjoyed being in front of a camera and capturing the perfect moment. I would often help my parents out and quickly learned some "tricks of the trade" on the way. I am never without a camera in my hand…photography runs in my blood!

The Next Step

In 1999, when I was 17, I left home to go to West Virginia University. My aspirations when I was that age was to be a sign language interpreter. When I was 21, in 2003, my life took an unexpected turn and was almost taken from me. Instead of following the sign language path, I began a ten-year career with my mother at her photo lab and photography studio. I started out retouching and editing photos for other photographers. I quickly jumped into taking care of customer accounts and sales/marketing for the business. I eventually started traveling, meeting with and finding new customers for our business. I also enjoyed helping in the studio as well. My favorite thing to do was take pictures of people’s pets!

Accomplishments

I feel I was being groomed to take over the business when my mom planned to retire. I worked hard and enjoyed what I did. In 2011, my mom had to shut down all three of her businesses due to some unforeseen life circumstances. It was a rough hit for both of us. We put photography on the back burner and went on a few different business adventures.

Currently I am also known as the "The Hyundai Princess” selling cars for Washington Hyundai where I have been awarded "Best of the Best" in 2020 and 2021. I put full effort towards my passion in all that I do. I have been saying for years that when the time is right, I want to open my own pet photography business. When I turned 40 I realized I did not want to waste any more time and I needed to go after my dream. I love the memories I create with my clients and love working with all different type of pet photography requests.

-Portrait Princess

My Mission

My love for animals, especially dogs, came at a very young age. My soul dog was a dog I had when I was 21…her name was Princess. She lived to be 14 and a half and got me through the worst and best of times in my life. She was the glue that held me together. Over the years, I’ve raised 5 dogs, 3 cats and a ferret. I currently have 2 German Shepherds. Abigail is 4 and a half And Niko is almost 2 years old. I also have 3 cats. Two tortoiseshells, Fiona & Scarlett, and one black cat, Isabella. My pets are like my babies since I haven’t had children.

I want to create memories of people’s pets for them. Memories that will last longer than the years of joy our pets give to us.