About Ellen Zangla Photography

About Me

Pet photographer Ellen Zangla with one of her dogs, Lola, sitting outside at their home.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals.
I can’t walk past a dog without stopping to pet them. I absolutely adore cats. And I have a soft spot for lizards—I think they’re super cool.

I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. Over the years, it has become more than just a creative outlet—it’s a big part of who I am. When I’m not photographing pets, I’m often out with my camera photographing something else I love… wolves, bears, or owls if I’m lucky.

Eventually, I merged my love of animals with my passion for photography, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve been a professional pet photographer since 2009, and choosing this path is undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What I Bring to Every Session

As a niche photographer—all I photograph are pets and their humans—I’ve built deep expertise in pet photography.
Because I specialize in pet photography, I’ve built deep expertise in working with pets and their humans. I understand animal behavior, know how to get that perfect look, and light fur correctly—especially important for black pets. Just as importantly, I know how to capture the connection between pets and the people who love them.

Because I specialize in pet photography, I’ve built deep expertise in working with pets and their humans. I understand animal behavior, know how to get that perfect look, and light fur correctly—especially important for black pets. Just as importantly, I know how to capture the connection between pets and the people who love them.

I’m patient—really patient.
Dogs, cats, and other pets need time to relax and be themselves. That’s why I never rush a session or force a pose. Instead, I create space for them to settle in, which leads to natural, personality-filled photos.

While I photograph mostly outdoors, I also work in clients’ homes—especially when that’s where pets are most comfortable. (That’s usually true for cats and lizards, for example.)

Why These Photos Matter

After working with hundreds of pets and their humans, one thing has become clear: these moments really matter. They’re more than just photos—they’re memories, milestones, and reminders of the love we share with our pets.

I truly believe our pets are family—and we should have photos of them we’ll treasure forever.
I love creating those photos for people. After all, when it comes to capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, you only get one chance. That’s why I bring the technical and artistic skills needed to get it right.

My clients often tell me I’ve truly captured their pet’s personality, that they love their photos, and that the experience was genuinely fun.
You don’t have to take. my word for it—many of my clients have shared their thoughts—click here to read their Google reviews.

Professional Credentials

I’m a Master Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer through Professional Photographers of America, and a Master of Animal Imagery through Animal Image Makers.

Awards and Recognition

My work has earned numerous awards, including:

  • 2025 Team USA member for the World Photographic Cup

  • Eleven-time medalist in PPA’s International Photographic Competition

  • Multiple-time Photographer of the Year (overall and category) for my state association

  • Additional honors at the state, district, and international levels

You can see some of my award-winning work here.

Meet My Family

On a personal note, I live with my husband, our two-legged son, and six four-legged family members: Alfie and Griffin, our first set of “twins” and foster-fail cats from 2014; Lola, a rescue Boxer mix; our second set of “twins,” cats Panther and Storm; and Aeneas, an American Staffordshire mix rescue.
You can learn more about them and see their photos here.

A Few Random Facts About Me

  • I start every morning with a hot almond milk latte—even in the summer.

  • My first pet was a lizard named Cocoa. I didn’t get my first dog until my 20s or my first cat until I was 30. (My dad was allergic to dogs and cats, so we didn’t have them growing up.)

  • Even though I get cold really easily, the Arctic is my favorite place to photograph. The wildlife there is extraordinary—wolves (my absolute favorite!), polar bears, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares… just to name a few.

  • I love to read. Anna Karenina is one of my favorite books, but I also gravitate toward anything animal-related. If you haven’t read The Soul of an Octopus, I highly recommend it. Actually, I have a long list of animal-related books I love. Just ask!