Cleveland Pet Photographer Robyn White: Behind the Lens

For those who are new(er) here, I thought now might be a good time to introduce myself and why you might want to choose me as your Cleveland pet photographer.

I’ve been a Cleveland pet photographer for about 6 years now. Unlike a lot of photographers, I actually got into photography later in life. I took a photography class when I was working on a PhD in Sociology. At the time, I wanted to incorporate photography into my dissertation, which was about clowns. I tried looking for some images from that project, but couldn’t find any. Likely a good thing for those of you with coulrophobia!

Let’s just say that I never finished the dissertation, but my love of photography remained.

I ended up taking more classes and eventually opened my business in 2016. Originally I wanted to take senior photos (and still do on occasion), but once I started volunteering at City Dogs my love of photographing pets really came into focus (pun intended).

Today I still routinely photograph adoptable dogs for City Dogs. Within the last few years I’ve included the Cleveland Animal Protective League, Euclid Animal Shelter, Mutts in a Rutt Rescue, Sanctuary for Senior Dogs, Second Chance Animal Rescue, and Mercy’s Door Pet Rescue to my roster as well. Three years ago I secured my very own studio in Cleveland, primarily so I could photograph adoptable animals. And given the unpredictability of Cleveland weather, being able to photograph indoors has been invaluable.

In addition to volunteering with shelter dogs, I’ve also been working at the Cleveland APL for the last 3 years. My primary job there is as an adoptions associate (i.e., finding perfect homes for the pets in our care). Through my role there, I also went through Fear Free certification training, which means I have the training to try and make any animal feel comfortable in my space. I’m also able to read their body language and determine when they are done. As I always say in my session, as soon as anyone is no longer having fun, the session is over. This is especially true for animals who have trouble advocating for themselves.

So if you’re looking to get images of your pet from someone who is knowledgeable but doesn’t take herself too seriously, I might just be the right match for you! And be forewarned: I’m likely going to want to dress up your pet and will always ask if you want to be in the photo. Ready to get your own images? Head to my main page and set up a call!