Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Peterson.
Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve had a camera in my hands since Purple Rain was on vinyl. I was captivated with light and landscapes as a tween, and that fascination with light never left. I love how light and atmosphere can transform a location; how raw honest emotion always creates a compelling photograph; how moments in time captured on film become treasured heirlooms for generations.
For me, photography is a mesmerizing combination of light and time. It’s a doorway to the divine.
I think that animals, especially beloved pets, are also a doorway to the divine. Pets speak in energy and unfiltered emotion. They are always in the present, and I love that they always meet us where we are.
A few years ago, I learned that pet photography was a burgeoning genre of photography.
I heard the Universe speaking loudly, straight to my heart.
The pieces all made sense. A chance to create beautiful portraits of pets, and their people, meet them both right exactly where they are, and work with the finest craftspeople to print heirloom art pieces that stand the test of time. Perfect! Or should I say purr-fect.
Deep in my soul, I knew then, and I know now. Pet photography is my calling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly not a smooth journey! But it was so worth every challenging moment.
During an especially dark period in my late 30s, I was reeling from a divorce, the challenges of parenting an adopted child, and my own health issues. It was rough. I stopped seeing beauty altogether. I stopped photographing, stopped cooking, stopped singing, stopped creating. I doubted myself and was afraid of nearly everything and everyone, including who I was becoming. In truth I stopped living; I was merely existing.
I closed my portrait photography business and shoved my camera bag to the back of my closet not knowing when or whether I would return to the career and hobby I once enjoyed. It seemed utterly impossible at the time.
Finding my way out of the aftermath of depression and anxiety took over a decade. The entire experience was more difficult and humbling than I can explain. I thought the darkness would never end.
One of my favorite quotes is from Rumi: “What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is your candle.”
Through a combination of therapy, time, effort and amazing support from those around me, I did recover. The light returned. I remember the exact location of my car on 494 when I found myself singing once again to the radio. And I knew in that moment I would be alright.
And I am alright.
Wonderful, in fact. I have a thriving photography business, clients I adore, and a wife who is my soul mate.
I am glad the dark days are over. I am also grateful for the darkness because it molded me into a better version of myself, and a more compassionate human.
I try to relate those experiences to my photography. It can feel so vulnerable to be in front of the camera.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a pet photographer. My specialty is creating personality filled heirloom artwork for my clients’ homes. I am known for my uncanny ability to capture each pet’s unique personality and to make it a fun and relaxing experience. My clients swear I speak canine or feline!
Many people think their dog is too rambunctious or anxious to sit for pet portraits. I love proving them wrong. I am so confident that all dogs can do this pet photography thing that I guarantee it. If clients aren’t happy with the images I’ll refund their session fees. So far I haven’t needed to issue any refunds.
I created Pawsh Photography with the idea that all beings are important, and that a thriving community is vital to all who live there. I am proud that I can use my business to give back to my community. Every year I choose a dog rescue and a cat rescue to partner with, and we work together to raise funds for the rescues. This year I am donating $50 of every session fee to the rescue partners, and we are working on some exciting fundraising events.
In addition to valuing my community, I offer my clients artwork that is handcrafted in Italy. I care deeply about the pets and humans I photograph, and I offer each client a personalized experience and the highest quality artwork I can find.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So many people helped me along the way.
By far, the biggest credit goes to my wife Connie. She is a beautiful soul and an exquisite gift from the Universe. She makes me laugh and keeps me grounded. Without her encouragement and support, I would not be nearly as successful.
I am blessed to have lifelong friends, way back from college days, all of whom enthusiastically support my hairbrained ideas.
There are so many generous and talented pet based business owners in the Twin Cities. We’ve formed a community of sorts and I love seeing their businesses grow and thrive.
And then there is my own rescue dog, Snickers. She and I are symbiotically connected. She knows when I need comfort and when I need space. Our relationship is uncomplicated and needs a few words. I am grateful to be her human.
Contact Info:
- Email: lisa@pawshphoto.com
- Website: https://pawshphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawshphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pawshphoto
Image Credits
Pawsh Photography LLC
