Why I Became a Dog Photographer in Maine
- Daniel Marino
- Jul 17, 2025
- 2 min read
How it all started
If you told me a few years ago that I’d be photographing dogs for a living, I probably would’ve laughed. I never imagined I’d become a professional dog photographer in Maine, but somehow my love for animals, the outdoors, and photography came together in the best way possible.
Growing up, I always had an interest in photography. I took a few photo classes in high school, and once I bought my first camera in college, everything changed. I started taking it more seriously and spent a lot of time practicing, researching, and learning as much as I could. I photographed just about anything I could find, from landscapes to portraits to everyday life.
Eventually, I decided to see if I could turn photography into a business. At first, I said yes to whatever I could get. That meant doing portraits, branding sessions, headshots, basically anything that paid. I was learning a lot and building my skills, but I hadn’t quite found the kind of photography that really lit me up.
That changed in December of 2023.
The Session That Changed Everything
As part of a project for a local business, I went into a dog daycare to take Christmas-themed photos of the dogs. I didn’t expect much from it, but once I started shooting, something just clicked. It was easily the most fun I’d ever had with my camera. The dogs were full of personality, the clients were thrilled with the photos, and I left that day feeling like I had found something really special.
That one session opened the door to something I hadn’t considered before. I started researching pet photography and realized it was actually a thing. And not just a novelty, there was a whole community of photographers who had built careers around photographing animals. As a lifelong dog person, I was instantly drawn in.
I Chose to Focus on Becoming a Dog Photographer in Maine
Over the next year, I made the decision to focus solely on dog photography in Maine. That shift allowed me to fully lean into the work I enjoy most. It’s helped me get better at photographing dogs, connect more deeply with clients, and build a business that feels aligned with who I am.
Looking back, I never imagined this is where photography would take me. But I’m so glad it did. I’ve met incredible people, photographed some amazing dogs, and created images that mean something. I wouldn’t trade this path for anything.
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