Houston Pet Photographer

If you consider your dog to be your companion, soulmate, and family,

or if your horse understands you as no one else can...


...then you're in the right place!


A dog nerd my whole life, I've also been a photographer for over 2 decades, specializing in wildlife and natural light photography.


Before opening my own business, I dedicated over 20 years to the wildlife conservation field. Despite working with some of the rarest animals on the planet, I have always found myself returning to my first animal loves — dogs and horses.


When I'm not working or being a mom to my own rescue pups, I actively volunteer with local dog rescues around the Houston area. 

Portrait of Houston Dog Photographer Kelly J. Russo
2022 TOG Awards Merit Winner
Member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston
Hearts Speak Artist Member badge
Equestrians of Color Ally Badge

Louise's Pawrents


Kelly is very professional, has good taste, and has a special talent for bringing out the unique personality of her subjects with great insight and sensitivity. She is easy to work with and kind and loving with the animals. A photo session with Kelly is a real treat and the results are remarkable. We very highly recommend her. So does our dog.

Sadie and Gracie's Mom


Kelly is such an amazingly talented and creative photographer. Her love and knowledge of animals are evident in getting our dogs to be calm in order to capture the best pictures of them. The hardest part was deciding which picture was our favorite!

Carrie L.


As someone who had never done professional animal photography before I was excited. Kelly exceeded my expectations! What a great way to capture the personalities and details of my horses.

Meet the team behind KJR Photo

Husband - Anthony

Dog wrangler, horse-ear-perker-upper, studio-set-up-expert — this guy does it all. You might not see him at every photo session, but when you do you know things will run smoothly! (Also, the only piece of camera gear we have trouble with is a selfie-stick!)

Photo of Kelly J. Russo and her husband laughing

Additional Staff Members

pitbull terrier dog sitting in front of wall of balloons

Chief Barketing Officer

Bonnie Belle is the matriarch of our crew and our go-to ambassador for all external client relations and meetings. Her productivity increases when there are treats nearby.

fluffy terrier dog in front of pink white and red balloon

Head of Squirrel Relations

Harriet has been with the company for over 11 years. Her chief duties include keeping the yard safe from lizards and making sure all tennis balls are fetched in a timely manner.

black and tan dachshund in front of red white and pink balloons

Junior Pawject Manager

Toby joined the team as a pandemic pup transfer in 2020. His main duties include keeping tabs on everyone and alerting the entire household when deliveries arrive.

pitbull terrier dog smiling in front of red and pink balloon wall

Mess Development Manager

The newest addition to our team, Winston joined our family in late 2020. Highly curious and with no sense of personal space, Winston was promoted from intern to a permanent position in 2021.

Get to Know Me

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A nap on a cold, cloudy afternoon after reading a good book with all my dogs around me. Or a day spent on a long trail hike with Anthony and the dogs.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Camera gear. Always camera gear!

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Hands down, it's my husband Anthony. He's been my rock, motivational coach, and my greatest supporter, always.

What is your marked personality trait?

I've been told I am extremely calm under pressure!

Bloom of choice?

Dahlias are my favorite! No two are alike.

What do you collect?

I collect feathers, usually found when I'm out hiking with my dogs. I also tend to collect stray dogs and camera gear.

Fave Pandora station?

Chill Out Radio when I'm editing photos. The 80s channel the rest of the time.

Go-To Drink of choice?

I'm not a coffee drinker, so I'll always order a hot chocolate instead. Beyond that, lemonade or Cherry Coke Zero is where it's at.

Star Wars or Star Trek?

BOTH!


Ready to start planning your photo session with me?

A successful portrait session is an investment in both time and money, so it's important to make the right choice for yourself. To schedule a time to talk, send me a message using my Contact Form.

Kelly J. Russo Houston Pet Photographer getting licked by dachshund

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