Golden cocker spaniel puppy standing on a dirt path in a sunlit forest with blurred trees in background.

Capture the Love,

Keep It Forever


Whether it’s a quiet moment of connection or a breathtaking scene in motion, these images will become timeless pieces of art that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.


Capture the Love,

Keep It Forever


Whether it’s a quiet moment of connection or a breathtaking scene in motion, these images will become timeless pieces of art that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.


Kelly J. Russo stands casually leaning against a tree trunk along a dirt path in a green wooded area on a sunny day.

Dog and Equine Photographer


A Photographer Who Understands the Bond You Share.


I've been a dog nerd my whole life and a photographer for over 20 years. But long before I picked up a camera professionally, I spent over two decades in wildlife conservation, telling the stories of some of the rarest animals on the planet and the people working to protect them.


Those years shaped the photographer I am now. And I still continue that work in the wildlife conservation field with organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project and Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation.


My specialty is natural light portraiture for dogs and horses, and the humans who love them.


When I'm not shooting, I'm partnering with Houston-area animal rescues and being bossed around by my own rescue pups.

Awards & associations

Black and white logo for Stronger Shot Adoption Photos featuring a dog silhouette with a camera lens design.
Second Shot
Hair of the Dog Academy Member badge, a green scalloped seal with a dog wearing glasses logo.
hair of the dog academy
RealShoots Complete Course Graduate badge, a teal circular seal with white text and dotted border.
Unleashed education
Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH logo with blue text and layered square border design.
Professional member
HeARTs Speak Artist Member badge featuring silhouettes of a dog and cat on a circular white background.
hearts speak artist
TG Awards 2022 Merit badge, circular dark navy design with gold location pin graphic and white typography.
TOG Awards merit

Behind the Lens

Kelly J. Russo using large telephoto lens mounted on a car window while photographing rhinos in India.

Photographing rhinos in India

Kelly J. Russo setting up studio lighting and backdrop for a dog portrait session with a light-colored puppy in a studio setting.

Shelter dog photography

Two dogs interact with photographer on a wooden boardwalk covered in autumn leaves in a forest setting.

Getting down low for the shot.

Kelly J. Russo in turquoise shirt and cap takes pictures of a mule and handler by a pond in golden evening light.

Mule photography at Golden Hour

Photographer taking pictures of a black horse grazing in a scenic field with Spanish moss draped trees at sunset.

Dreamy equine portraits at sunset

A spotted Australian Shepherd dog on a leash stands in a grassy field during for an outdoor photography session.

Photographing an Aussie

Anthony

Harriet

Toby

Winston

Meet The Team

Anthony

Harriet

Toby

Winston

Beautiful black horse wearing a Christmas wreath with handler in plaid shirt and white cap standing by stable entrance.

husband/horse ear perker upper


Dog and horse wrangler, 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.

Meet the Team

Anthony

Harriet

Toby

Winston

Happy scruffy terrier mix dog with shaggy cream colored fur smiling at camera against colorful blurred background.

Head of squirrel Relations


Harriet has been with the business for  14 years. Her chief duties include keeping the yard safe from lizards and making sure all tennis balls are fetched in a timely manner.

Meet the Team

Anthony

Harriet

Toby

Winston

Dachshund wearing a checkered bowtie stands confidently on sidewalk with red building in background.

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.

Meet The Team

Anthony

Harriet

Toby

Winston

A gray and white pit bull dog wearing a teal beaded collar sits in green grass with golden bokeh trees behind.

Junior Noseprint artist


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

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 the buton below.

Photographer Kelly J. Russo wearing yellow striped shirt holding professional DSLR camera outdoors in sunny garden setting.
Contact Me

Before You Go...


Get My Free Guide: 7 Tips To Get Better Cell Phone Photos of Your Dog


In this guide, I'm sharing my top tips that will help you elevate your dog photography game using just your cell phone!


Someone holding an iPad while relaxing on a couch, displaying a dog-themed magazine or article on the screen.
I want a copy!
@kellyjrusso
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