Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Russo.
Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began behind the lens photographing adoptable dogs for local Houston rescues, which soon led to requests from pet owners wanting portraits of their own companions. In 2020, I took the leap and officially launched my pet photography business.
Before that, I spent more than 20 years in the wildlife conservation field, working with esteemed organizations such as the Houston Zoo and the International Rhino Foundation. Despite having the privilege of working with some of the rarest animals on the planet, my heart has always been drawn back to my first loves—dogs and horses.
When I’m not photographing Houston pets or being a dog mom to my own rescues pups, I continue to volunteer with local rescues. And while my focus is now on capturing the bonds between people and their animals, I haven’t fully stepped away from conservation—I still take on contract work for organizations like the Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation and the Okapi Conservation Project.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The first roadblock I ran into was that I started my business a few months before the pandemic! But luckily for me, it didn’t hinder new clients contacting me and we were able to schedule sessions once the lockdown was over.
Probably the biggest struggle is the challenges of being a solo business owner. There is so much more that’s involved in running a photography business that just taking photographs. Honestly, taking photographs probably only takes up 10% of my time!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I try not to take just take pet portraits—I strive to create a space where anxious dogs breathe easier, spirited horses soften, and people feel genuinely seen (even the ones who hate being photographed). I try to bring calmness and authenticity to a genre that’s too often about props and perfection.
My clients tend to be people who whisper “you’re my whole heart” to their dogs when no one’s listening. Folks whose horses know their thoughts before they speak them. Dog moms and horse women who value presence over perfection but still want portraits that stop them in their tracks.
I strive to make my portfolio less about perfectionism and how “posed” things look, but in how natural the images feel.
What’s next?
I’m always trying to learn new photo techniques, find a cool new location around town to try or offer something new for my clients. I don’t have any big changes planned but when I do want to test out something new, I put out a model call.
Pricing:
- Average spend per client: $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kellyjrusso.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyjrusso/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyjrussophoto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjrusso/
- Other: https://kellyjrussophoto.myflodesk.com/
Image Credits
Kelly J. Russo Photography
