Shandess Griffin is a pet photographer based in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, with over two decades of experience working with dogs. Her portfolio of three images took out the 2025 Action Category at the International Pet Photography Awards. It’s the first year category finalists have been determined by their three highest-scoring entries in that category rather than a single image - designed to reward consistency in an entrant’s craft.

What makes Shandess' winning portfolio stand out is that her action images aren't loud or explosive. They're quiet, serene and contemplative and it was exactly that restraint that caught the judges' attention.

In this interview, Shandess talks about her editing process, how she works with both her own dogs and her clients' to bring out natural behaviour, and the twenty-year journey through the dog industry that eventually led her to professional photography.

About Shandess' winning images

Did you know right away that these images were special?

I am rarely ever able to see a snap in camera and know right away it's THE one. I do sometimes know that a session is giving me tasty stuff but only when I get to my computer and start filtering through do I start to see the vision come to life.

About Shandess' process

What's in your camera bag?

I shoot with a Nikon Z8 and the 3 main lenses I always have on me are: 35mm 1.8 85 mm 1.8 70-200mm 2.8 I also always have a small towel (the amount of time I shoot in water this is mandatory!) Extra batteries, filters, memory cards and sometimes items that I want to add to a session.

Do you have a favourite lens or tool you rely on?

My 85mm lives on my camera the most!

How much post-processing goes into your images?

Each of my winning images I spent multiple days editing. I make sure to take breaks in editing and revisit a few times to have fresh eyes in hopes I didn't miss something!

How do you connect with the pets you photograph to bring out their personalities?

Sometimes it's my own dogs which helps already have that connection but when it's a clients dog I actually prefer they don't even notice me much. I really include the dog parents to be the main engagement with their own dogs. When I want to capture the natural movement and intensity or regalness of other people's dogs I know that their focus is on their favorite humans. I utilize that and make sure to guide my clients how to interact with their dogs to bring my visions to life! It's a huge team effort between me and my clients.

About Shandess' journey

How did you get started in pet photography?

I have worked in the dog industry for over 20 years. In sectors such as dog daycare, grooming, training and boarding but all along I have always loved photography. Starting with four years of film photography to learn the ins and outs of how photography works and processing images and then just having digital cameras my whole adult life. My own dogs became my muses for decades and slowly crept into my work life with my boarding clients. I changed my career in 2020 and decided to officially create my business and slowly but surely I have built this business to where i am today and I have no plans to ever stop learning and growing as a photographer in this field!

What does winning this award mean to you?

Winning this award is truly such an honor. It's so easy to spend a lot of time in your head about your work. While winning awards is not why I do what I do it really does help validate the hard work, blood sweat and tears I put into my work. To be recognized alongside such amazing photographers around the world is so humbling and honoring and I would never have imagined I'd see myself here but I am beyond grateful for it!!

Who or what has influenced your photographic journey the most?

My own dogs. They drove my passion and need to capture memories to enjoy of them for years to come long after they leave me. They are always my main motivators and when I realized I could give that gift of memories to others of their very own dogs I knew it was something I wanted to do!

What's one piece of advice you'd give to other pet photographers?

Never stop learning! Get out there and practice!

About Shandess

Do you have any animals of your own? Tell us a bit about them!

I currently have 3 dogs. Navi (14 year old Aussie Mix) Harvest (10 year old Australian Shepherd) Spruce (1 Year old Australian Shepherd) They are my entire world. I could talk about them for DAYS. However I will just say, without my dogs, I truly wouldn't be where I am today. I live for them.

What’s your favourite part about working with animals?

They are 100% authentically themselves!

What's next for you and your photography?

I hope to meet many more gorgeous dogs and I want to travel across Canada documenting beautiful pups along the way!

You can see more of Shandess' incredible work on her Website, Facebook and Instagram.