Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aubri Poon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aubri , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
When I think about the legacy I hope to leave behind, it’s not just about being remembered as a photographer. Photography is my medium, yes, but it’s also my megaphone—a way to amplify voices that often go unheard and to shine a light on the stories that need telling, particularly those of our animal companions.
I want to be remembered as someone who captured more than just pretty pictures. I want people to see the depth of connection, love, and loyalty in every photograph. I want them to feel the bonds we share with our pets, the memories that last long after the paws have stopped padding across our floors, and the unique quirks that make each animal irreplaceable. But beyond that, I want my work to inspire action.
A huge part of my life—and by extension, my photography—has always revolved around advocacy. Whether it’s volunteering with shelters, fundraising for rescues, sharing adoptable animals’ photos, or donating to causes close to my heart, I’ve always felt a responsibility to use my voice and my lens for good. I advocate for the voiceless and choice-less because someone has to.
Part of my legacy I hope to leave is educating others about the ripple effects of their decisions. Small choices, like the cosmetic products we buy, can impact animals—from lab testing to habitat destruction for palm oil in some of our favourite snacks. I want people to understand that mindful actions can lead to monumental change.
I’m driven to fight for animals in need, from strays to those neglected or mistreated. I want to promote responsible pet guardianship—not just ownership—and encourage people to view their pets as important members of the household, if not – family, deserving of love, care, and respect. For working animals, I understand their lifestyle differs, but the relationship should always be rooted in mutual respect.
When I’m gone, I hope people will say I made a difference—whether it was through a photo that helped a dog find a home, a family treasuring a pet’s portrait, or someone choosing cruelty-free products after hearing my story. I want to be remembered as someone who loved animals and fought for them, using the talent I have to inspire change and compassion.
If my work and advocacy plant seeds of awareness and kindness, I’ll consider my legacy well-earned.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My love for animals started early, dogs, rabbits, hamsters… unfortunately my mom had allergies and as soon as I moved out I got a dog of my own, and then another one and another one and so on.
My story is the typical “I’ve loved animals and photography since I was six and got my first camera” story, but there’s more to it. Before that, I was inspired by my dad, a talented photographer himself. On his side of the family, creativity runs deep, which fueled my passion for the arts and led me to study at Alberta University of the Arts.
Fast forward to today: I create artwork that is centered around the connection that people have with their pets. While my focus is primarily on the animals, I love not only hearing, but photographing the heartfelt stories about the bonds people share with their companions. My goal is to make the entire experience seamless and enjoyable especially for the animals. My job is to make dogs feel like they are on a play date, I want zero expectations of behavior – this is where the dogs get to be dogs.
At the end of the day I want my clients to lean on me, trusting that I’ll guide them toward the best products, finishes, and artwork to suit their homes. All they have to do is show up to the photoshoot and select their favorite shots – then I get to bring the art to life.
As an internationally awarded pet photographer, I take immense pride in my craft and am always pushing myself to reach the next level. My style has been described as a mix of bright, vibrant colors with rich, dark tones, which brings a unique depth to my work. What sets me apart is my dedication to not only creating stunning artwork but also ensuring the experience is stress-free and full of joy for both pets and their people.
At the heart of it all, my work is about connection—celebrating the love between humans and their pets and turning those moments into timeless pieces of art.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I don’t hide the fact that I have depressive and anxious moments. My dogs have been my lifeline, pulling me through the tough days. Taking care of myself isn’t always high on my list of priorities, but making sure my dogs were fed, exercised, and loved got me out of bed and into the world. Having to walk two very active boxers meant that I was walking for at least an hour a day.
Eventually, they because the reason I started hiking and camping—even though I used to joke that there was nothing for me at the top of a mountain (no high-end shoe stores in sight!). Those little gaffers just loved being out in nature, and who could blame them – we have the most stunning backyard filled with the Rocky Mountains. Now, those outdoor moments have become my therapy, and those heels sit collecting dust on my shoe rack.
That resilience became even more vital after a series of challenges in my “main” job. Harassment from upper management, workplace injuries, an assault by a passenger, and the final straw: an awful, racist hate letter. It was a lot, but through it all, I’ve learned that resilience is kinda my thing it is always with me. What’s changed is that I’ve stopped resenting the bumps in the road and started embracing it with gratitude. I get to look back at everything that stood in my way and see that I got through it all while becoming more self aware, trying learning every possible thing I could about the lesson the universe is teaching me..
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The phrase I had to unlearn? The term “starving artist.” Going to art university felt right in my heart, but in my head, that phrase was on repeat and playing at full blast. Growing up with a strong single mom, I was instilled with the idea that a stable job with benefits and security was the ultimate goal. While everyone supported my pursuit of a BFA in photography, I’m sure there were whispers of, “What’s she going to do when she “grows up”?”
When I started my photography journey, I was drawn to sports photography—mostly hockey (Canadian eh, and those raging hormones). Above all, it seemed practical—a consistent income and a clear career path. Fast forward over two decades, and here I am finally redefining the artist I want to be. And let’s be clear: I love good food, so it’s definitely not going to be starving one.
I had to unlearn the societal narrative that creatives can’t thrive. I had to redefine my self-worth and set boundaries, especially when it comes to pricing in an age where memories often get stuck on tablets. Let’s be real: who passes an iPad and smiles? But a piece of custom wall art-a memory of a beloved pet—that makes people beam. That’s the value I deliver, and I’ve learned that I have to embrace that unapologetically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aubripoon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubri_poon_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubripoonphotography/
- Linkedin: Aubri Poon
Image Credits
Aubri Poon