We recently connected with Alejandra Robles and have shared our conversation below.

Alejandra, appreciate you joining 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?

Ever since I was little, I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals and knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping them in some way. While I didn’t originally set out to be a pet photographer, I found that my skills behind the camera allowed me to make a meaningful difference. Through volunteering my services to shelters and rescues, I’ve been able to give animals a better chance at finding loving homes by capturing their unique personalities in a way that resonates with adopters.

The legacy I hope to build is one of compassion, creativity, and advocacy. I want people to remember me as someone who used their talents to make a difference, someone who gave a voice to animals who couldn’t speak for themselves. I hope that when people see my photos, they not only feel inspired to adopt or support rescue efforts but also recognize the beauty and worth of every animal.

Ultimately, I want to be remembered for the love I poured into my work and the impact it had on the lives of animals and the people who welcomed them into their homes.

Alejandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About Me and My Work

I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals—from childhood to adulthood, that passion never faded. When I was in school, one of my professors emphasized the importance of getting your foot in the door any way you could, whether through an internship, volunteering, or working in the field. That advice stuck with me, and it led me to start volunteering at Riverside Animal Shelter.

At first, I jumped into every role I could—socializing pets, grooming, cleaning kennels, and working the front kiosk. Then, I got the opportunity to assist Kelly Vela from Dos Velas Images, the shelter’s photographer. She needed volunteers to walk dogs and bring them in for their adoption photos. While helping her, I learned so much about how to capture a pet’s attention—making noises, doing jumping jacks, and even running back and forth to get their focus. I also learned practical skills, like keeping a short leash to prevent too much movement in photos.

One day, our volunteer coordinator asked if I was interested in doing photography myself. I told them I’d love to, but I didn’t have my own camera. That’s when they offered to let me borrow one while volunteering. I was beyond excited and immediately started shadowing other volunteer photographers, including Kelly. My early photos weren’t perfect—I often cropped out ears or tails—but my family saw how dedicated I was and pitched in to get me my first crop sensor camera.

I started taking photos of dogs outside in their play area, but outdoor photography had its challenges, so I worked on improving my studio skills. I learned how to edit out leashes, acquired more backdrops, and eventually invested in my own studio lights. Through my connection with Kelly, I became familiar with many other rescue organizations and began photographing foster pets for Foster Army Animal Rescue, even assisting with their Halloween fundraisers. Currently, I photograph the adoptable cats for Workin Whiskers, an amazing rescue doing incredible work.

What Sets Me Apart

While working at the shelter, I realized just how powerful an image can be. Shelters are busy, and staff don’t always have the time to get the perfect photo—plus, many pets are terrified when they first arrive. A single photo can make all the difference in helping a pet stand out to potential adopters. Seeing the transformation from a scared, unsure pet to one full of personality is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

My priority is always the comfort of the animals. If a pet isn’t comfortable going into the photography room, I’ll take their photos outside—and you’d be surprised how much that small change can bring out their personality. The best part? Hearing adopters say they came to the shelter or rescue specifically because of my photos. Knowing my work plays a role in helping animals find loving homes is an amazing feeling.

What I Want People to Know

My work is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling an animal’s story and giving them the best possible chance at adoption. Whether I’m photographing a scared shelter pet, a foster animal, or a beloved pet for their owner, my goal is always to capture their personality in a way that feels true to who they are.

If you’re looking for a pet photographer who understands animals, knows how to bring out their best, and prioritizes their comfort, I’d love to connect!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer—especially in the world of pet and rescue photography—is knowing that my work can truly change lives. Seeing an animal go from being overlooked to adopted because of a single image is an incredible feeling. Shelters and rescues are full of amazing pets, but sometimes fear, stress, or a poor-quality photo can prevent them from catching the attention of potential adopters. When I can capture their personality in a way that makes someone stop and say, That’s the one!, it’s an indescribable reward.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! My mission is to use photography to help animals get adopted and to highlight the unique personalities of pets in a way that connects with people. When I first started volunteering at the shelter, I saw how easily some animals were overlooked simply because their photos didn’t capture who they truly were. A scared dog curled up in the back of a kennel or a cat hiding in their litter box might not stand out to potential adopters—but with the right approach, patience, and a little creativity, I can showcase their personality and help people see them as the loving companions they are.

Beyond adoption photography, my goal is to create meaningful images that celebrate the bond between pets and their people. Whether it’s a shelter pet looking for a home or a beloved pet getting their portrait taken, I want to capture moments that pet owners can cherish forever.

Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by my love for animals and the belief that every pet deserves to be seen, valued, and given a chance at a better life. If my photos can make even a small difference in helping an animal find a home or in giving a pet owner a treasured memory, then I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @oaksphotography_
• Facebook: Oaks Photography