We were lucky to catch up with Emma Conrady recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emma, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

One of the biggest ways I diverge from the industry standard is by centering my photography work entirely around dogs and their humans. While traditional photographers often focus on weddings, portraits, or family sessions with pets as occasional add-ons, my brand is built with the belief that dogs are family — and they deserve to be celebrated just as much.

When I first started out, I wasn’t sure dog photography could be a viable niche. It wasn’t until around 2022, when I came across @tailsofvoyage on Instagram, that I realized: yes, this is a niche — and more importantly, it’s one that matters deeply to people like me who see their pups as fur babes, not just pets.

My sessions are designed with the same intentionality and emotion as a family or newborn shoot. I focus on capturing the unique connection between a dog and their person, and I think that shows in my work. Whether it’s a goofy grin, a shared cuddle, or an epic action shot in a field, I aim to tell a story of joy, loyalty, and unconditional love.

One of my “the why” moments was while I worked with a pup named Lola, who has unfortunately been diagnosed with cancer. Lola’s family knew their time together was limited, and they wanted to capture the quiet, everyday love they shared. That session was filled with laughter, tears, and the kind of tenderness you usually only see in deeply personal family shoots. It reminded me exactly why this work matters.

Choosing to specialize in dog photography might not follow the traditional path, but it’s one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made — and I’m so glad to be part of a growing community that values our four-legged family members just as much as the two-legged ones.

Emma, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the dog-obsessed heart behind Conrady Photography. By day, I’m active duty Air Force — and by every spare moment, I’m a passionate dog photographer based in Omaha, Nebraska.

My love for photography goes way back. My dad loved photography as he was going up and he gave me my first digital camera in middle school. Like a true millennial, I brought it everywhere. Things got a little more serious when I got my first DSLR in college, but it wasn’t until 2021 that I really dove in — upgrading to a Nikon D780, teaching myself manual mode, and turning my own dogs into my first loyal models.

What started as a hobby quickly grew into something more. In 2022, Leah Thrasher of Omaha Dog Bar saw my work on Instagram and invited me to photograph their Pride Pawty event. That one opportunity turned into a continuing partnership — and now, three years later, I’m regularly doing event photography there and booking private dog and family sessions year-round. From holiday card portraits to special senior dog moments, I get to celebrate the bond between people and their pups in a way that feels honest, joyful, and personal.

As a fellow dog mom, I think that’s what truly sets my work apart. I understand dog body language, know when to give a pup space, and never rush a session. I create an experience where both dogs and their humans feel relaxed, respected, and — most importantly — like they’re having fun.

Through my work, I help people preserve the magic of life with their dogs. Because let’s face it — our pups are family. And they deserve to be photographed with the same love and attention we’d give to any other family member.

You can check out my work and learn more about me at emmaconradyphotography.mypixieset.com or follow along on Instagram @conrady.photography to see some of my recent favorites.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative — specifically a dog photographer — is getting to capture the love between people and their dogs in a way that feels lasting and meaningful. Our pups are with us for such a short time, but they play a huge role in our lives. Being able to freeze little moments — a goofy grin, a quiet snuggle, that signature head tilt — and give that back to someone as a tangible memory is incredibly fulfilling.

There’s something really special about hearing a client say, “That’s so my dog.” Knowing I can help preserve those emotions, especially for senior dogs or those nearing the rainbow bridge, is something I don’t take lightly. It’s art with heart.

At the end of the day, I do this because I know how deeply we love our animals — I’m one of those people too. So being able to use creativity to tell those stories is the biggest gift of all.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Honestly, keeping in touch with clients and building brand loyalty is something I’m always working on — and it’s not always easy! I’ve tried hopping on the Instagram reel trend, but let’s be real… I’m the gal behind the camera, not in front of it doing dances or pointing at text bubbles. 😅

That said, I focus heavily on creating a personal and positive experience throughout the entire client journey. From clear communication during booking to making sure each session feels relaxed and fun (for both dogs and humans), I aim to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. I think that care shows — many of my clients have come back for multiple sessions, and a lot of new bookings come through word-of-mouth, especially from connections I’ve made through Omaha Dog Bar.

I also love staying connected in small, organic ways — chatting with clients when I see them around town, sending sneak peeks that bring a smile, and even leaving behind some branded stickers (featuring my cute little dog ear logo!) in pet-friendly spots around Omaha. It’s those little touches that help keep my brand top-of-mind without needing to dance my way through social media trends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emmaconradyphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conrady.photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15P1FJ2xm3/

Image Credits

Personal photo was taken by Danielle Montes Photography.