Kat Meehan - Member Spotlight
Jul 02, 2026
Animal Lover, Rescue Advocate, Foster Dog Mom & Proud Foster Fail, coupled with the Admiration and Love of Art, Creativity and Photography has lead me to where I am today. I am a dog photographer offering on-location sessions to capture images to curate handcrafted artwork for the home.
Tell us a bit about you?
I opened up a pet photography business named Cherry Willow Photography, LLC. The name came about from a photograph I took of my rescue pittie mix, Milo, standing under the Weeping Cherry Willow tree in my front yard. It stands to be my most favorite photo of him to date and the image has also become my logo. I love to hike and be out in nature as much as I can, so all my shoots are at scenic on-location places. I am blessed to live in a part of NY that has a stunning array of mountains, lakes, streams, preserves, farms, and woodlands along the Hudson River.
Why did you start photographing pets?
My love for both photography and dogs both came about in my teens, but I did not quite put the 2 together until decades later. I have been a hobbyist photographer for 30 years but trained professionally approximately 4 years ago. For nearly 8 years, I ran a successful pet care business offering dog walking, group hikes, puppy training and socialization etc. I photographed the dogs in my care as well as my own dog, endlessly during that time and saw that I needed to do this full-time, so I intensely trained for a few years as I was winding down my pet care business.
What camera and lenses do you most often use?
I am strictly a canon gal, using an R6 mark II, which normally has my 70-200 2.8 on at all times. My second body, R6 is the one I play around with other lenses. I do love my 85 mm f2 and 135 mm 1.8 but when I'm feeling like creating something different or the landscape is ridiculously stunning or a building architecture would look cool in a wide angle, I will switch to my 14-35.
What’s one thing in your camera bag you can’t live without?
Actually It never makes it into my camera bag. It is my spider holster belt, which I put on immediately when I get to the shoot before even picking up my camera bag. I would be lost on a shoot without it. I have added additional clips so it can hold 2 camera bodies, plus a pouch for accessories as well as Velcro clips to add on a speedlite or whatever else I can strap on this bad boy.
What’s the best thing about being a pet photographer?
There is no place I would rather be than in the company of dogs. My favorite part is actually meeting and engaging with the actual dog itself....a dog's energy and vibe is just unparalleled. I'm a dog person through and through. And I do adore the creative process of finding the perfect setting and stance and expression that all tie together to create the shot. When I nail the composure and it just all seamlessly works together, it's such a great feeling.
How would you describe your style?
I would say that it tends to be on the moody side, although I truly love bold and rustic pops of color in the autumn. I like to see some aspect of drama in the photo. Overall, I would describe what I try to accomplish is earthy, woodsy and organic and sometimes intense.
What is your proudest achievement as a pet photographer?
I did have a full page spread (right on 2nd page) of a local newspaper. It was basically a highlight of my business itself.
What are your photography goals for the future?
I am currently still trying to build this business and get a name for myself. I truly just want to be doing what I am right now but full-time and be known as the premier dog tog in my area.
What do you do to cultivate and nurture your creativity?
I stay creative by taking my very own muse, my dog Milo, who is quite striking in appearance, on scouting adventures to see beautiful scenery and explore new places. So I am constantly taking photos of him to challenge and push myself in such a wide variety of places. I am also at the beginning stages of doing a Book Project fundraiser for a dog rescue. If all goes well, I will have my first published book in the winter 2026/27 with a strong theme of storytelling of how dogs bring healing and enrichment and wholesomeness to the family experience.
What specific skills have improved since being an Unleashed Education member?
I have learned so much as composing intentional composition in camera. Something I never knew was lacking until taking on courses and challenges that made me see that I was not taking composition into consideration. It has made me a better storyteller and more aware of what I am seeing in the viewfinder before clicking that shutter. I will maneuver around the subject to find a better scene, a better story and better lighting.
What's your favourite thing about being an Unleashed Education member?
Honestly, it depends on where I am at in my learning journey. Sometimes I just want to focus on individual learning and immerse myself in a course and other times I truly value the community and engagement. I like how the structure can meet me where I'm at, as my needs are always changing.
Interested in becoming a Premium Member of Unleashed Education?
Join us in the friendliest online pet photography learning community in the world! Membership is always open and you can join on a monthly or yearly subscription, for access to hundreds of hours of pet photography education - courses, instructional videos, downloads and tutorials.
You can even join our interactive live group training calls with our fabulous instructors - Charlotte Reeves and Craig Turner-Bullock (that's us over there ๐).
Become a member today!
Join our mailing list!
Want to improve your pet photography with free tipsย and expert advice?
Join our mailing list and get a guided tour of what we have to offer, along with our weekly newsletter packed with practical pet photography insights.
๐ฉ Sign up now and start learning with us!
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
