Donna Banks - Member Spotlight
Jun 01, 2026
Growing up I dabbled in photography, with my father, also a photographer. As I was nearing retirement, after a 30-plus year in law enforcement I started taking night courses in photography with the goal of getting into pet photography.
Tell us a bit about you?
I do have a pet photography business with the goal of making it more successful. I have only been doing pet photography as a business for about the past 5 years, since retiring, so I am still figuring out my personal style.
I am currently partnered with Ned's Wish, a non-profit, that assists with retired Police, Military and Federal Parks retired canines.
With my first Toller, we competed in Dock Diving and he was a natural at it. My 19 month old Toller, is learning Dock Diving and we are both learning Agility.
Why did you start photographing pets?
Animals of all kinds have always been a passion of mine.
When I got my first Toller, that's when the goal of pet photography became more clear. When he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, it was very difficult to pick up the camera again and honestly thought that I never would. Now with my second Toller, well, he is a work in progress.
What camera and lenses do you most often use?
Currently, I use a Canon.
I started with a Canon PowerShot, them a T7i and now the RP. One day, if I could ever afford it, I'd love to upgrade from the RP.
The lens I use the most is the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm.
I recently got an 85mm and am looking forward to using it more and more.
What’s one thing in your camera bag you can’t live without?
My extra three batteries and the noise makers.
What’s the best thing about being a pet photographer?
Everything!!
I love meeting all the pets and making clients happy with capturing special images of their pet(s).
The pet community is the best.
How would you describe your style?
I'm still figuring out my personal style, but it does seem more light and airy.
Since being with Unleashed Education and participating in the various challenges, I have noticed a big improvement with my images.
What is your proudest achievement as a pet photographer?
Being surprised with three Bronze Standing Awards for images submitted to the International Pet Photography Awards, gave me that extra little boost of confidence in my photography skills.
Also very proud to be partnered with a non-profit to photograph retired Police and Military Canines for their fundraisers. These Canines deserve to be recognised for their bravery.
What are your photography goals for the future?
One of my goals would be to find a place to do studio work, so I can do photography year round, especially in the winter months.
What do you do to cultivate and nurture your creativity?
I would like to get back into photographing shelter animals to help them get adopted.
I will continue my partnership with the non-profit for retired Police and Military Canines.
What specific skills have improved since being an Unleashed Education member?
Many things have improved since joining Unleashed Education. I now look at potential photo locations through the lens: what is the lighting like, what in nature can be used as a prop, what time of day is best to shoot, what is in the background.
What's your favourite thing about being an Unleashed Education member?
That there is so much to learn.
Many of the various courses can be taken in your own time.
The feedback from the Challenges such as Embark and Emerge is really helpful.
The facilitators are always available to help guide and answer your questions.
Have you ever had something funny happen during a shoot?
In a recent photo session with a retiring Police Canine, he was so excited, he wouldn't sit still for his photos. At one point, I could see him running towards me through the lens. I moved the camera just in time as he bowled me over, sat on me and gave me a lot of slobbery kisses.
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.
