Liz Dranow - Member Spotlight
May 01, 2026
I'm a part-time professional pet photographer and full-time biostatistician (and hardcore nerd) who feels most at home outside with a camera and a dog or three. I prefer to photograph dogs in natural landscapes because I have amazing access to wild, beautiful places and I love using them as backdrops for real moments. I try to create work that is adventurous and honest with an emphasis on storytelling. My analytical brain helps fuel my creative process, shaping how I see, plan sessions, and photograph the world around me.
Tell us a bit about you?
I am a part-time professional pet photographer, and am a biostatistician (super-nerd in medical research) in my day job. I have three Goldendoodles who all have had cameras in their faces since they came into our house. I don't really have a lot of spare time, but since my idea of fun (and my social life) is going out with other dog owners, or other photographers, to explore Utah and take photographs, I'm able to incorporate what I love doing with my pet photography.
Why did you start photographing pets?
My father got me into (film) photography when I was a child, but while I was in college I drifted away from photography. When my husband and I got the first puppy I had as an adult, I thought it would be a great time to get a digital camera and see what all the fuss was about. Fiona (the puppy) was my heart dog, and is still my inspiration, despite being physically gone for almost 6 years. What started as something to document her life became an opportunity to learn skills and push myself in a creative way.
What camera and lenses do you most often use?
I am a Nikon person. My father and brother are also both Nikon people, so when I visit them, we can swap lenses, which is always fun! I currently shoot with two Nikon z8 bodies (set up exactly the same way), and while I have a large variety of lenses, from a 14mm I got from a friend to my 70-200 f/2.8, the lens that rarely leaves one of the bodies is Nikon's Z 85mm f/1.2. This lens was a present for my 20th wedding anniversary - my husband wanted to get me jewelry, but I told him I would likely never wear anything, and if he really wanted to get me something I would use all the time, the lens would be a much better choice. After much cajoling, he agreed, and now I get to tell everyone how he got me the perfect anniversary present! I also have the Z 135mm f/1.8, which is frequently on the other body. For clients, I bring along the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm, but almost always end up shooting primarily with the 85 or 135mm.
What’s one thing in your camera bag you can’t live without?
Water. Seriously. Many of my photo sessions involved hiking (or at least walking) to locations, and Utah is a very arid state. I modified my primary camera bag to hold a 3 liter water bladder so I've got water for me, dogs, and even clients if necessary.
What’s the best thing about being a pet photographer?
I love everything about it. I get the opportunity to explore wherever I am with people who whom I have at least one thing in common (dogs) and create art. I have met so many amazing people along the way from clients to model calls to other photographers, and being able to spend time with people and dogs out in incredible settings is really my idea of a perfect way to spend time.
How would you describe your style?
Landscapes, environments and weather conditions play a big role in my work. I like to capture the essence of a location in my work, and while it frequently has the warm feel of late afternoon/evening skies, cold and dreary days can also make for stunning images. Ultimately, I want people to be able to feel the experience we had.
What is your proudest achievement as a pet photographer?
I earned the title of Intermountain Professional Photographer of the Year in 2025 through the Intermountain PPA affiliate, which was a huge honor for me. I was also on a local tv spot a couple of years ago featuring the volunteer work I have been doing for the last 10 years at my local animal shelter. In 2025 I also earned my Associate accreditation through the International Pet Photography Accreditation Program as a member of its inaugural class.
What are your photography goals for the future?
I want to be guiding visitors to Utah to amazing locations and creating photographs with them and their pets. I'd like to keep this part-time, but really focus on the work I enjoy most. I would like to still continue my volunteer work with local rescues and shelters. Finally, I am working to obtain my Photographic Degree of Excellence through the Intermountain PPA, and ultimately my Master of Photography degree through PPA, as well as continuing to progress in the accreditation process in the International Pet Photography Accreditation Program.
What do you do to cultivate and nurture your creativity?
My current personal projects involve exploring Utah State Parks with dogs, and creating 'hero photos'. I do this with shelter dogs as well as with clients and model calls. Utah has a bit of a reputation as being a "weird" place (and, in fairness, it is), but it is also absolutely beautiful, and I love having the opportunity to show off the amazing landscapes in my adopted state. I also like to go exploring with other non-pet photographers (landscape and wildlife photographers, mostly) to try to see what they see (or, see something totally different!).
What specific skills have improved since being an Unleashed Education member?
So many things! I was mediocre (at best) when I first started with Charlotte's Real Shoots classes. Those inspired me to manage sessions better, learn how to cull and begin to edit photos. As I learned more, I realized that there was so much more I wanted to learn, and began to dive into all of the pathways tutorials, as well as replays of live calls. I have learned (and continue to learn) so much about shooting and editing. My Lightroom and Photoshop skills are miles beyond where I first started. Ultimately, I enrolled in the Embark Challenge series, and while it was a humbling experience, it was also the best thing I could have done photography, and loved Emerge, and am looking forward to being challenged again in Empower.
What's your favourite thing about being an Unleashed Education member?
I don't make the live calls as often as I would like, but I really do enjoy them when I can get on them live. However, the editing calls and the photo lab calls are absolutely invaluable.
Have you ever had something funny happen during a shoot?
I bring along super-high quality treats to my photoshoots, because they are usually different from what the owner brings, but still meet any dietary requirements the dogs have. I met up with clients and their supposedly treat-motivated dog at a local park. The dog wasn't remotely interested in my good treats, the owners' treats, or even the cheap treats I keep in my bag for the animal shelter. No worries, and we improvise with other ways of getting the dog's attention. As we were walking to another location, the dog managed to find a sandwich bag with part of a sandwich still in it. No idea how old it was, but the dog clearly thought this was The Best Thing Ever. After we managed to get the bag and remaining sandwich bits from the dog, I rattled the bag with the disgusting sandwich parts in it to get his attention. Worked like a charm! Luckily the owners had a sense of humor, and suggested they bring old sandwiches to his dog training classes! Sort of gross at the time, but really sort of funny, too.
Jordanelle Reservoir, Heber, Utah
Park City, Utah
Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah
Mirror Lake, Uintah National Forest, Utah
Mirror Lake Highway, Uinta National Forest, Utah
Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah
Park City, Utah
Salt Lake County, Utah
Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah
Butterfly Lake, Uinta National Forest, Utah
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