Meet the Animal Lover Behind the Camera

I’m Karen Hoglund, a Denver pet photographer who creates artwork for people who love their animals as family.

Karen Hoglund, Denver cat photographer, with her cat, Mr. Butter – a buff tabby wearing a bow tie

MY PETS

My mother swears on a stack of Bibles that my first word was “dog.” I can’t verify that, but we did have three beagles during my childhood, and every one of them was named Snoopy.

After that, pets continued to be a constant part of my adult life. Each one has shaped how I read animal behavior and body language.

Living with animals has taught me how the ordinary moments often become the ones we miss most.

Golden Retriever posing for a professional dog portrait on log at Mount Falcon West trail near Denver, Colorado

In Loving Memory

MURPHY

Murphy joined our family in 2012 through the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR), and we shared more than a decade of fetch and muddy hikes. He crossed the rainbow bridge in 2024, and though we miss him every day, our home is still filled with his photos, and the happy memories behind them.

Murphy was my practice model and location scouting sidekick. He wasn’t always the most cooperative subject, but he made me a better photographer and a more patient human. I carry what he taught me into every session.

See more photos of Murphy.

Orange tabby cat playing with blue and red origami cranes on a string. There are shadows of the bird origami on the green wall behind the cat. The floor is dark brown wood.

MR. Butter

Mr. Butter is a constant source of entertainment! Whether he’s pouncing on a toy or trying to convince us he needs an extra meal, he always makes us smile.

Mr. Butter is also my test subject for new ideas and props. He’ll do just about anything for a treat, so when the camera gear comes out, he usually takes his position and waits for payment.

See more photos of Mr. Butter.

My Background

Before I photographed pets professionally, I worked as an art director, planning commercial photo shoots. I even hired a golden retriever for a national ad campaign.

Years spent working in design sharpened my eye for composition and color, but animals were always the subjects I felt most drawn to.

In 2012, I started my pet photography business.

My Approach

I approach sessions with patience and flexibility because animals aren’t props. The best photographs usually happen when pets feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves

I’d Love This for My Pet