Pets R Family

08/15/2026

Your uniqueness is your strength, own it and unleash your full potential.

📸 Pets R Family

08/14/2026

There’s a little story behind this image. 📸 This is one of my entries from the 2026 International Pet Photography Awards , where it received a Bronze Award.

I created this image using an optical snoot, shaping the light so precisely that it illuminated only a small portion of the cat’s face and eye while everything else disappeared into darkness.

And here’s the part I wish the judges could have seen:

This was created entirely in camera. No compositing. No Photoshop magic. No added effects. Just light, an optical snoot, and a very cooperative cat (which was a miracle in itself)

I originally wanted to enter this into the In Camera Artistry category because that’s exactly what it was created to showcase. But I ultimately decided against it because I wasn’t happy with the in camera crop. I entered it into Studio instead.

Looking back, I can’t help but wonder if the image might have been judged differently if the judges had known that what they were seeing was straight out of camera and simply cropped.

That’s one of the interesting—and sometimes frustrating—parts of competition photography. You can know exactly how much creativity, planning, and technical work went into an image, while the judges only get to see the final frame. At the same time, no matter how much time and work you put into a photo shoot doesn’t mean the picture will be award winning.

Either way, I’m incredibly proud of this one. ❤️

Sometimes the most dramatic images are created with the simplest tools—you just have to know how to use the light.

08/06/2026

The story behind the photos I entered into the International Pet Photography Awards. 📸🐾

I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone for this year’s International Pet Photography Awards by entering the new In-Camera Artistry category. Rather than relying on editing, I challenged myself to create images entirely in-camera using complex lighting techniques, gobos, colored gels, slow shutter speeds, and intentional camera movement.

All three images were created within just a few months of the competition deadline as I experimented with techniques I had never tried before. The stained-glass portrait of the husky was actually a practice session while I was learning to use an Optical Snoot Spotlight with gobos, and it ended up becoming one of my favorite images.

Once I felt confident with the technique, I wanted an even bigger challenge—using the Optical Snoot on a cat. Precise spotlighting requires the subject to remain in exactly the right position, making it especially difficult with an animal that doesn’t always follow directions. Thankfully, I had an incredibly calm and patient feline model, and after hundreds of frames, I captured the image I had envisioned.

The image featuring the “ghost” effect was created using two continuous lights with colored gels, a slow shutter speed, and intentional camera movement while the camera remained on a tripod. Creating these effects entirely in-camera was both technically demanding and incredibly rewarding.

07/28/2026

Sometimes the best portraits happen in the quiet moments—when curiosity takes over, a tiny head tilt, and suddenly the image tells a story. 🎵📸

The head tilt makes it look like he’s completely captivated by the music.
🐾 Vayle Rosenthal Isom

07/27/2026

07/26/2026

📸 🐾 Happy National Dog Photography Day! It’s amazing to look back and see how much has changed over the last few years.

This past year has been especially meaningful. I was honored to be named a Finalist in the International Pet Photography Awards, something I never imagined when I first started this journey. I’ve also begun offering in-person mentoring, helping other photographers grow their confidence and creativity in pet photography. Being able to share what I’ve learned with others has become one of the most rewarding parts of this career.

Every wagging tail, goofy smile, senior dog, puppy, and the families who trust me with their memories remind me why I do what I do.

Thank you to every client, friend, and supporter who has believed in me along the way. You have helped turn a dream into something I get to live every day.

Happy National Dog Photography Day! ❤️🐶 Here’s to celebrating the incredible dogs who make our lives better and the memories that last forever.

07/22/2026

The Doberman Pinscher is the perfect combination of elegance and power. Confident, intelligent, and deeply loyal, they’re one of those breeds that leaves a lasting impression wherever they go. And behind those alert eyes is often a big softie who just wants to be with their favorite people.

🐾 Vayle Rosenthal Isom
📸 Pets R Family

07/20/2026

I still can’t believe I’m saying this… but I have been selected as a Finalist in the 2026 International Pet Photography Awards for the brand-new In-Camera Artistry category! 🎉📸

This category is especially meaningful because no editing is allowed. Every finalist image had to be created entirely in-camera, relying on lighting, composition, timing, creativity, and technical skill the moment the shutter was pressed.

If you’ve followed my journey over the past few years, you’ve probably seen me constantly experimenting with creative lighting, colored gels, water effects, reflections, and other techniques to create unique images before I ever press the shutter. I’ve spent countless hours practicing, testing new ideas, and challenging myself to create as much as possible in-camera instead of relying on Photoshop afterward.

To have that dedication recognized on an international stage is incredibly humbling. It reminds me that all the trial and error, late nights in the studio, and willingness to keep learning have been worth it.

I’m honored to stand alongside such talented photographers from around the world, and congratulations to all of the other finalists!

Most of all, thank you to every client who has trusted me with your beloved dogs, every dog that has patiently posed while I tried a new lighting idea, and everyone who has encouraged and supported Pets R Family over the years. You are a huge part of this journey, and I’m so grateful for each of you. ❤️

The winners will be announced on August 1st. No matter what happens, being named an international finalist in this category is an achievement I’ll always be proud of.

Wish me luck! 🤞🐾

07/19/2026

Every splash, every leap, every expression is captured in a split second to create artwork that’s as unique as your dog. This is more than a portrait—it’s an experience.