Meet Abby Henry | Pet Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Abby, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from Salina, Kansas. My family has always instilled in me the importance of animals and nature. As long as I can remember, we have had pets, and these pets have always been an enormous part of my life. I mean, my first word was “kitty” after all! As a child, you could usually find me playing with one of my pets or outside in the yard climbing trees or catching bugs. I moved to Colorado when I was in high school and realized the true beauty that this state holds! I take my dogs all over Colorado to find new photoshoot locations and camping spots. I tend to catch people off guard with my disregard for dirt and brush to get that perfect shot of their pet! Growing up playing in the dirt has taught me “a little dirt won’t kill ya”!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Pet Candids is different from other photography services because most photographers will not take on the unpredictable nature of pets. I have patience of steel, especially when it comes to animals! I think it is so important for my clients to have nice portraits of their pets including them. I started out by advertising with a Groupon deal and found my initial clients. Most photoshoots came from word of mouth, but being featured in the Greeley Tribune for my work definitely helped me fill my schedule! The hardest, but most important shoots to me are my “rainbow bridge” photoshoots. Many clients have told me how special those photos are to them after their pet has moved on and how it helped them through the healing process. After the loss of a pet, I started Pet Candids Photography, vowing to never be without professional portraits of my pets and to help others do the same!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is simply the best, especially for pets! I would say to do day trip to Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins. There is hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, ect. and all dog friendly! Almost any restaurant in old town Fort Collins has a pet friendly patio for food and drinks! After, I’d suggest a drive-in movie at the Holiday Twin Drive In. A trip to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park will give views for days and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even spot some elk, moose, deer, or bighorn sheep! Longmont is also great for a trip to Union Reservoir and dinner and drinks at the Pump House. Colorado Springs area has Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Manitou Springs, and many other hidden gems. Rural Boulder county has abandoned gold mines and great dispersed camping.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give my shoutout to a few people. First, my parents, for always encouraging me and for getting me my very first digital camera. I’d like to thank my fiancé, friends, family, and especially my previous clients, for supporting my passion in photography! I’ve always admired Brittany Wild, owner of Way Finder Cleaning Services. She grew her business from the ground up and is so inspirational! Final shoutout is to my pets, present and past, for being my first models. I wouldn’t have started my business if it wasn’t for the love I have for my pets and the memories that photography captures.
Website: petcandids.com
Instagram: @petcandids
Twitter: @petcandids
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petcandidsphotography/