Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Maas.
Hi Elena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into dog photography started in the most personal way — with my own dog. I adopted her in 2017, a sweet and soulful bully breed who quickly became my whole world. Before her, I hadn’t realized just how deep the stigma ran around bully breeds. I wanted people to see her the way I did — soft, loving, expressive — so I started photographing her and sharing the images online. It didn’t take long before friends began asking if I could photograph their dogs, too.
That’s when something clicked.
Over time, I realized that what I love most isn’t just taking beautiful portraits of dogs — it’s capturing the connection between a dog and their person. My favorite clients are women who, like me, have that one dog who’s been with them through everything. The breakups, the job changes, the moves across the city or across the country — their dog has been the constant. Their heart dog.
There’s something really special about documenting that kind of bond. I don’t set up stiff poses or ask for fake smiles — I just let them be together. I walk around them, quietly capturing the small moments that tell a big story: the way their dog looks at them, the subtle lean into their side, the spontaneous smile when a tongue catches them off guard.
Those are the moments I live for — the ones that only last a second, but mean everything.
Over the years, I’ve heard so many beautiful stories from clients about how they met their dog, what they’ve been through together, and how their bond has grown. It’s a privilege to listen to those stories, and an even bigger privilege to help preserve them through photographs. Because we never get enough time with them — but a photo, that memory, can last forever.
That’s why I do this. For the dogs. For their people. And for the love that deserves to be remembered.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh boy… where do I even begin?
Starting a photography business comes with a lot of moments that almost convince you not to start at all. For me, it wasn’t just about taking nice pictures — it was about working through all the “what ifs” that flooded my brain before every shoot. What if I forget my backup batteries? What if I don’t have an extra memory card? What if the lighting’s all wrong and I can’t fix it?
It’s so easy to let all those little worries snowball into doubt. Honestly, I could’ve talked myself out of this business ten times over in the beginning.
In those early days, I had such a hard time speaking up during sessions. If a setup wasn’t working or the light wasn’t right, I’d just… shoot through it. I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone — especially after they’d finally gotten their dog settled into place. I’d smile, say “Perfect!” and click away, even if I knew deep down the shots weren’t going to turn out the way I wanted.
And guess what? Most of those photos went straight into the trash.
It took me a while to understand that I am the professional. People are trusting me to guide them — not just creatively, but logistically too. I’ve gotten so much better at seeing what’s not working and making those small adjustments that make a huge difference. Even just moving someone a few inches out of harsh sunlight can completely change the final result. I always remind myself: I’m here to provide a service, and my clients want to get the best from our time together. That starts with me taking the lead when it matters.
Now… the weirdest situation I’ve ever had?
Back when I first started — I was still dabbling in equine photography at the time — I got hired by a mom to come out to their farm and take photos of her daughter and her horse. Sounds simple enough. I get there, it’s a beautiful setting… and suddenly, she’s adding two more girls with two more horses, then herself, her husband, and even the family dog.
I was completely overwhelmed. I hadn’t asked how many people would be in the session, and I hadn’t made it clear that I wasn’t a family photographer. I just sort of rolled with it (rookie move), and in the end, the photos were fine — but that was the day I realized I needed to get crystal clear on what kind of work I actually wanted to do… and who I wanted to work with.
That experience shaped the direction of my business more than I realized at the time. It pushed me to niche down, to focus on dogs and the people who love them, and to build a brand that truly reflects that deep bond — not just pretty photos, but honest moments that matter.
Because when you know who you’re creating for, everything gets a little clearer — even if you’re still chasing dogs through a field half the time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For many of us, our dogs are more than pets — they’re our constants. They’ve been with us through moves, breakups, new jobs, and quiet Sunday mornings. They’ve seen us at our best and at our most undone. That kind of loyalty, that quiet companionship, becomes something sacred. And it deserves to be remembered.
That’s where I come in.
I’m a dog photographer, but more than that, I document the deep emotional bond people share with their dogs. My sessions aren’t stiff or posed. They’re relaxed, natural, and centered on connection. I don’t tell people to smile — I don’t need to. When someone is simply being with their dog, their expression softens, their joy surfaces, and the most genuine moments unfold.
I move around my subjects quietly and intuitively, waiting for the little things that say so much: a quick lick on the cheek that sparks a real laugh, the way a dog leans into their person’s side, the soft gaze upward that only they get. These aren’t just photos. They’re reminders of what it felt like to love and be loved by a once-in-a-lifetime dog.
And the truth is, we don’t get nearly enough time with them. That’s why I do what I do — to help people preserve this chapter, to give them something to hold onto long after their pup is gone.
Because some bonds deserve to be remembered forever.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Living just outside of Atlanta, it’s hard not to mention the traffic — it’s definitely not my favorite part. But what I do love about this area is how easy it is to escape into nature. For such a big, bustling city, Atlanta has so many green spaces and hidden trails tucked just a short drive away. Within thirty minutes, you can find yourself in a quiet nature preserve, surrounded by trees and fresh air — it’s the perfect balance of city life and space to breathe. It’s also one of my favorite things about photographing dogs here — there’s no shortage of beautiful backdrops where they can just be themselves.
Pricing:
- The Dachshund – Mini Session – $200
- The Pittie – Medium Session – $350
- The Shepherd – Full Session – $600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maascreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maas_creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maascreative/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenamaas/
Image Credits
These were all taken by me, MAAS Creative.
