Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Galgano.
Hi Bryan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into photography, and eventually pet portrait photography, started about nine years ago when my wife, Meg, and I moved to Atlanta with our two rescue dogs, Hula and Bean Sprout. We moved for Meg’s career, and I suddenly found myself with a lot of unexpected free time because I was unemployed.
Back when we lived in San Francisco, we started an Instagram page for our dogs. Meg was the creative force behind it, she took the photos and really shaped the voice of the page, and we gained thousands of followers. After the move, her new job was so demanding that it felt like the page might naturally fade out. In an effort to maintain the community we had built, I decided to take over and keep it going. The funny part is: I had never picked up a camera in my life!
Once I started connecting with the pet community, online and in Atlanta, through photographing Hula and Sprout, I got completely hooked. I wanted to learn how to take better photos and get a better foundational understanding of photography. So I began taking classes and workshops through Atlanta Photography Group and the Atlanta School of Photography.
The more I learned, the more excited I became, especially when I discovered studio photography. I loved how a studio setting could truly highlight an animal’s personality in a clean, expressive way. That was the moment the idea clicked: maybe I could turn my love of photographing my dogs into something bigger.
That spark eventually became my pet portrait business. Today, I not only get to capture the personalities of pets and create images families cherish, but I also partner with local rescues and donate my photography to help rescue dogs find their forever homes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not always, but it’s definitely been worth it. Like anything new, starting out had its challenges. There were plenty of moments where I felt unsure or overwhelmed, especially in the beginning. But I’ve been really lucky to have an incredible support system of family and friends who always seem to know how to lift me up when things feel too heavy.
Also, it doesn’t hurt that part of my job includes photographing my own dogs. They’re a constant reminder of why I started, and they always bring me back to the joy in it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in studio pet portrait photography with a focus on capturing the unique personality and character of each pet. I offer a variety of sessions, including mini, full, holiday/theme, and black-and-white. This allows me some flexibility on how I capture a pet’s personality and ensures I am able to create photos that will be cherished for many years.
What really sets me apart is my patience and understanding of animal behavior in a studio environment. For many pets, the studio is a brand-new place, and it can feel exciting, overwhelming, or even a little scary. I never rush the process. I always make sure each pet has time to explore, sniff, settle in, and feel comfortable before we begin. I’m also very intentional about giving the animals breaks as they need and respecting when they decide they are done (which happens very regularly)!
Over the years, I’ve photographed all kinds of animals , dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots, pigs, and even ferrets! I’m proud to say we always walk away with fun, beautiful images that families truly love. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is donating my time to Releash Atlanta, a local rescue group, to create a calendar fundraiser each year. Releash is a wonderful organization that we’re lucky to foster for, and being able to partner with them to help rescue dogs, like mine, find their forever homes is easily the most rewarding part of what I do.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a big podcast person. I get a lot of inspiration from hearing other people talk about what they love and how they’ve built their creative lives.
Photography-wise, I can’t say enough good things about The Candid Frame with Ibarionex Perello. It’s such a thoughtful show where photographers really dig into their creative process. And honestly, Ibarionex might be an even better interviewer than he is a photographer… and he’s an incredible photographer! In 2019, he interviewed Diana Lundin, a Los Angeles based pet photographer and it genuinely made me believe it was possible to build a pet photography business.
Since I’m also a runner, I love a great running podcast too. Ali on the Run is my go-to whenever I need motivation to get out the door or just feel inspired to move forward in life. I’ve listened for years, and I always walk away feeling energized.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bryangalganophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryangalganophotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BryanGalganoPhotography/
Image Credits
Bryan Galgano
