Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Domanski.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My journey to becoming a pet photographer was a long one. It took me years to finally listen to the voices in my head that kept telling me I wasn’t on the right path. I had spent a long time in medical sales. The money was good, but it just wasn’t my passion. One day I came home and told my husband I just couldn’t do it any longer. When he asked what I really wanted to do, I replied, “I want to photograph dogs”.
This was totally out of left field because at that moment I didn’t have a decent camera and I had very little formal education or training in photography.
But I loved dogs, and I loved taking pictures, and I knew in my heart that this was a way to not only have a career I really wanted, but also use my photography to help showcase shelter dogs in a better light. I’d already been volunteering in animal rescue so I’d seen time and again how a good photo can help get an animal adopted.
Fast forward nearly four years — I quit the sales job, went to photography school and have since photographed over 2,000 dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and all other manner of critters.
In those four years, I’ve been completely covered in fur and doggie drool. I’ve stepped, sat and even laid in so many unmentionable things. I’ve had my camera bag peed on countless times, and I’ve never been happier. But for me, the icing on the cake is when my photo is the reason somebody adopted their dog or when clients see an image of their pet and cry because they love it so much.
Please tell us about your art.
My goal is to capture an animal’s personality. Their essence. That special look they give their favorite person, the quizzical head tilt, their goofy playful side. I want to capture your pet the way you’d want to remember them forever. Our time with our best friends is short, so I try to freeze time with beautiful artwork that can be cherished forever.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I belong to many pet photography groups and have attended various workshops specializing in pet photography. I have become friends with many people that I have met in the groups and it’s wonderful to help share best practices and learn from so many talented artists.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Please follow me on Instagram @winkfacephotography or Facebook WinkFace Photography as well as www.winkfacephotos.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.winkfacephotos.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @winkfacephotography
- Facebook: WinkFace Photography
Image Credit:
WinkFace Photography (Photo of Wendy with her dogs- Elayne Massaini)
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Julie E Janes
June 12, 2019 at 15:25
Wendy has an amazing talent and eye for detail! I follow her and multiple social platforms, and can’t wait for her to visit the midwest again so she can take photos of my pets for me!
Kim Smith
June 13, 2019 at 16:28
I have known Wendy for several years, I love her passion, dedication, and style. She came to my house (outside of Chicago in feb!) and photographed my son’s silver lab in the freezing cold. But there she was laying in the snow, capturing amazing pictures of her that I absolutely cherish!