Bay Area Pet Photographer

HELLO & WELCOME!

I’m Tonya and I am a professional pet portrait photographer based in the Northern California Bay Area. I’m San Francisco born. A city girl with a soul called to nature. I was the little hippie-kid girl whose pet rat was her best friend and knew her innermost musings. The one that fed and named the stray cats and dogs.  Horses were my first love.

Tonya Perme

I fell in love with the magic of photography as a child in my parent’s darkroom, fascinated by the images and stories coming alive in trays. My love of animals and photography merged when my soul-mate kitty, Valencia, was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and I wanted photos that captured how much he meant to me. It became my mission to do the same for others.

Bay Area Cat Photographer Valencia
Valencia

They say when you buy from a small business an actual person does a happy dance. It’s true, when you #shopsmallbusiness you are supporting a dream. There’s no other profession I’d rather have. When you hire me to document your family (furry or not) you get my heart and soul.

Whether I'm shooting in a studio, park, beach or your home I like to keep my portrait photography style relaxed and comfortable because I want images that feel connected and natural. While I do pose subjects in scenic settings (or the studio), I gravitate towards the moments in between poses.  I want my subjects to forget about the camera. 

I feel grateful to call the Bay Area my home.  I enjoy the diversity and vibrant energy of the city but you will most often find me running on the trails of the East Bay Regional Parks with one of my dogs.

I have over fifteen years of professional experience specializing in pet portrait photography. I take a relaxed approach to my sessions, working closely with you to plan the perfect experience. My style is expressive, candid and intimate; my emphasis is on connection.  My goal is to capture the beauty, joy and spirit of your pet!   

The business of portrait photography is quite personal and it is a special honor to be invited to photograph someone's beloved pet.  Each session is a unique journey based on the personalities involved and it is common that I find myself quite smitten with my subjects. 

Tonya Perme Pet PhotographyBehind The Scenes | Bay Area Pet Photographer