ABOUT

Originally from Houston, TX, Cary is currently enrolled at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, but has lived, studied, and worked in various other locations. He loves his family and friends, and is the proud owner to Alfie Okerlund, Golden Retriever, Age 5

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MAKE THIS SITE?

I have devoted a lot of time and energy throughout my life into taking pictures of animals, and wanted a place to compile some of my favorites for both myself and others to be able to reference.

I thought about making an Instagram page, but these take more time to continuously upkeep, and I already struggle to find time to continue uploading content to other established secondary Instagram accounts of mine (@carysfood and @thingsonmycatshead). Also, Instagram offers less customization and ability to sort content than a website.

WHY PET PHOTOGRAPHY?

My whole life I have always loved animals. I have also loved photography. I especially love photographing pets because it often entails me spending lots of time with the pets.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

I owe my love of photography to my mother, a long-time photography hobbyist specializing in wildlife. As soon as I was old enough to hold a camera, my Mom started teaching me tips and tricks of the trade. Our favorite place to take pictures was at the zoo, which we did together literally hundreds of times. So I have always really enjoyed photography, but it wasn’t until recently (2015-ish) that I started to pursue the trade more rigorously and independently.

HOW HAVE YOU SHARPENED YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS?

There are so many ways to strengthen your photography skills. Intentional practice (e.g. identifying a technique you want to work on, then practicing it) is really helpful.

Also, during a gap year, I became a member at the Houston Center for Photography and took a number of courses there (they offer great 6-10 week courses that meet once a week, each with different area of focus). I recommend these to all in Houston area, but for Houstonians and non-Houstonians alike, I’d also suggest just googling “photography classes in [location]” to find similar stuff. There’s a lot out there.

WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE?

I grew up always using my mom's DSLR's, but decided to go mirrorless for my first camera. It is an Olympus OMD E-10. I don't notice any difference in picture quality and it is easier to carry around. I have a few lenses for it, but mostly used a 30mm prime lens for these pics. The majority of pictures on this site were taken with this camera, but some were taken on my Mom's Nikon and also my iPhone.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY HOW YOU MAKE A LIVING?

No, it is just a hobby.