About Ellen Shershow
Premier Oakland California Pet Photographer
Photos of Ellen by Michalea Joy Photography
Why Dogs?
Our dogs are so much more than companions.
The dog is slobbery and kooky and soulful and precious. Next to Steve Martin, Jennifer Coolidge, and Sarah Silverman, they are the funniest creatures in the world.
We are enthralled by them, the gentle gaze, the unconditional love, the stories of dog as hero. When I was a teenager, our springer spaniel was my coolest and nicest friend. When I failed algebra, she licked my face. When I was lonely, she curled up in bed with me until I wasn’t lonely anymore.
I work with dogs and their humans. Small dogs, big dogs, diva dogs, shy dogs, funny dogs, happy dogs, unusual dogs. The dogs and the humans and I get together, and together we make pictures.
“J’embrasse mon chien sur la bouche! (I kiss my dog on the mouth.)”
GIVING BACK
“The creatures that inhabit this earth—be they human beings or animals—are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.”
When I started my business in 2009, I didn't just want a day job; I wanted to build a business that would reflect my values, and to convey those values through action. This is why I donate over 30 hours every month to photographing the adoptable dogs at Muttville senior dog rescue. I also work with the Pet Food Express My Mutt program, providing valuable funds to Bay Area pet shelters and rescues.
Currently, I am the President of the SF CameraWork Board of Directors. I previously served as the chair of the SF Camerawork Benefit Auction where I raised over $100,000 for this important Bay Area institution. Before joining the crew at SF Camerawork, I served as president of the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery to support emerging artists and provide expertise and contacts to promote their work. I also worked with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Headlands Center for the Arts ensuring that our local arts community is thriving and accessible to all.
I donate photo sessions regularly to auctions to help support the work of non-profit beneficiaries (PAWS: Pets Are Wonderful Support, Central Coast Pug Rescue, and Compassion without borders to name a few). In 2012, I worked pro-bono with Fido Friendly, a national dog magazine, by partnering with the San Francisco SPCA and ten dog product companies to produce a two-page photo spread for Fido’s December issue.
Before starting my own business, I spent over a decade in the non-profit sector. I carry this ethic with me every day and believe our communities are only as good as those who contribute to making it better.
Press
A Day in the Life of a Dog Photographer
Ellen Shershow featured on NPR's Marketplace
TODAY AT APPLE: Photo lab with Ellen Shershow
LA Magazine: All Pets Are Emotional Support Animals at This Point
Ellen Shershow’s photos capture dogs as vibrant oddballs: licking their nostrils, dashing across beaches, peering inquisitively at the camera as if it might deliver a slice of premium freeze-dried meat directly to their mouths…
SLATE: My dog is hopelessly camera shy
How can I make him less scared of having his photo taken?
LIGHT GRAY AREA ARTIST RESIDENCY
SUMMER 2017, 2018, 2019
This intensive residency workshop program provides artists-in-residence from a variety of creative backgrounds, practices and locations around the world an opportunity to share their ideas on creativity, art and design theory, techniques and methods, and a wide variety of global creative themes.
STUDIO LAB ARTIST RESIDENCY: ProArts//Oakland, California
May 1-June 20, 2017
Ellen Shershow joined the Studio Lab Artist Residency Program as the first portrait photographer at Pro Arts. While in residence, Ellen produced a new body of work and created dog portraits on site at Pro Arts.
CLIENT HIGHLIGHT: ELLEN AT J’ADORE LE CHIEN PHOTO STUDIO
Renee Cosmetics Consulting
Stepping into Ellen’s photo studio is like getting a warm hug from an old friend. In fact, she WILL hug you like you’re an old friend (if you’re into that sort of thing) as she greets and welcomes you in. “Water? Espresso? With sugar?” are some of the first words exchanged as you walk in to make yourself at home with your fur baby...