The Artist Behind Your Gorgeous Pet Portraits

There are so many amazing photographers out there, so when you're on the hunt for images that beautifully capture the special bond between you and your dog, it's crucial to know who's behind the lens. Let me introduce myself!

I'm a proud native of the San Francisco Bay Area. I've lived in Santa Clara County my whole life, except for four years I spent in Davis, California for school. Photography has always fascinated me, but it wasn't until digital cameras came along that I could afford to practice and truly hone my skills. While I used many small point-and-shoot digital cameras to capture vacation memories, it was in 2015 that I got my hands on my first serious digital camera. I owe it all to Gaby Clark, who inspired me by showing me her small camera with interchangeable lenses. That's where my journey began!

On a side note, Gaby Clark is a fabulous photographer who focuses on branding, headshots, maternity and newborn photography. She's the one who has taken the photos you see on this post and you'll see more of her work across my website and over time. If you are looking for fabulous studio photos, you can't go wrong with Gaby.

I spent 30+ years working in technology companies, most of that time working in marketing related roles. In my off hours I was always pursuing creative hobbies -- co-workers at one company taught me to needlepoint during our Friday lunch stitch ins, I did quite a lot of sewing of my own clothes and helped several pattern designers launch their sewing patterns, and I've dabbled in doing stained glass.

For the past 3 years, I've been diving into the world of fast-moving dog sports, both as a competitor and a photographer. This incredible journey has opened my eyes to the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, and that's exactly what I aim to capture through my pet photography.

In my adult life, I've been lucky enough to have 6 wonderful dogs—2 adorable puppies and 4 amazing rescues. Each one has been incredibly special and has carved out a permanent spot in my heart. Right now, I have 2 fantastic dogs, but I often find myself wishing I had taken more photos of those who came before. Stay tuned, because I'll be introducing you to my awesome pack in future posts.

Welcome to Cheryle Custer Photography! I want to create stunning images that highlight not just your amazing dog, but also the unique connection you share. I look forward to helping you get those special images of the special dogs in your life! Contact me to schedule a session now!