About Me...
When I was 16 years old I lost my first horse in a barn fire which changed my life forever in many different ways. A kind hearted farm gifted me with another horse...I was so very blessed! She was my life, her name was Nemis and is in the image here. I would love to share with you an image of my first mare Chrissie, however all of my images of her were on an old external hard drive which has since failed. It breaks my heart that I didn't take the time to print images and they are lost forever. As a photographer now I don't want you and your family to have your heart broken like me. I urge you to take the time to have beautiful wall art created of your loved furry ones before it is too late.
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" A great horse will change your life. The truly special ones define it."
~ Author Unknown
Hello ~
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Welcome to my website and photography experience. My name is Angela and I am the owner and photographer at, In The Grit Photography. Now a lot of thought went into my business name and when those words, "In The Grit" came about, I knew immediately that was it! I wanted a name that really captured me, my personality, and the character of the subjects I wanted to photograph. See, I love the great outdoors and everything that goes with it! The mountains ground me, the wildlife excites me, the air invigorates me and the adventure, oh the adventure, it lights my creative mind up!
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
~ Henry David Thoreau
"The mountains are calling and I must go."
~ John Muir
So I followed my hearts calling out West! I chased my sunrises, my sunsets, my wildlife, kayakers, mountain bikers and I hiked my mountains. Of course I had a camera with me and often got dirty to get the image I had in my head. I was once told by a stranger watching me photograph, "Young lady, let me tell ya, you got grit!". I laughed at that and looking at myself now I agree I do have grit! I am tenacious, spirited, hardy, brave and fearless! I have resolve and stamina. I am an action adventure hound! Now I used the word hound intentionally, as it transitions us into my love for dogs. I could not live a true life without having a furry best friend by my side. I connect quickly with animals, specifically canines and equines, which have been a huge part of my life both personally and professionally.
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"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world."
~ John Muir
My passion is capturing moments, expressions and excitement! Growing up I experienced the unconditional love from my furry family members and knew I would never live a life without a loyal, loving, quirky wo-man's best friend by my side. Rescue canines and equines have always found their way into my heart, soul and home. Today, I have two rescues by my side. Winston and Mojo are lovingly referred to as "My Boys".
I am committed to providing you with beautiful, unique wall art, which can be cherished for years to come and after they have crossed the rainbow bridge. If you would like heirloom quality images of your furry family members, web footed or hooved, give me a holler. I would love to meet you and your fur babies, capture their personality and beauty and provide you and your family with lasting, unique, quality artwork for your home. Allow me to cater to you and be your photographer!
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Until We Meet, Angela
Winston
Mojo
My Professional Background
I have been involved in the public service sector for 22 years. In that time I was introduced to many working service animals to include canines specializing in narcotics, bomb detection, tracking, search and rescue, cadaver, protection, emotional support and specialized medical detection canines. Additionally, mounted units who are used for patrolling, search and rescue and crowd control. In this time I have learned the career life span for many working canines can vary, but generally it can be shortened for many reasons compared to a furry family pet.
After photographing a law enforcements K9 team, I realized that I LOVED it! I loved being able to provide handlers with unique images of their furry partners. Not only are their K9's family members, they are partners to them too. They often give their life to save others in the line of duty. The courage and selflessness these K9's give every day on their tour deserves to be immortalized in a unique, high quality portrait on your wall.
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The experience of photographing that K9 team lit a fire under me and I began taking classes on pet photography to enhance my skills. I used my own furry four legged boys as models and couldn't believe the quality and connection I was able to preserve with the camera! Check out some of their adorable images in my portfolio. I believe everyone deserves to have unique, high quality, beautiful artwork of their cherished pets. Allow me the pleasure of capturing your furry best friend, buddy, companion, life line, partner in a way that you will cherish for a lifetime!
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Thank you and I hope to meet you soon! Angela
Accomplishments
Growing up locally and attending high school in LaGrange, Ohio, I had the pleasure of being involved in 4-H and FFA. My involvement in these organizations helped shape me into the person I am today.
I since went off to college and had an image accepted into the student visual arts show. Through my profession I have completed many courses over the years. These include basic and intermediate digital photography, forensic photography, alternate light source photography, crime scene photography, posing courses, boutique photography business courses, and pet portrait photography courses.
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My photography work with a K9 unit has been used on the department's website, social media, the non profit fundraiser for the K9 team, and trading cards.
When I moved to Colorado in 2014 I began attending an event held in Vail, Colorado called the, Go Pro Summer Mountain Games. This event was spectacular and is geared toward outdoor sports, adventure and lifestyle the mountain life exudes. Something very unique about this event is a category where photographers can enter and compete with their images. The event selects categories and the vision they want to see in submissions.
In 2015 I submitted the image below and it was ranked for Honorable Mention by the judges for the category. It was the first medal I had ever received for my work and it inspires me everyday hanging on my wall! One of the judges on the panel that year was famous rock climber, photographer and film director, Jimmy Chin! So imagine my excitement that Jimmy Chin, affiliated with National Geographic, viewed my work and liked it!
In July 2021 I had an image published in Shutter Up Magazine. The issue was titled Retro, Issue #225. My image is of the Hard Rock Cafe sign in Cleveland, Ohio.
