Tonya Pet Photography: Fabulous Frenchies and More

Anyone can take a snapshot of their favorite furry family member, but Tonya Schabacker’s work at Tonya Pet Photography illustrates the striking difference between a picture, and a portrait.

‘Mr. Darcy’ (above) has an air of elegance and sophistication about him, while ‘Joker’ (below) exudes an entirely contrasting anthropomorphic attitude (in addition to looking remarkably similar to the Batpig himself).

Based out of Austin, Texas, Schabaker brings her keen ‘eye for an animal’s unique personality’ and ‘capture(s) the honest essence of’ her subjects (from stately St. Bernards to guinea hens and gerbils).

Her story is almost as fascinating as her work (teaser- there’s a 300-lb lion involved), so head over to her site with your reading glasses at the ready (to summarize it here seems blasphemous).

You can also check out her blog, which features some of her commercial work, her fabulous flickr feed, find her on facebook, and, of course, on twitter.

I know if the batpig and I are ever in the Lone Star State we’ll be headed straight to her studio!