*ABOUT

“Animals breathe grace into our Lives.
They illuminate & connect us to our Spirits.
My art celebrates Joy & Love.
I invite the invisible to become visible.”

— Lori A. Cheung

Lori’s work appears in O, The Oprah Magazine!

Pet Photographer Lori A. Cheung's portraits are featured in O, the Oprah Magazine, on Animal Planet, and she is Google's #1 Pet Photographer. She is based in San Francisco and travels internationally for photo shoots.

She's been published by the NY Times, and books by Chronicle Books, Time Warner Books, and others.

Lori created thePetPhotographer.com in 1991 while being an environmental consultant and holding a big vision to help our earth.

Her clients include winners of the Olympic Games, Academy Award, Grammy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award.

She recently enjoyed being a Celebrity Judge for The Humane Society International and The United States Humane Society's photo contest to raise funds for Spay and Neuter Day.

Lori and her mascot, Flash, the chiweenie (chihuahua-dachshund) created Pets For World Peace to support animal rescue, animal therapy for humans, veterinarians, dog rescue of humans in earthquakes and other emergencies, and more amazing programs. Pets for World Peace is committed to securing loving homes for animals, providing education, and veterinary care.

Lori's dynamic and passionate images capture the spirit of animals and their humans. Her mission is to create inspiring art and contribute to joy and peace. Her style illuminates the essence, passion, and brilliance of her subjects.

Lori was appointed the Ambassador for Pets for the World Peace One Foundation. The World Peace One Foundation is managed by the producers of global superconcert telethons, such as Live Aid, Farm Aid, and Comedy Reliefs.

Yes! Lori loves photographing people too. Lori had the honor of photographing the Gandhi Tour at the Sundance Film Festival. She enjoyed photographing authors Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, John Assaraf, Lisa Nichols, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Tim Ferriss, United Nations Ambassador Byron Blake, and philanthropists Ted Turner and Vanessa Getty.

Lori's portraits transcend borders because they are simply about Love. She honors animals and people by capturing their beauty and wonder. She creates art from her heart.

Lori is also a certified Spirit Coach and her clients experience an inspiring life. As a Spirit Coach, she guides clients to align with their life's purpose and passion. She also facilitates retreats in Hawaii and other beautiful places to unleash creativity.

Lori's Winning Style is Legendary

Lori's style is candid, playful, and exuberant. An everyday moment transforms into an extraordinary one when viewed through Lori’s “third eye” -- her camera lens. Using intention and intuition, Lori’s portraits illuminate souls, capture magic, and reveal inner sparkle.

Her unique ability to both expand and contract time to capture the defining moment is legendary.

She specializes in fun portrait sessions at beaches, parks, homes, vineyards, yachts, country estates, iconic landmarks, and other inspiring locations. Lori travels internationally for photo shoots. Lori recently photographed animals rescued by the Royal SPCA in London and the UK.

Lori was voted as Best Photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area by readers of the East Bay Express.

Unleashed!

thePetPhotographer.com™ was created in 2001 after Lori tuned into the Oprah show after a day working in a skyscraper at an environmental consulting firm. Oprah asked: “What is your passion?”

Days passed...while dining with family, she declared, “I want to be a pet photographer.“ Her sister beamed at her with confidence and said, "Do it."

Family Legacy

Photography -- it's in her blood.

Lori’s passion for pet photography began at 10 years old when her dad let her play with his camera equipment. She loved the sound his spent flash bulbs made while warm in her hands – crunch, crunch, crunch. The legacy she shares with her dad, a retired pro photographer for a US Naval Air Station and cousins who are pro photographers, guided her to continue the family tradition.

Pedigree

Lori graduated with honors from U.C. Berkeley in Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Biology. She is involved in green tech with Bill Roth, Green Business Coach of Entrepreneur.com.

Lori is a member of the Professional Photographers of America. She is a Lifetime Member of CEO Space and Frontier Trainings.

Animal Lover

The menagerie of family members in Lori’s childhood include:

Mitzi the terrier
Mini-Poo, Mimi, and Muffin the poodles
Jeepers the parakeet
Tiki the cockatiel
Dinky the turtle
Guppies
Goldie the goldfish (who she won with a ping-pong ball at the fair)
Tiny crabs from San Francisco Bay
Planaria (aquatic worms) she rescued from her scientific experiments in 5th grade and at U.C. Berkeley

Flash, the chiweenie

Lori's muse is Flash, the chiweenie (chihuahua-dachshund). He is 6 lbs. 8 oz., about the weight of a small bag of kibble.

Flash was also appointed Chief of PUPlick Affairs, and his favorite duty is to fetch and deliver donations to nonprofit organizations. He ordained himself the CEO, Chief Exuberance Officer.

Because Flash believes he is a Great Dane, he proudly struts his stuff on w.a.l.k.s even though the cats tower over him. Flash loves sunset because the shadow he casts makes him look extra tall. He is an Ambassador of Joy with a Napoleon

Pay it Forward

Lori keeps Oprah's inquiry alive, "What is your passion?"

Lori's on a mission to inspire others to follow their spirit's calling. She mentors in the US, London, Peru, and other locations.

For over 30 years (that’s 210 dog years!) Lori has photographed for nonprofits that contribute to animals, education, humanitarian, and environmental causes. She serves on the Development Committee of the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society and the Advisory Committee of VET SOS, (to support homeless people and their animals). Lori is the recipient of the Heart and Soul Award for extraordinary volunteerism from PAWS – Pets Are Wonderful Support.

You’ll find Lori art directing and photographing media campaigns for major gala fundraisers including the Humane Society’s “Mozart for Mutts and Meows,” the SPCA’s “Bark and Whine Ball,” PAWS’ “Petchitecture,” and the W Hotel’s “Yappy Hour” cocktail fundraisers.

Click, Click, Click

Lori’s portraits are aired on: