Member Spotlight - Alexis Heisa -Dog Haus Photography

Welcome to Member Spotlight with Alexis Heisa of Dog Haus Photography

 To see more of Alexis work, or to connect:

Email Address* alexis@doghausphotography.com 

Phone Number* 760-605-2276 

Professional Details  

Company Name* Dog Haus Photography 

Website*  https://doghausphotography.com/ 

IG   @doghausphotography 

FB Facebook

What’s your Specialty or Photography Niche:  Pet Photography 

Tell us about your company and the services you offer:

At Dog Haus Photography, we specialize in creating highly personalized pet portrait experiences capturing all that my clients love about their four legged family members resulting in tangible,  heirloom artwork and handcrafted albums. 

What made you decide to choose this field or industry?  

Dogs are family. They are our companions with us through everything, the good and bad in our life, who bring so much joy and unconditional love into our lives. They deserve to have their story told and remembered which is where pet photography comes into focus. 

What is the most interesting or unique part of your business?

Each client receives a very high touch, tailored experience. Everything from the location we choose (based on the dog's personality and the aesthetic of my clients home) to how and what we capture during the session ultimately comes down to the meaningful conversations we have with our clients leading up to the photography session. At Dog Haus Photography, the goal is, not only do our clients have stunning art to enjoy for decades to come, but that the photography experience they shared with their beloved pet(s) is just as memorable. 

What do you wish you knew starting out, or what would you have done differently? 

While this may not be the expected  answer, I truly wish I would have found photography sooner as a business.  That said, all my years leading up to building my business  (whether it be college or my other career) seems to have been preparing me for this exact step in my life. 

What are you most proud of professionally?

The impact that my craft can have on my clients. Unfortunately, dogs only get to be with us for a short period of time in our lives. Creating meaningful  artwork is a way to continue to bring joy into my clients lives for years to come. I’ll never forget when a client shared with me that their custom album helped them heal after their beloved dog passed away. 

Personal Insights  

Tell us something people might not know about you:

I’ve had a hummingbird land on me twice.  

What keeps you inspired and motivated in your work?

My clients and the connection they share with their pets. I truly feel honored that I get to create photographic art that preserves and honors the legacy and bond between pets and their humans.  

Describe your photography style in 3 words: Bold, emotive, and colorful 

If you could photograph anyone (alive or historical), who would it be and why? 

I don’t know why this is such a challenging question for  me, but my gut instinct was Princess Diana. She was such a magnetic figure, eloquent in nature, how she carried herself, and all the challenges she endured and/or overcame is inspiring. The how and or the why of her portrait would come down to what was really important to her at that moment in time. 

What’s one tool, trick, or piece of gear you can’t live without?

My camera of course! 

Favorite quote or mantra you live by?

Be open! (What I mean by that is to be open to possibility and new things. It could be a  podcast on a random topic, a conversation with a friend with a differing opinion, a new class where you know you may look silly, or simply being open to taking a chance.) 

Creativity & Inspiration  

Where do you find creative inspiration?

Everywhere. It could be conversation, color, a location I saw, etc.  

What’s your creative process like when planning a shoot or project?

It depends on if it’s a personal project or client based. While my process is similar when it comes to the actual photography, how I plan and go about it is different. I do a lot of visualization in my head of what I’m trying to create. 

How do you overcome creative blocks or burnout?

I haven’t hit that point yet, but I would attribute that to my attitude that I want to continue to learn, absorb, and constantly grow. I do think it’s important to photograph just “for yourself”  even when running a business to help stay inspired without the pressure of any external factors. 

Is there a personal project that helped you grow creatively or emotionally? Tell us about  it! Not yet. Although I do  have several personal project ideas in the pipeline.  

What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck creatively?

Get outside and begin “playing” with your camera. Low pressure, just for fun, and just for you. Challenge yourself to experiment with something you’ve never photographed before or pick a topic, color, shape, etc and go have fun finding or creating it.  

PPSDC Involvement  

When and why did you join PPSDC?

I joined towards the end of the year in 2023 because my business coach, Luci Dumas, had recommended me to join. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining PPSDC?

If you are wanting to grow your craft, learn more about business, or get connected with other professional (and aspiring) photographers, this is the place to be. 

What has been your favorite part of being a PPSDC member?

There are a lot of parts that are my favorite, but I really love the guest lectures. Since I’ve been a member, I’ve never seen a niche or topic that has been the same which I love!!!. I find myself always so inspired and ready to implement something (even if it’s tiny) to my own niche.  

Have you volunteered or contributed to PPSDC in a way you'd like to share?

I don’t think this is the right time to answer this question since I’m just starting out. 

What has being part of a creative community like PPSDC meant to you personally or  professionally?

It’s nice to have a community with a similar interest that is actually in person. We live in a world where social media dominates, but real life connection matters! 

Have you ever participated in PPSDC’s image competitions? If so, what has that experience  taught you or how has it helped you grow?

Absolutely, yes I have participated. Wow, what a journey image competition can be. While there is, of course, a level of competition, I think the most important aspect to it is learning and observing the critique of your own personal images, but also other makers. It makes you think more critically when creating an image in the wild, the editing, or even seeing how others perceive your work. Image comp will help you grow your craft!  It’s also incredibly rewarding when your images are acknowledged at the merit level and above. 

Alexis was awarded Pet Photographer of the Year, 2024 due to her continued high ranking images in image competition. She is definitely one to watch in image competition.

We’re so grateful to Alexis for sharing her heart and talent with us. Her love for animals and photography is more than just a profession—it’s a beautiful reminder that the work we do can celebrate connection, trust, and joy. Whether it’s a slobbery kiss, a soulful gaze, or a tail-wagging moment, Alexis captures the spirit of pets as cherished family members. We’re paws-itively lucky to have her as part of our community—her passion, presence, and perspective make us all better. It’s members like Alexis who remind us why this creative community matters, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.