In 2012 I worked in South Korea and made plans to come to America with my two dogs (Mandy my wife tagged along too). While in South Korea I got to photograph some amazing dogs and cats, both at shelters, dog farms and at specially organized events.

In March we got on a plane with our dogs and moved to Louisa VA. If you haven’t heard of it don’t feel bad it’s a tiny town in the middle of nowhere in particular but it’s full of great people and where I started my American photography business and my wife and I started our 14 acre farm.

Soon we got jobs to support our farm, I started training as a Dog Trainer and my wife went into the Insurance business. We love our jobs but they take up most of our time and with a new farm on the go as well, there isn’t much time for anything else. This would include taking photos both as part of my photography business and for rescue groups.

And so in 2013 I’ve got some had decisions to make, take time away from my good paying job as a Dog Trainer, Farmer and family and continue to chase a dream of being a Pet and Rescue Photographer or concentrate on the former. Might seem an easy decision and some of you I will think all of it is possible but realistically there are only so many hours in the day and some of us need sleep.

So as of 1st of February 2013 I will be putting my camera gear to one side, giving up taking pictures of pets and rescues and focusing on my farm and family and pictures like this instead.

Anyone who I’ve promised photos to, would still like photos of their pets or of the rescues they are fostering have until February the 1st to organize with me the photoshoot, after this time I’ll be unavailable. You can contact me through the Aroha Photos Facebook page or the contact page on this website.

I know some of you will also be wondering how I could just stop taking pictures of animals in need, well with my new job as a dog trainer I get to help train dogs and pet parents so that they stay with their owners and don’t need their photos taken at shelters. Hopefully this way I’ll still be able to help, it’ll just be in a different sort of way.

A special thank you to all those that supported me in this dream and with my photography job.

I don’t usually do this, but why not SOMETIMES?!

She’s looking for a forever home and is currently at Old Dominion Animal Hospital in Charlottesville VA.

Just a great sign outside my work. It’s easy to pick up after your dog, but it takes time to write out a sign and then nail it to a tree!

Fail!