JENNA LEIGH TETI
My first word was “woof." Though I wouldn’t have a dog of my own until my teenage years, my life has always been filled with four-legged characters. My uncle’s two golden retrievers guided me along as a toddler. A rotating cast of dogs and cats (not to mention horses) ruled the riding stables where I spent a good chunk of my adolescence. In the story of my life, there are animals in every chapter.
I was snapping away from an early age, with the guidance of my father, a fine-art photographer himself. My favorite subjects were, naturally, dogs and other animals. I began my professional photography career traveling up and down the East Coast photographing prestigious equestrian events on the AA Hunter/Jumper circuit. Opting for a more grounded lifestyle, I moved to New York City and focused more on canine companions. In addition to private photography, I offered pro bono photography of adoptable animals to local rescues and shelters.
As I matured and my photography evolved, I realized that the key to my approach was developing a keen sense of the individual. Through photography, I am able to capture not just a visual moment, but more importantly, the personalities of my subjects—from the regal and sophisticated to the downright goofy.
In 2018, I branched out from my animal photography and explored a completely different subject to begin my Flora project. Many of the subjects have perished and all are photographed where they are found in nature using only natural light.
In addition to photography, I am also a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant. This additional knowledge gives me the patience and understanding to capture animals in a way that makes them feel comfortable and reduces stress throughout the process.
I currently live in Colorado with my French Bulldog Reuben, crazy tuxedo cat Maru, and boyfriend Brook.