About Renee Spade

Renee Spade Photography was born when I, renee Ashbaugh (that is my real name...Renee is my middle name, Spade is my cats name), was undergoing treatment for breast cancer several years ago. As I become incapacitated from the treatment my kitties (Jack & Spade) were my constant source of comfort and healing energy. As I reflected on how I wanted to spend the rest of my days after I beat the cancer (which I have so far!!!!), photographing animals became my new career choice. It allows me to be with animals while feeding my new found creative appetite. Something happens to your brain after all that chemotherapy that changes the way you are wired. For me, I went from a type A business type to a soulful easygoing creative type.

As for my babies, Jack left this world after I finished my last chemo treatment. It was as though he came to this world just to get me through that journey. Spade became queen of the house and inspired my new alter ego's name....Renee Spade was born. After moving to San Antonio from Dallas after my treatment, Charlie Jackson Brown found me and he become my new baby, with Spade's approval of course. He is the Chocolate Lab pictured to the left. And those of you who have met him know is just pure joy! Then came Shorty....he is a mess but all love (except for cats...he is a cat-serial killer..no joke). The latest addition was Spunky. He is my little cuddlier. They were all strays (except for Spade & Jack) who found me and bring more joy and craziness to my life than I could ever have imagined.

As for my photography, I am mostly self taught and shoot in digit format. My style is very modern and commercial in nature. I like to capture the essences of my subjects organically. With humans, I prefer a more editorial style of photography as it lends to a more authentic feeling image. As with any photographer, your style grows and evolves and I intend to keep learning and challenging myself.

Utilizing the latest in digital darkroom technology, I personally retouch and print every order. I provide the utmost in customer service to all my clients and only sell the very best quality images and products possible. The awards and national commercial recognition will come. As for now, my schedule is extremely full with my wonderful clients and building my product brand, the Jack & Spade Collection.

I thank all my clients, past, current and future for allowing me the privilege to share my artistic vision with them. My hope is that my photography and products bring as much joy to my clients as they do to me.

Thank you for visiting my site. It is all about finding your passion and going for it...that is what I am doing. I look forward to meeting all my new clients and especially your four-legged "babies".


-Renee