Renee Spade Photography was born when I 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 passion and source of joy! 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 in July of 2004 after I finished my last chemo treatment and Spade left this world in Sept of 2008, It was as though they both 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 (that is where Renee "Spade" comes from). 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. And those of you who met him know is just pure joy & very handsome! Sadly, he passed on the doggie heaven in 2017. He was my soul dog, my love....but he came back. More Later on that. Then came Shorty....he is a mess but all love (except for cats...he is a cat-serial killer..no joke). Then came Spunky. He is my little cuddlier. After Spade passed in 2008, Silver showed up the following year. She is the cutest, sweetest cattle dog/pit mix pup that you have ever seen. She is always by my side. My #1 Girl! Then came Scappy Charlie Spade in 2018. He is the latest incarnation of my Charlie Brown. Though different in personality in some ways, he has those eyes and complete devotion that was ever present in my Charlie. I so cherish every day we with them and miss those that have passed on so much! They were all strays (except for Spade & Jack) who found me. They 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 continue to keep learning and challenging myself.
Utilizing the latest in digital darkroom technology, I personally retouch every image. I produce my own fine art prints utilizing the best Giclee printing substrates and printers available today. As for the high end products i offer, I use some of the best professional labs in the country. I provide the utmost in customer service to all my clients and pride myself in selling only the very best quality images and products possible.
I continue to be blessed and share this gift with so many wonderful clients. My business continues to successfully grow and after providing services in San Antonio, Dallas and Austin, TX the past 6 years, I have decided to stay focused on San Antonio. For private or commercial clients located outside of San Antonio wanting to schedule a session with me, I am always available to travel anywhere.
My modern, “high fashion” pet images have been featured in San Antonio Magazine, Scene in SA, FHOX magazine, Express-News and I am the featured photographer for the SA pet publication, Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine-San Antonio. You can see my work displayed in San Antonio at Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique, Wash Shake Wag, Splash & Dash, Pampered Pawz Doggie Dare Care, Woofgang Bakery-San Antonio, Fetch & Friskers, Lucy's Doggie Daycare, Alamo Hills Vet Hospital and Oaks North Animal Hospital. In Austin, you can see my work at The Dirty-Dog Self Wash & Grooming shops in Austin and Austin Urban Vet Center. And, yes, I do photograph humans! I have had a blasts doing family portraits, headshots for a few law firms around town as well as catalog images a local dress shop in town.
As a strong animal advocate, I do as much work as possible for the San Antonio Humane Society, Alamo Heights Animal Cares Services and WAGS Across Texas....not to mention donating pieces to the various other charity groups throughout the state.
In addition to my private and commercial photography services, I also continue to build my product brand, the Jack & Spade Collection, which features my images on note cards, fun photo products, fine art prints and much more.
I thank all my clients, past, present and future for allowing me the privilege to honor their family members, furry and humans, with my artistic vision. My hope is that my photography and products brings you tons of joy for many years.
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". And remember to SPREAD the JOY!!!