Don’t judge—it was the 80s, and even the dog thought I was cool!

At the beginning

Animals have always been my greatest love. As a child I was rescuing worms from rain-soaked sidewalks, nursing injured birds back to health, or cleaning streams for hours, I found joy in being their quiet advocate. I dreamed of becoming a vet or a ranger, imagining a life spent in their world.

Then, at 15, everything changed. I discovered photography, and the darkroom became my sanctuary. That spark turned into a fire, leading me to a degree in fine art photography in Cardiff, Wales. My passion carried me from Wales to Toronto to London and then finally the bustling streets of New York City, where I spent nearly a decade photographing models, actors, and musicians.

A left turn

But something was missing. Despite creating beautiful images, my work felt hollow—I craved something deeper, something meaningful. Life gave me that perspective when my 11-year-old daughter was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. My world stopped. Her courageous fight became my sole focus, and when she went into remission, I knew it was time for a new chapter.

We left the city, and I sold all my photography equipment, throwing myself into gut-renovating a derelict Victorian house upstate. Creativity found a new outlet as I became a property investor. At the same time, my love for animals stayed strong- I continued rescuing and rehoming stray cats, just as I had in NYC, but upstate, my efforts expanded. Snapping turtles, bats, squirrels, and injured birds in need of help seemed to find their way to me regularly, and I couldn’t turn them away.

Oct 16th 2022 the day I discovered my dream Job and Woof House Studio was born

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Even with these accomplishments, something was still missing. Six years later, life led me to New Jersey, where I met the love of my life- a new chapter that brought joy but still left me searching for deeper purpose.

Then, on October 16, 2022, everything changed. I had been unexpectedly asked to photograph an event, Puppy Pics in the Park, hosted by a real estate broker hoping to “manifest her perfect clients”-dog lovers. At Monmouth Battlefield State Park, I captured portraits of 18 dogs in one unforgettable afternoon.

The joy, connection, and purpose I felt that day were undeniable. It was as though my two greatest passions- animals and photography- had finally come together in the most meaningful way.

By the end of that weekend, Woof House Studio was born. I had found my true calling: creating timeless art that celebrates the love, beauty, and soul of animals, evoking emotion in the most beautiful way. Some of my most loyal clients still trace back to that extraordinary day, and I haven’t looked back since.

Daniel and I both cried with how amazing the portraits were. Nadia really captured them perfectly! As long as Nadia is photographing dogs we are coming to her every single year.

— Justin, Danial, Atlas & Apollo

Meet the family

When I’m not behind the camera or deep into editing, you’ll find me building our little dream farm alongside my husband and wrangling our furry crew: Rodney Dangerfield, Kodha Bear Bodicca, Bodhi Bear, and our cat Ricci. Life with three dogs and a cat is anything but dull- they keep me on my toes, make me laugh every day, and are the heart of our home. We hope to add chickens and a couple of goats to our growing family this year.

Our dogs are also my adventure buddies, leading me on long hikes that keep me fit and inspired. They have an uncanny knack for sniffing out the most breathtaking spots- many of which end up becoming the stunning backdrops for my location portrait sessions. Whether it's farm life, trail explorations, or cozy moments with the pack, they remind me daily of why I love what I do.

My Keepers

Rodney Dangerfield is our little staffy mix rescue and my step son. Rodney is just misunderstood, little ball of anxiety and love just needing gentleness, love & constant reassurance.

Ricci short for Ricochet because when she was a kitten she literally would bounce of the walls with the amount of energy she had. She was one of the last cats I rescued when I lived upstate NY and I couldn’t home her so she became part of the family.

Kodha Bear is my 1st dog. I got her in 2020 and she is my 2nd daughter. She is the most loving girl with the most energy. A daily 5 mile walk is the only thing that hits the spot for her.

Bodhi Bear the very newest to addition to our family is our Sweet Giant boy with not a mean bone in his body. I met Bodhi on a portrait session. He had 11 siblings. I had no intention of a 3rd dog but when I met him the only way I can describe it was I knew he was family and I couldn’t not bring him home. Bodhi and Kodha are thick as thieves, wrestling like two luchadores… When it comes to Rodney he shifts his play to gentle tug of war or keep away and lots of jaw joisting and kisses. He’s just an incredibly beautiful and gentle soul.

    • Dogs obviously. Whether I’m behind the camera or walking my own pups, dogs are my heart and soul—and, let’s be real, my daily source of laughter. (Looking at you, Bodhi, and your sock-stealing antics.)

    • A perfectly brewed cup of coffee. It fuels the early morning shoots and pairs perfectly with photo editing marathons. Bonus points if it's enjoyed with a dog curled up at my feet.

    • The perfect golden hour. Nothing beats capturing that magical glow with a dog running joyfully through it. It’s like nature’s version of a mic drop.

    • Spontaneous dog zoomies. It’s like pure joy unleashed, and it’s a guaranteed mood-lifter—until it’s happening during a photoshoot setup.

    • Treat pouches with secret snacks. I say they’re for the dogs, but those pockets may or may not be holding snacks for me too.

    • Capturing canine personalities. From goofy grins to soulful stares, I have a knack for bringing out the unique spirit of every dog I photograph.

    • Making dogs (and their humans) feel at ease. Whether it’s a nervous pup or a camera-shy owner, I create an environment that feels fun, relaxed, and stress-free.

    • Creative problem-solving. Uncooperative weather? A stubborn pup? A last-minute costume malfunction? I’ve got a trick (or ten) up my sleeve to make every session a success.

    • Turning memories into art. From envisioning the perfect shot to delivering museum-quality wall art, I love transforming moments into something tangible and meaningful.

    • Dodging drool in mid-air. Turns out, 4 years with a Cane Corso and 2 years of reflex training with excitable dogs pays off in more ways than one.

    • A sunlit field at golden hour. The perfect backdrop for dreamy dog portraits- and a moment of peace to soak in nature’s beauty.

    • Cozy coffee shops. Where I brainstorm ideas, edit photos, and maybe sneak in some people-watching (with a latte, of course).

    • Dog-friendly beaches. Nothing beats capturing a pup’s pure joy as they race along the shoreline, sand flying, ears flopping.

    • Anywhere with fall leaves. Crunchy leaves, gorgeous colors, and pups having the time of their lives- it’s my seasonal paradise.

    • Trails and parks. Especially when exploring with Bodhi and Kodha- it’s our quality time and my favorite kind of adventure.