About Happy Paws Photography
At Happy Paws Photography, we believe pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated and remembered.
Founded by James Ketola, Happy Paws Photography grew from years of volunteer work at the Prince George’s County Animal Shelter, where James photographed more than 2,000 adoptable pets to help them find loving homes. What started as a passion project quickly became something much bigger: a mission centered around storytelling, connection, and giving back to the animal rescue community.
Today, Happy Paws Photography creates meaningful artwork for pet parents throughout the DMV and DC area while continuing to support local shelters and rescues behind the scenes. Ten percent of every sale goes directly toward animal rescue efforts, helping even more pets find the homes they deserve.
Whether it’s a playful puppy, a senior dog with soulful eyes, or a beloved cat curled up at home, the Happy Paws team is passionate about capturing the bond people share with their animals in a genuine, joyful way.
Meet the Happy Paws Photography Team
James - Owner
James Ketola is the founder and lead photographer behind Happy Paws Photography. An avid animal lover, James shares his home with a small zoo of his own — seven cats, one dog, and a deep love for all things furry, feathered, and four-legged.
Known for his calm energy and ability to connect with animals, James specializes in creating relaxed outdoor sessions that capture pets exactly as they are. Most sessions take place in beautiful natural settings filled with golden light, favorite walking trails, and plenty of room for pets to explore and be themselves.
He’s passionate about building community connections and partnering with local organizations and businesses that support animal welfare, sustainability, equity, and inclusion.
Maya - Photographer
Maya is a photographer with Happy Paws Photography who loves capturing the genuine connection between pets and the people who love them. She was drawn to Happy Paws because of its commitment to creating natural, meaningful portraits and experiences that celebrate the unique bond between animals and their families.
Known for her calm and patient approach, Maya enjoys helping pets feel comfortable so their personalities can shine. Outside of photography, she shares her life with her two pittie mixes, Cash and Banana, and is a co-founder and board member of Pet Unity Project, an organization dedicated to helping keep people and their pets together. She brings warmth, compassion, and a deep love for animals to every Happy Paws session.
Ann - Director
Ann Allan is the Director at Happy Paws Photography and a huge animal lover through and through. When she’s not helping create amazing experiences for Happy Paws clients, she also volunteers with the PG County SPCA (PG-SPCA) as a Cat Coordinator, helping to rescue animals and find them loving homes.
Ann is especially excited to be part of the Second Shot initiative, helping more adoptable pets get seen while supporting DMV and DC families in capturing meaningful memories and artwork with their pets.
Known for her warm personality and love for animals of all kinds, Ann brings heart, compassion, and enthusiasm to the Happy Paws team. She’s also a proud Steelers fan, much to the chagrin of Claire.
Claire - Marketing
Claire Lauer is the Marketing Strategist behind Happy Paws Photography, helping bring the brand’s storytelling, client experience, and visibility to life online. She loves helping pet-loving families connect with Happy Paws and sharing the meaningful stories behind the people and pets James photographs.
Claire and her family adopted a pair of bonded kittens last year, making life at home even more fun (and chaotic in the best way). Inspired by their adoption story, she is currently working on a children’s book centered around the kittens, with hopes of raising money to help even more rescue cats find loving homes.
Claire is proud to be part of the Happy Paws team and loves combining storytelling, strategy, and a passion for animals to help celebrate the bond people share with their pets. She’s a huge Packer fan, unfortunately for Ann!
Rescue & Shelter Partners
These organizations have inspired me and shaped my journey. It’s an honor to support their missions through photography, storytelling, and collaboration.
During his time volunteering at the Prince George’s County Animal Shelter, James photographed more than 2,000 adoptable pets to help them find loving homes. Studies show that a great photo can shorten a pet’s stay in the shelter by up to 66%. When the volume of animals became too overwhelming for one person, James shifted focus to training staff and volunteers in the art of shelter photography.
Their Mission:To provide for the health and welfare of the County's animal population through enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinance, resolution of animal-related disputes, and the promotion of adoptions, licensing, spay/neuter, and humane education.
We also partner with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to raise funds through themed photo sessions and to document their events through photography and visual storytelling. Together, we've captured the spirit of countless pets and the people who care for them.
Behind the scenes, we're also working on a special project that celebrates shelter pets in a whole new way. I’ll be sharing more on that soon!
Their Mission: To inspire compassion for all living beings, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in our community.
We believe every animal deserves a chance at a loving home—but some face a steeper climb. Pit bulls are one of the most misunderstood and unfairly judged breeds, often overrepresented in shelters and restricted by outdated policies.
Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue is working to change that. Their mission is to restore the reputation of a breed misunderstood through education, training, and community.
