Classic American Dog Portraits is the work of Rick Raphael and Leslie Fuller, a married couple passionate about the fine art of dog portraiture. We have been creating classic photographic portraits of dogs and horses with studio lighting since 2001. Rick brings his visual insights and experience to our portrait sessions and Leslie's natural grace makes it all very easy for the dogs and our clients.

Our classic photographs of dogs and horses printed on canvas are displayed in the finest homes across the United States and in other countries around the world. The techniques we have developed for lighting animals and printing on canvas are unique in the world of animal portraiture.

Rick began the study of photography in 1966 while a student at Franklin and Marshall College. Art history, drawing and painting were part of the curriculum. During this period he began making still photographs and also working on motion pictures (feature films and television productions) both of which helped him to develop a technical background in photographic processes. He was also began making large format (8x10 and 4x5) still photographs. His primary fine art interests at that time were landscapes, clouds, and figure studies.

Because of his background in motion pictures, he brings a wide range of experience in many different types of photography from commercial to fine art and his current work, the classic presentation of dogs in the fine art tradition.

Leslie helps manage the production side of the business. She uses her excellent skills as a makeup artist and stylist for film and TV to make sure all the animals we photograph look their very best. She was raised in Southern California, trained in fine arts from early childhood and achieved her MFA at the London Film School. Her interest in all artistic media evolved from painting and drawing through studies in film making and photography. Her love of animals with a naturalist's focus and observation is a joyful presence in the portrait sessions.