My name is Danica Barreau (duh-NEE-kuh buh-ROH).

I’m a professional pet portrait artist with a background in photography and fine art, bridging digital painting and traditional craftsmanship.

My work is shaped by years behind the camera and years spent learning how images really work, how light, color, and composition affect what we feel when we look at them, and how a finished piece needs to function as artwork in a home. That experience guides every step of my process, from the first design decisions through the final, physical piece.

EXPERIENCE

I’ve been creating pet portraits for over twenty years, working across photography, traditional media, and digital painting. That range means I’m not limited to a single way of seeing or working. Skills developed in one medium carry over into the others, shaping how I approach each piece.

As a Certified Professional Photographer, I bring a deep understanding of light, color, and composition to every painting. Those fundamentals shape how the subject reads, how your eye moves through the piece, and how the portrait feels as a whole. The tools may change, but the visual principles don’t.

Over the past decade, I’ve also spent a lot of time testing materials and vendors, not just for image quality, but for how a finished piece looks and ages in a home. The goal has always been to create artwork that people enjoy living with, that holds up over time, and that continues to feel meaningful long after it’s hung on the wall.

EDUCATION

My education didn’t stop after college. Much of my professional training has come through the Professional Photographers of America, where degrees are earned through a combination of ongoing education, portfolio reviews, and juried evaluation of actual work.

I hold the titles of Master Artist, Master Photographer, and Photographic Craftsman through PPA, along with Master of Animal Imagery through Animal Image Makers. These are earned credentials that require continued education, portfolio review, and professional evaluation over time.

In addition to continuing my own education, I also teach and mentor other photographers and artists through workshops, speaking engagements, and professional organizations. Teaching keeps me sharp. It means staying current, testing what works in real-world situations, and being able to clearly explain my process to others.

Because the tools and techniques I use continue to evolve, ongoing education is a practical necessity. I’m always learning, refining, and adjusting, and that directly benefits the work I create for my clients.

EMPATHY

I’ve lived with animals my entire life. Not just the easy parts, but the long-term responsibility, the worry, the loss, and the way they shape your routines and your sense of home.

Over the years, I’ve shared my life with dogs and cats of all ages and temperaments, including many foster dogs through English Setter rescue. I understand the attachment that grows over time and the grief that comes when that relationship ends. I also understand what it means to want to honor an animal while they’re still very much present in your life.

That experience informs how I approach portrait work. I’m careful with expression. I pay attention to posture and small details that matter to the people who know the subject best. My goal is never to exaggerate or idealize, but to create something that feels familiar and true.

Every portrait represents a relationship. Respecting that is part of the job.

WHAT’S A POUKA?

noun | pou*ka | \’poo kah\

1. A benign but mischievous creature from Celtic mythology who is especially fond of social outcasts.
2. The invisible 6’3″ tall rabbit from the 1950 comedy-drama movie entitled “Harvey” starring Jimmy Stewart.
3. A nickname given to Danica by her father who apparently thought she had pouka–esque characteristics.

CREDENTIALS & PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Over the course of my career, my work has been evaluated through juried exhibitions, national and international image competitions, peer-reviewed degree programs, and professional publications. These systems exist to hold artists accountable to technical standards, consistency, and long-term growth, not just individual images.

I hold multiple professional degrees and certifications, serve in leadership and committee roles within national photography organizations, and regularly teach and speak within the industry. My work has been exhibited, published, and recognized across a wide range of professional platforms.

What follows is a complete record of education, certifications, affiliations, publications, exhibitions, awards, and speaking engagements. This page also serves as my working artist CV, maintained here for transparency and reference.

Danica Barreau, M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr., CPP, MAI

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology – The Ohio State University – 1997
Certified Professional Photographer – Professional Photographers of America – 2017
Master Artist – Professional Photographers of America – 2019
Master of Photography – Professional Photographers of America – 2020
Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery - Animal Image Makers - 2021
Photographic Craftsman - Professional Photographers of America - 2022
Master of Animal Imagery - Animal Image Makers - 2023

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO), current President, Events Committee, former Secretary, former Image Comp Chair
Professional Photographers of North East Ohio (PPNEO), former Image Comp Chair
Professional Photographers of America (PPA), former PPA Councilor
American Society of Photographers (ASP), Lead State Rep, Image Comp and Website Committees
English Setter Association of America (ESAA)
Grove City Chamber of Commerce
International Society of Animal Photographers (ISAP), Image Comp Co-Chair
Animal Image Makers (AIM)
Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA)

PUBLICATIONS

PPA’s Imaging Excellence Collection: Volume XXVIII - 2025, Marathon Press, 2026
The Maker’s Muse: Contemporary Photographic Art from the Artists of the American Society of Photographers, ASP, 2025, p.184, 187
PPA’s Imaging Excellence Collection: Volume XXVII - 2024, Marathon Press, 2025
The Secret. 2024. Dogs Today Magazine, May 2024, cover
Autumn Setters. 2023. Ruff Drafts, The Dog Writers Association of America, Spring 2024, Cover, 9, 11
“Comfort and Precision: Xencelabs Pen Display 16 Bundle”, Professional Photographer Magazine, ppa.com/ppmag, October 2024, p.46,48
Traditions & Transitions: 2020-2021 ESAA Annual, Outer Banks Press, 2023, Cover and Title Pages, p.IV, 6, 17, 80-81, 108-109, 150-151, 159, 164, 167, 171, 176-177, 201, 246-247, 292, and flyleaf
Barreau, Danica. Translated by Leo Lin. Rook and the Magic Door (Chinese Edition) 黑俠和神奇的門. Fletterpress. 2023
PPA’s Imaging Excellence Collection: Volume XXVI - 2023, Marathon Press, 2024
Barreau, Danica. Rook et La Porte Magique (French Edition). Fletterpress. 2023
“Dreamy Drawing Experience: Xencelabs Pen Display 24”, Professional Photographer Magazine, ppa.com/ppmag, September 2023
Barreau, Danica. Rook and the Magic Door. Fletterpress. 2023
”AI-Generated Art”, Virginia Professional Photographers Association Flash Magazine, July 2023
”AI-Generated Art: New Technology Meets Artistry”, American Society of Photographers Magazine, Summer 2023
PPA’s Imaging Excellence Collection: Volume XXV - 2022, Marathon Press, 2023
Last of the Dinosaurs. 2022. Professional Photographers of America, ppa.com, banner
PPA’s Imaging Excellence Collection: Volume XXIV - 2021, Marathon Press, 2022
PPA’s Showcase Collection: Volume XXIV - 2021, Marathon Press, 2022
“Just English Setters Calendar 2023”, Willowcreek Press, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016
”Just Ginger Cats Calendar 2023”, Willowcreek Press, 2022
”What Cats Teach Us Engagement Calender 2023”, Willowcreek Press, 2022
“A Tool Designed by and for Artists.” Professional Photographer magazine, September 2021, p.52-55
"Review: Xencelabs Pen Tablet and Quick Keys", Professional Photographer Magazine, ppa.com/ppmag, September 2021
“The Process Was Eye-Opening.” Professional Photographer Magazine, June 2021, p.89
”Certification.” Professional Photographer magazine, April 2021, p.65
The Skeptic. 2021. Professional Photographers of America, ppa.com, banner
PPA’s Loan Collection: Volume XXIII - 2020, Marathon Press, 2021, p.7, 54, 364, 434
PPA’s Showcase Collection: Volume XXIII - 2020, Marathon Press, 2021, p.223, 224
PPA’s Loan Collection: Volume XXII - 2019, Marathon Press, 2020, p. 7, 42, 88, 239
PPA’s Showcase Collection: Volume XXII - 2019, Marathon Press, 2020, p.297
"The 7 Best Pet Photographers in Columbus", Peerspace, peerspace.com, October 25, 2019
”Danica Barreau Guest Artist of the Month October 2019”, Hair of the Dog Academy, hairofthedogacademy.com, October 22, 2019
”15 Ohio Artists Win Awards at 2019 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition.” ArtsOhio Blog, oac.ohio.gov, July 26, 2019
PPA’s Loan Collection: Volume XXI - 2018, Marathon Press, 2019, p.184
PPA’s Showcase Collection: Volume XXI - 2018, Marathon Press, 2019, p.299
The Look. 2014. The House That Pinterest Built, by Diane Keaton, Rizzoli Publishing, 2018, p.22
Sparrow5 VerticalLick. 2018. puppyCake, www.puppycake.com
PPA’s Loan Collection: Volume XX - 2017, Marathon Press, 2018, p.7, 79
PPA’s Showcase Collection: Volume XX - 2017, Marathon Press, 2018, p.21
PPA’s Loan Collection: Volume XIX - 2016, Marathon Press, 2017, p.147, 444
Barreau, Danica. Setterly Yours: A Photographic Introduction to The English Setter. Pouka, LLC. 2016, 2009
Poser. 2014. Orvis – The Dog Book, Orvis Magazine, 2014, cover

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

“Equine Mastery: A Hybrid Artist Workshop” - 9/28/26 - 9/30/26, Lancaster, PA
Professional Photographers of Northeast Ohio - 6/15/26, “ChatGPT - The Assistant You’ve Always Wanted”
”Equine Mastery: A Hybrid Artist Workshop” - 4/30/26 - 5/2/26, Lovettsville, VA
”The Hybrid Artist Workshop” - 3/14/26 - 3/16/26, Indiana, IN
Painting Consultations - 3/12/26 - 3/13/26, Louisville, KY
International Society of Animal Photographers - 2/18/26, “Image Competition Rules”
”Photoshop Painting” - 1/14/26, Nashville, TN
”The Hybrid Artist Workshop” - 1/8/26 - 1/9/26, Nashville, TN
”The Hybrid Artist Workshop” - 10/17/25 - 10/19/25 - Bath, PA
”The Hybrid Artist Workshop” - 9/27/25 - 9/28/25, Grove City, OH
”The Hybrid Artist Workshop” - 7/11/25 - 7/13/25, Bath, PA
Mentor.Photo, - 2/2/25, “Hallway Conversation”
International Society of Animal Photographers - 1/15/25, “Editing for Image Competition”
International Society of Animal Photographers - 1/8/25, “Image Competition Overview”
Professional Photographers of Northeast Ohio - 3/18/24, “So You Want To Self-Publish”
International Society of Animal Photographers – 1/31/24, “Personal Growth through Image Competition”
International Society of Animal Photographers - 1/9/24, “Personal Project: From Pup to Publishing”
Professional Photographers of Northeast Ohio – 9/19/22, “The Magic of LR & PS Editing”
Professional Photographers of Ohio – 7/23/22, “Studio Dog Photography and Post-Processing”
Professional Photographers of America - 5/14/22, “Studio Dog Photography and Post-Processing”
Animal Image Makers – 4/19/22, “Image Competition Panel”
Professional Photographers of America - 5/14/21, “The Magic of LR & PS Editing”
Professional Photographers of America - 5/8/21, “The Magic of LR & PS Editing”
Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild – 5/4/21, “Studio Dog Photography and Post-Processing”
Professional Photographers of Ohio – 2/6/21, “Intro to Print Comp”
Professional Photographers of Northeast Ohio – 9/1/22 ,“Print Competition Seminar”
Professional Photographers of Southwest Ohio – 3/2/20, “Studio Dog Photography and Post Processing”
Professional Photographers of Northeast Ohio – 1/12/20,“Studio Dog Photography and Post Processing”
Professional Photographers of Ohio – 11/15/19, “Introduction to PPA Print Competition”
Professional Photographers of America - 10/19/19, “Introduction to PPA Print Competition”

EXHIBITS

“American Society of Photographers - The Maker’s Muse” (The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Art, Spring, TX, 2025) - Contributing artist.
“The Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition” (Patrick Losinski Gallery, Columbus, OH, 2025) - Contributing artist.
“American Society of Photographers - The Maker’s Muse” (The Art Nexus Gallery, Houston, TX, 2025) - Contributing artist.
“American Society of Photographers Museum Project” (Tower Gallery, Grapevine, TX, 2025) - Contributing artist.
”American Society of Photographers - The Maker’s Muse” (RTown Art Gallery, Grapevine, TX, 2025) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, Gaylord, TX, 2025) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (Louisville, KY, 2024) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (Nashville, TN, 2023) - Contributing artist.
”Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition” (Cox Fine Arts Center, Columbus, OH, 2022) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (National Harbor, MD, 2022) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (Virtual, 2021) - Contributing artist.
”PX3 “State of the World” Exhibit” (Espace Beaurepaire, Paris, France, 2020) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (Nashville, TN, 2020) - Contributing artist.
”Dogs” (400 West Rich, Columbus, OH, 2019 ) - Contributing artist.
”Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition” (Cox Fine Arts Center, Columbus, OH, 2019) - Contributing artist.
”PX3 “State of the World” Exhibit” (Espace Beaurepaire, Paris, France, 2019) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (Atlanta, GA, 2019) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (Nashville, TN, 2018) - Contributing artist.
”PX3 “State of the World” Exhibit” (Espace Beaurepaire, Paris, France, 2017) - Contributing artist.
”International Photographic Competition Exhibit” (San Antonio, TX, 2017) - Contributing artist.

AWARDS

International Photographic Competition – Silver – 2026, 2019, 2018, 2016 – PPA
Grand Imaging Award Finalist - 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022 (2), 2021 (2), 2020 (2), 2018 - PPA
1st Place - Artist AI Fusion - 2025 - PPO
1st Place - Animal Portrait - 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 - PPO
Top 10 Ohio Artist – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 – PPO
Top 10 Ohio Photographer – 2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016 – PPO
Judge’s Award - 2025, 2024, 2022 (2), 2021 (2) - PPO
Professional Photographers of Ohio 4/4 - 2025 (2), 2024, 2022 (2), 2021 (2), 2020 (2), 2019 (2), 2018 (2)
1st Place - 2025 (2), 2024 - International Society of Animal Photographers
Judge’s Choice - 2025 (2), 2024 - International Society of Animal Photographers
American Society of Photographers - Service Award -2025
International Photographic Competition – Gold – 2025, 2020 – PPA
1st Place Professional Photography – 2024, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 – Arts in the Alley
People’s Choice, Fine Arts Show – 2024, 2021, 2019 – Arts in the Alley
Ohio Artist of the Year – 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 – PPO
1st Place - Artist Open Category - 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 – PPO
1st Place - Artist Restoration - 2024, 2022, 2021 - PPO
DWAA Writing Contest - 1st Place Young Children’s Picture Book - 2023
DWAA Writing Contest - 1st Place Single Illustration/Painting - 2023
DWAA Writing Contest - 1st Place Single Photograph - 2023
International Photographic Competition – Platinum – 2024, 2022 (2), 2021 (2), 2019 – PPA
2nd Place Professional Fine Arts Exhibit - 2023 - Arts in the Alley
1st Place Professional Animals/Pets - 2023 - International Photography Awards
Top 10 Image Competition - 2023 (2) - Animal Image Makers
The Imaging Excellence Award - 2023, 2021 - PPA
Best in Show, Photography – 2022, 2019, 2010 – Arts in the Alley
2nd Place Professional Photography – 2022, 2014, 2013 – Arts in the Alley
NE District Finalist - Animal Portrait - 2022 (2), 2021. 2019 (2), 2017 - PPA
The Ohio State Fair – Fine Arts Exhibition – 2022, 2019 - Ohio Arts Council
PPA National Award -2022 - PPO
Kubiak Award – 2022, 2020 – PPO
National CPP Award – 2022, 2021 (2), 2020, 2019 – CPP
ASP State Elite Award – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 - ASP
1st Place – 2022 - Animal Image Makers
3rd Place - 2022, 2021 - Animal Image Makers
Judge’s Choice - 2022 - Animal Image Makers
Images of Distinction - 1st Place - Animal Portrait - 2022 - ASP
Grand Imaging Award, 2nd Place - Artist Restoration - 2021 - PPA
NE District Finalist - Illustrative/Commercial - 2021 - PPA
NE District Finalist - Nature/Landscape - 2021 - PPA
NE District Finalist - Artist - 2021 (2), 2016 - PPA
NE District Finalist - Restoration - 2021 - PPA
Impact Award - 2021, 2020, 2017 - PPO
Photographic Artist of the Year - 2021, 2020 - PASO
Most Creative Image Award – 2021, 2020, 2016 – PASO
Images of Distinction - 2nd Place - Animal Portrait - 2021 - ASP
2nd Place – 2021 (2), 2020 - Animal Image Makers
Ohio Photographer of the Year / USG Salyers Award – 2021, 2019 – PPO
Grand Imaging Award, 3rd Place – Animal Portrait – 2020, 2018 – PPA
Grand Imaging Award, 3rd Place – Creative Open – 2020 – PPA
Prix de la Photographie de Paris – Silver Medal – 2020
3rd Place Professional Photography – 2019, 2017 – Arts in the Alley
Prix de la Photographie de Paris – Honorable Mention – 2019, 2017 (2)
The Ohio Arts Council – purchased for permanent collection – 2019
NE District Award, 1st Place – Animals – 2019, 2017 – PPA
NE District Award, 1st Place – Creative Open – 2019 – PPA
J. Anthony Bill Award – 2019, 2018 – PPO
International Photographic Competition – Bronze – 2018, 2017 – PPA
IPPY Independent Publisher Awards – Silver – 2017
1st Place in Fine Arts – 2016 – Arts in the Alley
Judge’s Award – Fine Arts – 2016 – Arts in the Alley
2nd Place in Amateur Photography – 2012 – Arts in the Alley
Grand Easel Award – 2011 – Arts in the Alley
People’s Choice Award, Photography – 2010, 2009 – Arts in the Alley

2025 International Society of Animal Photographers Image Competition

Maker's Muse Exhibit - The Silos - Houston, TX

"The Makers Muse" Exhibit - Grapevine, TX

3 First Place Medals - Dog Writers Association of America

1st place, Professional Animals/Pets - International Photography Awards

Master of Animal Imagery Certification - 4/23

2022 Best of Show & 2nd Place - Arts in the Alley Photography Show

Ohio Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit - Aug 2022

2022 Ohio Artist of the Year
Professional Photographers of Ohio — 2022 Ohio Artist of the Year Professional Photographers of Ohio

2022 ASP Images of Distinction - 1st Place

January 2022 - PPA Photographic Craftsman Award

Professional Photographer of Ohio Image Awards 2021

2021 ASP Images of Distinction - 2nd Place

Animal Image Makers Print Competition Awards

American Society of Photographers State Elite Award 2020

American Society of Photographers State Elite Award 2019

Arts in the Alley 2019 - First Place and Best in Show

PPO Spring Print Competition Awards 2020

Fine Arts Exhibit, Ohio State Fair, July 2019