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.
My name is Danica Barreau (duh-NEE-kuh buh-ROH).
I live in central Ohio with a very patient school teacher where I enjoy cooking fine meals and pursuing my passion for art and photography. I’ve fostered over twenty dogs for English Setter rescue, and even owned a dog daycare for several years called “The PawSpa for Dogs”.
My mom is a retired DoDDS teacher (which partially explains my obsession with the oxford comma and my preference for military time) and my dad was a sculptor, painter, and chef. He was also French so, yes, je parle français. I spent a few years in France, about thirteen years in Germany, and moved to the US in ’92.
I’ve owned Pouka, LLC since 2006 - I am the accountant, web designer, marketing manager, customer service specialist, administrative assistant, as well as the main photographer and artist. I also hold several volunteer positions including President of the Professional Photographers of Ohio and Lead State Representative for the American Society of Photographers.
why you should trust me
EXPERIENCE
I have been creating pet portraits for over 20 years in multiple mediums including photography, graphite and colored pencils, watercolors, and digital paint. I’m a certified professional photographer and my knowledge of composition, color, and lighting impacts everything I do, including my paintings. I’ve spent the past decade trying out different vendors to find the very best products at a reasonable cost so that your commissioned portrait experience is the absolute best that I can give you.
EDUCATION
I’ve worked hard to get my post-collegiate degrees from the Professional Photographers of America - I’ve been awarded as a Master Artist, a Master Photographer, and a Photographic Craftsman. Those degrees are earned through a combination of educational credits and portfolio reviews that ensure that I’m always innovating and learning. I’ve studied with some of the best digital artists and, since I use a medium that is constantly changing and improving, I have to experiment!
EMPATHY
I have been a pet lover since I opened my eyes. I completely understand the bond and affection that we have for these hairy beasts and it is my honor to try to capture their memory for you to enjoy. I have been owned by eleven dogs and twenty-five cats and every one of them has impacted me as a person. I was a foster home for nine years and am a passionate advocate for deaf dogs (three of my English Setters have been bilaterally deaf), rescue, and responsible breeding and ownership.
WHAT’S UP WITH ALL THE ENGLISH SETTERS?
Yes, I photograph and paint a lot of English Setters. I rescued a very photogenic English Setter (ACES Carter LeDoux) back in 2005 and documented his every move for years, using him to practice my photography skills. I became a foster parent and photographed my English Setter fosters and then volunteered to photograph other foster dogs. That launched Pouka Art & Photography! I have photographed and painted many different breeds but my clients come from word of mouth; the English Setter community is very tight-knit so many of my subjects are English Setters.
I brought home another English Setter in 2013 (DeCoverly’s Sparrow Georgette), then another in 2014 (RoundRiver’s A. Finch), and most recently another in December of 2022 (Stardom Bottoms Up “Lager”), so they show up frequently in my personal images, Instagram, and Facebook posts. Click here for more information on Deaf English Setters. I am a proud member of the English Setter Association of America.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW LOVES ENGLISH SETTERS,
YOU'VE JUST FOUND THE PERFECT GIFT!
"Setterly Yours: A Photographic Introduction to The English Setter" features over 150 professional photographs and covers a brief history of the breed, the physical characteristics, personalities, grooming requirements, health issues, as well as the availability of the breed in rescue. This book differs from other books about English Setters by providing information on many of the multiple bloodlines as well as illustrating the great physical variety in the breed in beautifully detailed photographs.
"Setterly Yours" was recently awarded a silver medal by the Independent Publishers and will be a beautiful addition to any English Setter lover's library!
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), Image Comp Committee
Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA)
PUBLICATIONS
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
Professional Photographers of Ohio, - 7/20/25, “ChatGPT - The Assistant You’ve Always Wanted”
7/11/25 - 7/13/25, “Krea & Photoshop Mastery: A 3-Day Intensive with Judy Reinford and Danica Barreau”
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
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
International Photographic Competition - Grand Imaging Award Finalist - 2025, 2024, 2022 (2), 2021 (2), 2020 (2), 2018 - 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
International Photographic Competition – Silver – 2019, 2018, 2016 – PPA
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
2025 IPC Gold Medal
"The Makers Muse" Exhibit - Grapevine, TX
Ohio Artist of the Year
Cover - Ruff Drafts Spring 2024
3 First Place Medals - Dog Writers Association of America
2024 Grand Imaging Award Finalist
1st place, Professional Animals/Pets - International Photography Awards
2nd Place - Fine Arts Show
Master of Animal Imagery Certification - 4/23
2022 Best of Show & 2nd Place - Arts in the Alley Photography Show
Artist and Photographic Competitions
Ohio Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit - Aug 2022
National Award from PPA
2022 Ohio Artist of the Year
2022 Ohio Artist of the Year Professional Photographers of Ohio
ISAP Image Awards at AIM Convention
2022 ASP Images of Distinction - 1st Place
January 2022 - PPA Photographic Craftsman Award
PPA 2022 GIA Finalist
Artist and Photographic Competitions
Professional Photographer of Ohio Image Awards 2021
2021 NE District Finalist (six images)
2021 ASP Images of Distinction - 2nd Place
2021 State Elite Award
Animal Image Makers - CPP Award
IPC 50 - PPA
Animal Image Makers Print Competition Awards
2020 GIA Award
Photographic Open Category
American Society of Photographers State Elite Award 2020
Grand Imaging Award winner 2020
PPA Master of Photography degree
Photographic Open Category
Master Artist Category
PPA Master Artist Degree
PPO Spring Competition Awards
American Society of Photographers State Elite Award 2019
Arts in the Alley 2019 - First Place and Best in Show
Gallery Exhibit "Dogs", Columbus, Ohio
PPO Spring Print Competition Awards 2020
Master Artist Category
Photographic Open Category
Grand Imaging Award Winner 2017
Master Artist Category
PPO Fall Image Awards 2017
Master Artist Category
Fine Arts Exhibit, Ohio State Fair, July 2019
AWARD-WINNING IMAGES
Every year there is a series of image competitions where thousands of images are judged by panels of experienced jurors. The experience and educational value of receiving honest and sometimes harsh critique of your work is invaluable. The images below represent more than nine years of my work… and probably hundreds of hours of shooting, editing, painting, reshooting, sharing with mentors, discussing, and arguing!
FOR FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHERS
I shoot with a Canon 7D Mark II, a Sony a7R ii, and a Sony a7 iv. I use a Flashpoint Rovelight (400w) strobe and multiple Godox AD200s as well as multiple Yongnuo and Canon flashes triggered with the Yongnuo 622 series. I use a variety of modifiers – a 5′ octo, a beauty dish, a strip box, a 2×3 softbox… whatever gets the results I need! I process my images in Adobe LR and PS and use Huion display and pen tablets.