Behind the Camera

So  .… who’s the guy behind the lens?

Hey there, I’m Thomas — a certified professional photographer based just outside of Chicago, in Naperville, Illinois. This is my story, a journey woven through the outdoors, framed by passion, and forever inspired by the bond between people and their pets.

I spent my childhood and teen years surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountain region: Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. I was constantly outdoors: fly fishing, hiking, exploring wide open landscapes, and immersing myself in nature’s quiet magic. During those years, I bought my first camera — a Minolta XG-SE with a 50mm lens, and that’s where it all began. Landscape and wildlife photography quickly became my creative outlet and my obsession.

Then Along Came Peanut.

Years later, a spirited, long-haired double dapple dachshund came bounding into my life  and everything changed. His name was Peanut, and while I thought I was rescuing him  .… the truth is  — he rescued me. He was my sidekick, my copilot, my heart. Every moment with him felt worth remembering. So, naturally, I picked up my camera again and I started photographing him. His curiosity. His quirks. His adventures. Thousands of images later, I began sharing those moments on social media and something beautiful happened. People saw what I saw. They felt what I felt. And what started as a personal project blossomed into a full-blown passion for pet photography.

Unleashing Personality Through the Lens

The same artistic approach I used for landscapes and wildlife found a perfect home in capturing pets. The patience, the understanding of natural light, the attention to detail — it all clicked. What began as a way to honor my own best friend turned into a business that celebrates the love we all have for our furry companions.

My photography is inspired by the greats: Ansel Adams, Art Wolfe, William Patino, Simon D’entremont, Peter Lik, and Tin Man Lee. Their mastery of light, composition, and emotion has deeply influenced my work. My training through the New York Institute of Photography and the Professional Photographers of America has helped shape my technical skill, while my heart continues to guide the creative side of every session.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my journey. I’m honored to turn your connection with your pet into timeless, soulful artwork that will last a lifetime  .… or should I say, a furever time.

Oh — and yes, I still have that Minolta XG-SE.

Thomas O’Connell

Founder | CEO of Furever Wild Pet Photography Corp.