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Over the rolling hills of Newark Valley lies one of the best kept secrets of the Southern Tier Region of New York State. Nestled amongst the farms is a country studio known as Animal Images. Master Photographer, Debrah H. Muska has specialized in animal portrait photography since 1985 and has received national recognition for her images.
As a child, Deb grew up on a nearby old family farmstead where she spent her summers amongst the many animals which included dogs, cats, cattle, horses, ducks, geese and goats. These furry four-legged and feathered two-legged friends were part of many journeys around the farm. They gave her a very early appreciation of their value in the circle of life. She continues to fill her home with the company of animals today.
For several years, Debrah worked as a freelance photographer, concentrating of wilderness scenes and animals. This new frontier of professional photography was ideal for the harmonizing of the two passions: her respect and love for animals and enthusiasm for photography. She worked for many years as the official photographer for numerous animal shows. She and her husband David Molyneaux have Morgan horses and German Shorthair Pointer dogs that they raise and train. Animal Images was opened in the summer of 1985 with the point of view that an animal is part of the family and an animal’s portrait is an important addition to the family gallery.
The studio and outdoor setting of Animal Images has been created to be a pet friendly environment. Humans are greeted by the “critter xing” sign on the rail fence as they come in the driveway. A fire hydrant is waiting for the dogs upon their arrival after a sometimes long ride in the car for their pet portrait session. There is a wide open yard and fields for the dogs to be walked for a little relaxation. The inside of the studio is kept rather open so that cats will find very few places to run and hide. The typical two hour time block for a portrait session gives the animal the time they need to adjust to the new environment of the studio for a natural expression. The simple furnishings allow for few distractions so the animal’s attention can be focused on the camera. Debrah knows how to get their attention at the decisive moment for any age of animal.
Debrah brings her animal instinct to each portrait session to capture an animal’s unique personality. She is very knowledgeable of the physical and personality traits of many numerous breeds. She works to use background and prop colors that will accent the natural beauty of every animal. Her portraits sometimes comment on human characteristics, humor or sociology. A pet’s formal portrait is often created once in a lifetime for a lifetime of memories.
Debrah Muska is a native of the Southern Tier Region of New York State having graduated from Maine - Endwell High School. She also holds an associates degree from Broome Community College in accounting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Ithaca College. She holds the Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman Degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She is a member of the Owego Camera Club. She is a member of the Southern Tier Professional Photographers, Inc. (STPP) since 1991 where she has served as a Board Member and an officer. She is currently an officer of the Professional Photographers’ Society of New York State, Inc. (PPSNYS) and will be the President in 2005-06. Muska also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tioga County Council on the Arts. Animal Images also supports and works with many animal related non-profit organizations and charities in the local community.
Debrah H. Muska has been recognized nationally for her animal portraits with numerous awards. She has received several PPSNYS Court of Honor Awards and her images have been selected for the Loan Collection of the PPA. She is the recipient of two Kodak Gallery Awards and was recently awarded a Fuji Masterpiece Award at the PPSNYS Annual Print Competition. Her work has also been displayed at the Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. She has lectured on the topic throughout New York State to professional photographers and published magazine articles on the topic. Her first book “Professional Techniques for Pet and Animal Photography” was published by Amherst Media in 2003.
