"Paws & Profits: From Pup Portraits to Print Products"
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
(specific location will be given to registrants prior to the workshop)
Discover how a passion for both photography and dogs evolved into a multi-faceted creative business for Kathy Kupka. Kathy's journey from photography enthusiast to specialized dog photographer, led to the creation of her original line of dog-themed greeting cards, and her two photo books. Being a cancer survivor herself, her "Cancer is Ruff" photo book is an honest and refreshingly humorous photo book that pairs the side effects of cancer treatment with perfectly matched canine expressions from her portfolio.
Kathy will have a informative slide show presentation and a live presentation of photographing two different dogs. You're welcome to bring your camera. Kathy will go over her process of making a greeting card from one or both of the dogs.
Lunch will be provided.
This workshop qualifies for a PPA Continuing Education merit!
Be sure you include your PPA number on your registration. PPA members who participate in this workshop will be awarded a merit for attending.
About Kathy Kupka
Kathy was born in the City of Brotherly Love and moved to Leesburg, Virginia, in 1995. She is both a proud mom and a loving “Mom Mom.”
A passionate studio portrait photographer, Kathy specializes in capturing the unique personalities of dogs—with or without their humans. She also created her own line of dog-themed greeting cards and is the indie author of two heartfelt photo books: Cancer is Ruff—a reflection of her journey as a 23-year Multiple Myeloma survivor—and Online Dating is Ruff, inspired by her surviving online dating!
Kathy received her photography education at Northern Virginia Community College. She launched her photography business in 1998, initially focusing on children after the birth of her first grandson. Two years later, she welcomed her first dog, a Cockapoo named Buddie, and quickly discovered her passion for photographing dogs.
An award-winning photographer, Kathy recently earned a Silver in the 2025 International Photographic Competition in the Pets & Domestic Animals category. She is a proud member of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association and the Professional Photographers of America, where she has achieved both Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees.
Kathy’s photo sessions are fun, relaxed, and full of personality. With patience, props, praise, and the help of pet parents, she creates stunning portraits that celebrate the spirit of your four-legged best friend. And who knows? One special expression might just inspire her next greeting card or book!
Second Annual ISAPalooza Workshops May 20-June 1
We are thrilled to offer animal photography workshops all over the place! All-day workshops jam packed with education offered by working photographers, for working photographers. BONUS: PPA members receive a service merit for attending!