Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Pitera.
Hi Tom, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hot Dog! Pet Photography grew out of our shared love for animals and the role they play in our lives. In our nearly 20 years of marriage, we’ve been pet parents to four cats and two dogs, and those experiences have shaped everything about the way we work. We’ve known the joy of welcoming new companions and the heartbreak of saying goodbye, and that personal connection to pet loss makes this work deeply meaningful to us. We also spent a lot of time volunteering with Orange County Animal Services, where we learned how to comfort nervous pets, read their body language, and earn their trust, all skills that still guide every session we photograph today.
As Hot Dog! has grown, we’ve carried that same compassion into the families and brands we serve throughout Central Florida. Our clients often tell us they appreciate our patience, professionalism, and ability to capture their pets as they truly are, whether that means a shy cat, a goofy puppy, or a senior companion who deserves a gentle pace. Alongside our portrait work, we’ve also partnered with companies like Woofie’s and the American Kennel Club to create commercial imagery for their marketing and grooming vans. No matter the project, our goal is simple: to honor the bond between pets and their people with thoughtful, expressive storytelling.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many small businesses, our path hasn’t been entirely smooth. We moved to Saint Cloud from East Orlando in early 2020, and almost immediately COVID shut everything down. Overnight, our scheduled sessions disappeared, and for more than a year we were essentially out of business. It was a tough stretch – financially, emotionally, and creatively – because so much of what we do depends on working closely with people and their pets.
Rebuilding took time, patience, and a willingness to rethink how we operated. We focused on strengthening our portfolio, refining our client experience, and reconnecting with pet parents and local businesses as the world slowly opened back up. It’s been a steady climb, but the effort has paid off. Today, we’re back on solid footing, working with wonderful clients, and grateful for the resilience that period forced us to develop.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Hot Dog! Pet Photography, we specialize in creating expressive, personality-driven portraits of pets and the people who love them. Tom is the photographer behind the camera, bringing technical skill and a creative eye to every session. Erika handles animal care and client relations, helping pets feel secure and guiding families through the process from start to finish. Our work spans in-home sessions, outdoor lifestyle shoots, and commercial photography for pet-focused brands. We’re known for our calm, animal-centered approach – reading body language, giving pets space to warm up, and adapting the session to match their comfort level.
We’re especially proud of the trust our clients place in us during senior and end-of-life sessions. Having experienced our own losses, we understand how meaningful these images become, and we approach them with empathy and patience. On the commercial side, we’re honored to work with companies like Woofie’s and the American Kennel Club, creating polished, reliable imagery that aligns with their brand needs. What sets us apart is the combination of Tom’s technical expertise, Erika’s intuitive animal handling, and our shared love for pets. Together, we don’t just take photos, we capture stories that celebrate each pet’s spirit and the bond they share with their family.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Tom grew up outgoing, adventurous, and quick to make people laugh. His interests were all over the map, in the best way. One minute he was listening to hardcore or metal, the next he was bopping to pop and dance music. He was drawn to film and video production in high school and has always been a devoted wrestling fan. Interestingly, he didn’t grow up with pets at all. His first was Ernie, a tiny kitten he and Erika adopted in college, and that experience opened the door to a whole new world for him.
Erika’s childhood looked a little different. She was a classically trained musician, playing violin and piano and singing all the way into college. She was focused, creative, and happiest when she was making something. And unlike Tom, she grew up surrounded by animals from day one. Dogs and cats were simply part of her life, so her love of animals came naturally and deeply.
Together, these backgrounds blend into the work they do now: Tom’s eye for storytelling, Erika’s calm and intuitive way with animals, and a shared sense of creativity that fuels their business.
Pricing:
- $350 – Signature Pet Session
- $300 – Cherished Companion Session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hotdogpetphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotdogpetphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotDogPetPhoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hot-dog-pet-photography/
- Other: https://share.google/4qdhTqk3mlilQ7htH
Image Credits
Tom Pitera, Hot Dog! Pet Photography
