I have always been a fan of Catherine Ledner's work, particularly her book ANIMAL HOUSE. Here are some questions I posed to the photographer:

Did you have animals growing up?

Yes! As a family we had many pets. When I was very young, we had a Springer Spaniel named Light bulb, because of the light bulb shaped marking on one of her eyes. We then had a Cocker Spaniel named Snoopy, named after my favorite cartoon character at the time. Later we had a chocolate Labrador named Tasha, not sure how she got that name. For smaller critters, we had a bevy: rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, fish and turtles. My mom and dad are definitely animal people. Thank goodness they indulged my two brothers and I in our love of animals.

Why did you start taking pictures?

When I was a teenager, I found myself photographing still lives of Coke bottles and nuts on our picnic table. I had no idea why I was driven to do this, but I enjoyed it immensely. As I grew into my teenage years, I started photographing people. I really loved that. I shot at Jazz Festival a lot and in the French Quarter. I grew up in New Orleans.

Why not interior design instead of photography?

I love working with people and animals. Photography became a passion, and I found it a great way to interact with and meet new people. Taking photos of animals came later, after I was well on my way in my career as a professional photographer.

What’s your favorite animal?

Hmmm. That's a tough one because I love them all. Dogs strike my fancy in particular because of their unconditional love and their general enthusiasm about life. Dogs are simple. It's all about the love.

What's your favorite color?

Cobalt blue, the color of the ocean. My other love is the water.