A Pittsburgh Photographer Capturing the Moments That Matter
My love for photography began when I was twelve, and my father gave me my first camera. I was instantly captivated. I spent my childhood creating modeling portraits of friends, arranging formal photos of my baby brother, Glenn, and capturing the one-of-a-kind personality of our dachshund mix, Patches. Whether I was documenting a family vacation or an ordinary day at home, I loved preserving moments and helping the people in front of my camera feel like professional models. That early sense of wonder became the foundation of everything I do today.
From the Darkroom to a Lifelong Calling
Although life initially led me to a career as a medical records analyst at a local hospital, photography kept calling me back. Eventually, I enrolled at Pittsburgh Filmmakers and spent four years studying fine art photography. Those years transformed photography from a beloved hobby into my life’s passion. I spent entire days in the darkroom, learning the delicate chemistry of film development and the meticulous craft of creating black-and-white prints. There was something magical about watching an image slowly emerge beneath the soft red light. Today, I work with both digital and film photography, and the lessons I learned in the darkroom still resonate: patience, intention, attention to detail, and respect for every captured moment.
A Business Inspired by Animals and Family
After completing photography school in May 2006, I launched a boutique pet photography business. I traveled to clients’ homes and created professional mini studios where pets and their families could feel comfortable and be themselves.
Animals have always held a special place in my heart. My own pets have brought me comfort through some of life’s hardest seasons, so I understand the unconditional bond people share with their “fur babies.” They are not simply pets – they are family. Preserving their personalities and the love they bring into our lives is meaningful work that I never take for granted.
Over the years, my business has grown to include:
- Weddings and engagements, photographed with an eye for authentic emotion and timeless details.
- Surprise proposals, preserving the anticipation, joy, and spontaneity of the moment.
- Family and high school senior portraits, thoughtfully created to reflect each person’s story and personality.
- Pet photography, celebrating the animals who make our families complete.
- Commercial photography and brand collaborations, producing polished imagery.
For 20 years, I have had the privilege of photographing weddings, engagements, portraits, pets, and life’s most meaningful milestones.
My Story of Faith and Resilience
Just one year after launching my business, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had to place my career on hold while I underwent treatment and focused on healing. Thankfully, it was discovered early, and I completely recovered. As of 2026, I have been cancer-free for nearly twenty years.
That experience deepened my appreciation for time, connection, and the importance of preserving the people and animals we love. Photographs become part of a family’s history, and I consider it an honor to create images that will continue to hold meaning for generations.
An Artist at Heart
Building a creative business has required me to learn much more than photography. I entered the professional industry during its transition from film to digital – before today’s client-management platforms, communication tools, and streamlined digital workflows existed.
Along the way, I taught myself how to build websites, crea
te service collections, manage client experiences, and navigate the administrative side of entrepreneurship. A business or marketing degree might have made that journey easier, but I have always been an artist first.
Every challenge has helped me create the heart-centered photography practice I lead today – one grounded in artistry, empathy, and genuine connection.
My Approach
I create timeless, high-quality photographs that feel personal and true. My goal is not simply to document how a moment looked, but to preserve how it felt.
Whether I am photographing a wedding, a graduating senior, a surprise proposal, a beloved pet, or a family gathered together, I bring the same patience, care, and thoughtful attention to every session. I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and fully present while I preserve the moments you will want to remember forever.
Awards and Published Work
Published on Voyage Pennsylvania
Top 7 Best Family Photographers in Pittsburgh, PA 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Expertise.com
Top 10 Family Photographers in Pittsburgh, PA voted by Giggster.com in 2021.
Top 23 Best Wedding Photographers in Pittsburgh, PA – 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Expertise.com
WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2020
2019 -Voted one of the 9 Best Engagement Photographers in Pittsburgh by peerspace.com
Top 21 Best Wedding Photographers in Pittsburgh 2019 by Expertise.com
Published on One Whirl Weddings Magazine – Cover Photo and inside page -Spring 2019 Edition
Top 25 Best Wedding Photographers in Pittsburgh 2018 by Expertise.com
WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2018
First Place – 2017 International Photography Awards – Professional People, Wedding category
Top 25 Best Wedding Photographers in Pittsburgh 2017 by Expertise.com
WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2017
Top 25 Best Wedding Photographers in Pittsburgh 2016 by Expertise.com
Our Best Friends’ Calendar 2014 by Western PA Humane Society
Our Best Friends’ Calendar 2013 by Western PA Humane Society
Dog Fancy Magazine 2013
Our Best Friends’ Calendar 2012 by Western PA Humane Society
Our Best Friends’ Calendar 2011 by Western PA Humane Society
Kittens USA 2004-2005 Annual
Photographer’s Forum Best of Photography Annual 2006 – Finalist
Photographer’s Forum Best of Photography Annual 2005 – Finalist
Photographer’s Forum Best of College Photography Annual 2004 – Finalist
Photographer’s Forum Best of Photography Annual 2004 – Finalist
Photographer’s Forum Best of Photography Annual 2003 – Finalist
International Photography Awards 2003 Honorable Mention- People & Pets Series
International Photography Awards 2003 Honorable Mention- Aquarium Series
Photographer’s Forum Best of Photography Annual 2002 -Finalist
Press
Guest on KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh on August 19th, 2024
North Hills Monthly Magazine – Say Woof! Photographers Capture Human-Animal Bond by Erica Cebzanov, Nov 30, 2015
Pittsburgh Magazine – The Pet Lover’s Guide by Melissa Rayworth, February 2013
CBS Local -Best Places for Pet Photography in Pittsburgh by Cheree Charmello, May 25, 2012
Tribune Review – by William Loeffler January 15, 2009
Public Art Displays
Green Pet Funeral Home and Crematory
4325 Ohio River Blvd.
Bellevue, PA 15202
412) 430-PETS
Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic
6742 Reynolds Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 665-1810
Always Compassionate Veterinary Care
4701 Clairton Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
(412) 882-3070
Fun facts about me
– I absolutely adore animals— they bring so much joy to our lives!
– Inspirational music is my favorite; it lifts the spirit and provides strength when times get tough.
– I am a total Disney enthusiast! I just can’t get enough of the magic.
– I grew up on a military base in Virginia and have immense respect for those who serve. Thank you for your service!
– Being outdoors is my happy place! I love hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sun.
– I have three fur babies: Bear-bear, Peanut, and Jasmine (who I like to call Jazzy). Aren’t they the cutest? 🙂
– Ice cream is my weakness! Mint chocolate chip, cherry vanilla, or chocolate with pecans! Oh my!
– I enjoy curling up with my cats to watch a good romantic movie or a fun reality show on Netflix.
– Being gluten-free is a necessity for me, and it has actually been a blessing in disguise. I’ve become quite the chef!
– When I’m not busy with photography, you can find me in my garden planting flowers, shrubs, or vegetables. It’s the best therapy!
– My favorite smoothie recipe is kale, celery, green apples, and a banana. You’ve got to try it! 🙂
Lisa West Photography is based in Pittsburgh, PA, but is available to travel anywhere in the U.S. For more information, please call (412) 720-6368 or email us at info@lisawestphotos.com
Publications, Features & Awards
