Erin Bonilla, CPP

PPA Certified Professional Photographer
Professional Photographers Association PPA Logo
Erin Bonilla Pet Photographer
  • Hi, I’m Erin!

    Hello!  My name is Erin Bonilla (pronounced “Bon-ee-a”)

    I am the wife of a military officer, the mother of 4 young children, and a PPA Certified Professional Photographer.

    I believe that animals are an expression of God’s love, and I thought that was a beautiful description of the role pets have in our lives. With our precious pets we laugh more, love more, and enjoy our lives more. We should return their love with as much devotion as they give to us. We like to take great care of them, to make sure they have the best food, the best care, and are as happy and healthy as they can be! They deserve to be remembered in the best way too, with a beautiful artistic portrait.

    I would love to help bring joy to your life for years to come with images of your beloved pets.

  • My goal as a pet portrait photographer

    My goal as a Pet Portrait Photographer is to capture the personality and uniqueness of your pet in a beautiful portrait. I want you to enjoy the portrait for the rest of your life, long after your pet has crossed the rainbow bridge. I had a yellow lab for 13 years, his name was Jive and he was one of the most important parts of my childhood and growing up. I wish I had portraits of him that show how obsessed he was with water, and how much he was totally devoted to me. I know that if I did, those portraits would bring joy to my life every single day. I want to provide that for people who still have their pets with them now.

    In 15 years, how do you want to remember your companion animal? What is it about them that makes them who they are? How do they bring joy to your life?

  • What to expect when you entrust me with your pet’s portrait

    Your pet will feel at home in the only dedicated pet portrait studio in Hampton Roads. Specializing in pets allows me to design my studio to accommodate my clients and their pets. That means that I take measures to ensure their safety and comfort. All of the props are pet sized and some are designed for pets! I have a whole box that is just hats! We are the pet portrait experts and we can work with all kinds of animals of varying temperaments and levels of obedience. We only use positive reinforcement and are never harsh or pushy with the animals. With pet portraits, patience is key.

    I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have! 

    You can call me at:  (757) 912-5862


    Awards and Publications


    Erin recently won the following awards from the Virginia Professional Photographer’s Association
    • Top Ten Photographer for the state of Virginia 2019
    • CPP Competition Award
    • Court of Honor (2nd place) Pet Image “Bitches Coven”
    • Virginia Professional Photographers Association 2018 Best Portrait of a Pet/Animal

    • THE CHARLES H. TAYLOR ARTS CENTER

      Small Works and Miniatures by Tidewater Artists 2017 Exhibition.
      I was invited to have 4 pieces in the exhibition. This was my first gallery invitation.

    • BITCHES COULDRON

      Awarded PPA CPP Award & Court of Honor Portrait of a Pet/Animal for 2019

    • tarantula black backdrop rim lighting orange fuzz pet portrait

      FUZZY WUZZY

      Awarded 3rd place at the PPA Southeast Region Competition in 2019, competing with renowned photographers across 13 states. 

    • hairless guinea pig budoir shoot award winning photography guinea budoir

      BOUDOIR GUINEA

      Published around the world by Cater’s News Agency January 2016

      Bored Panda Article | The Dodo Article Daily Mail Article

    • ART SHOW AWARDS

      • Ocean View Art Show, 2017
        First Place: #1 0f 85 Award for “Ride Naked”
      • Williamsburg “Art on the Square” 2017
        First Place for Photography
      • Boardwalk Art Show, 2017
        Selected for Judging 1 of 60 selected out of over 270 artists
      • Ocean View Art Show 2016
        Honorable Mention
      • Ocean View Art Show 2015
        Honorable Mention

      Contact Us

      Pet Photography in Norfolk & Williamsburg, Virginia

      300 Monticello Ave,
      Norfolk, VA. 23510
      Suite 144B.

      1430 High St.,
      Williamsburg, VA 23185
      Suite 1107.

      Mon-Fri:
      10am-6pm
      Weekends by Appointment Only.

      © 2023 Bonilla Pet Studio