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Commercial brand pet photography and rustic-luxury family pet portraits with one-of-a-kind experiences

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A Girl with Grit

A Girl with Grit

Grit. It’s that unwavering determination to do… to be… to achieve… to make a difference.

Howdy, I’m Terran Bayer (sounds like Karen with a T) and my life’s mission is to do good and put joy back out into the world through my art. I’ve got a boatload of grit (not to be confused with cheesy grits; those are different) and I’m not afraid to use it.

I’m totally the Crazy Dog Lady and that’s alright by me. I have connected deeply with animals my entire life and practically grew up in a barn in upstate New York. I was surrounded with dogs, cats, horses — and one very special squeaky little guinea pig — and knew from a young age that working with and for animals was my calling.

My horse Handsome and me in the mid-90s. Notice I had a camera with me, even then.

I thought I was going to be a vet but — surprise! — science is not my thing (although I find it fascinating). I knew I had to listen to my heart and take the path toward being a creative. It led me to build this beautiful life as a dog photographer and graphic designer. I get to bring happiness to my clients through colorful photographs that tell the stories of their animals and bright designs that help grow businesses that are making a positive difference in our crazy world.

I’m a get-out-in-nature kinda girl. I’m happiest high up in the mountains with my hubby and Roxy, surrounded by trees and wildlife. Any day ending with me being covered in dirt is pretty much guaranteed to have been a good day. I love being off-the-grid, cooking over an open fire, and waking up to nothing but the sound of chirping birds and cooing quail.

Photographing the Sequoia redwoods (can you spot me?)

I’m not all hippy, though — I have a bit of a city-girl side, too! I’m a car nut and love to race. It’s especially fun to beat the boys. Girl power! I love all the Fast & Furious movies and dream of learning how to drift one day (*waves to Tanner Foust*).

I’m also a bit of a foodie and love trying new chefs wherever we go. I enjoy cooking but my skills are pretty limited. I’m addicted to Top Chef and Top Chef Masters (*waves to Rick Bayless*). 

Shelter animals are my passion. I love being able to help rescue organizations find forever homes for their animals through my art. There is seriously no better feeling in the world! I volunteer my time with Lionel’s Legacy to photograph as many of their adoptable animals as possible and design a printed calendar every year to raise funds to help the critters.

My #1 rescue, Roxy. Adopted from Helen Woodward Animal Center.

I strongly believe our animals are more than just pets; they are family. We aren’t owners; we’re parents. We don’t just provide our fur-kids the minimum care needed for survival; we feed the best food, take them to specialty vets, and love them more than anything else in the world. We buy them orthopedic beds, allow for ample snuggle time every morning, and happily let them take over our king-size beds. If you feel the same way, the Westway family is most definitely your tribe.

 
I truly feel honored to work with every single one of my clients. I love being able to capture the bond humans share with their animals and to tell every family’s unique story. I also love working with businesses who want to better the lives of our furry family members, whether through design, photography, or a bit of both.

I put my heart and soul into every project, creating art that’s deeply meaningful. If that’s what you’re looking for in a creative, then follow your inner compass — and let it lead you West.

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Home » A Girl with Grit

Follow our wild, wild Westway adventures as we travel the U.S. in our Airstream

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Based in San Diego, CA
Traveling the U.S. in 2022
(858) 848-9378
Email Me

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Hi there! In the age of social media, we all scrol Hi there! In the age of social media, we all scroll... a lot. Since we've had a bunch of new followers lately, I wanted to take a moment to say hi, introduce myself, and get to know you a little!​​​​​​​​
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I'm Terran, the Crazy Dog Mom behind Westway Studio. My hubby, senior pup, and I live in San Diego for six months of the year and travel the US in our Airstream for the other six. We love being on the road, meeting new people, seeing new places, eating new foods, and experiencing this beautiful country we call home.​​​​​​​​
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I'd love if you would share a little something about you and your pets with me — like where you're from, your animal companion's favorite vacation destination, a silly story, or anything else! :)
It's your last chance to apply for our upcoming We It's your last chance to apply for our upcoming West Paw photo shoot! The casting call closes this afternoon! Don't miss out - photo shoots are TONS of fun for people and pets! Link in bio or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call
*Knocks on door* Hello! Can your dog come out to p *Knocks on door* Hello! Can your dog come out to play?​​​​​​​​
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We're holding an open casting model call for our next playtime-filled shoot with West Paw! Apply at the link in my bio or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call. Let's have some FUN!
Who LOVES treats? 🙋‍♀️ We're holding an o Who LOVES treats? 🙋‍♀️ We're holding an open casting model call for our next shoot with West Paw that'll be all about — you guessed it — TREATS! Apply through the link in my bio or at https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call
YahoOOoOooOoo!!! We are planning our next photo sh YahoOOoOooOoo!!! We are planning our next photo shoot with West Paw at the end of January! We're looking for dogs + their people to participate. Dogs should be well-trained and love treat toys! We are looking for pups of all breeds, mixes, and ages. Link in bio to apply or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call​​​​​​​​​
#westwaypets #westwaystudio #opencasting #modelcall #dogmodel @westpawus
Sorry, boss, I'm gonna be late today... or I might Sorry, boss, I'm gonna be late today... or I might not make it in at all... it's National Cuddle Day, which means I can't move 'til my four-legged best friend does. 🤷‍♀️ Does your animal companion love to cuddle or is it more of an exercise in futility?
Hello. It's Wednesday. The holidays are over. Whic Hello. It's Wednesday. The holidays are over. Which way is up? Do you have any treats?
Mid-session puppy kisses always make for the silli Mid-session puppy kisses always make for the silliest and sweetest photos! Do your pups give you kisses, too?
Happy New Year, friends! What are you most looking Happy New Year, friends! What are you most looking forward to this year?​​​​​​​​
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Two things I'm really excited for are (1) getting back out on the open road in the Airstream and (2) teaching at the Shutterhound Conference in September alongside some of the world's greatest pet photographers. Seriously, the speaker lineup is i-n-c-r-e-d-I-b-l-e! Pinch me, I must be dreaming! (Sign up with crazy-special pricing through 11:59pm Eastern time tonight!!!)
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GIT ALONG LI'L DOGGIES
Follow my adventures with dogs, travel, and ranch life in the Wild, Wild Westway