Meet Donna Zolkowski: Photographer, Author, and Lifelong Animal Lover
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For over 30 years, Donna Zolkowski has been capturing the beauty of everyday life through her lens. What began with playful photo sessions of her children evolved into a professional career when she moved to Michigan in 2010. It was there that Donna joined both the Professional Photographers of Michigan and the Professional Photographers of America, stepping fully into a life dedicated to the craft of photography.
Photography runs deep in Donna’s blood. Her biological father was a professional photographer who owned multiple studios. As a young girl, Donna spent hours at his side, watching him pose clients with care and then witnessing the magic unfold in the darkroom. The first time she saw a blank sheet of paper transform into a black-and-white image, she was hooked. That moment of wonder never left her.
Inspired by her father’s photography and her mother’s talent as a commissioned artist and painting instructor, Donna naturally blended art and image-making into her life from an early age. She even built her own mini darkroom in her bathroom to explore black-and-white photography on her own terms.
As the years went by, Donna turned her camera toward her own beloved dogs and family members, learning firsthand the patience and joy that come with pet photography. That deep well of experience—and a few clever tricks picked up along the way—inspired her to write Exciting and Fun Pet Photography, a heartfelt guide for pet lovers who want to take beautiful, meaningful pictures of their furry friends.
Donna’s dedication to the craft has been recognized statewide: she was named one of the Top 7 Photographers in Michigan in 2019, and one of the Top 5 in 2021. In 2022, she earned her Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation—a prestigious credential that requires passing a rigorous examination and demonstrating technical excellence in all areas of photography.
Today, Donna continues to educate, inspire, and share her love of photography with others—especially those who want to preserve the memories of their pets in a way that truly captures their spirit.
