Close Encounters of the Furry Kind

Producers of fine stock photography

About Us

Close Encounters of the Furry Kind, LLC is a small, family owned, but full scale stock photo agency, with hundreds of thousands of images. Though our specialty is working with dogs and puppies in natural settings, we have a nice collection of images of other animals from domestic to wildlife, as well as scenics. We’ve had the privilege twice to visit China, as we journeyed to receive our two beautiful daughters. The most recent trip allowed us an opportunity to take some nice photographs of the beautiful country as well.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality images available to a broad base of clientele all over the country and around the world. For years we shot in the 35mm format, and more recently, though kicking and screaming we’ve begun to explore the digital world. Though we have added this new and ever changing technology, we stick firmly to the belief, that photography is an art and in its purest form should not be mixed with “digital artwork”. We recognize that there is a place for this type of work, when a pro is going for the futuristic effect, and are not critical of those doing this, but it’s not for us. The best way we know how to describe this is we don’t take mediocre images and later “fix” them to look nice. We try very hard to do it right to begin with, separating ourselves from much of the so called professional photographers we see in print these days. We will retouch very minor things like a spot of drool or a stray hair in the eye, but never compromise the original image. Our editing process is more brutal then some of our counterparts, with only the sharpest images making it past our wastebasket. We want only the best, sharpest images to bear the Close Encounters name on them, quality is always first.

Over the past 16 years our work has been regularly published in a number of medias including Dog Fancy, Dogs for Kids, Popular Dogs, Dogs USA, Puppies USA, Dog World, AKC Gazette, Just Labs and other magazines. We currently work with a number of calendar companies including Pet Prints, Willowcreek Press, Browntrout, Barnes and Noble and Mead. Greeting cards and book projects have also been included with a number of other venues. Several images have been used as reference photos by Danbury Mint for their line of collector’s plates. We believe that our work will give your products that "awe" appeal that makes people come back for other items for years to come.

The main philosophy of Close Encounters of the Furry Kind, is to produce a quality product combined with integrity of business. We strive to operate our company in a manner that is of the most professional level without losing the personal feel of dealing with a small, family owned operation. We love what we do, working with the animals and meeting amazing people. Our hope is that one day our two daughters will grow to love and take over our business. Years ago we decided that if we ever got to a place where we no longer enjoy our work, then it's time to retire our cameras to the closet.

History of Close Encounters of The Furry Kind

In 1988, I began Close Encounters of the Furry Kind as a small dog grooming business in Baltimore, MD. I was known then as Jeannie Kidd.  Much to my dismay after just two years my now flourishing business had to be closed after I developed severe tendonitis in my wrist and was forced to retire from grooming.  I knew that I would only be happy working with animals again so I began searching for my niche in the animal industry. Learning photography was something that had always been an interest of mine, but was an area in which I had little skill.  While developing my photographic skills, I worked in portrait studios, a camera shop, as a receptionist and for several veterinarians.  These experiences helped me develop the skills necessary to become a professional photographer who works with animals. 

In 1991, I submitted my first selection of images to Dog Fancy magazine and much to my delight; the first image was chosen to appear in print.  This was a big breakthrough in showing me that is was possible to fulfill what had only been a dream up until this time. The rebirth of Close Encounters of the Furry Kind had begun. Over the next several years, my then part-time business blossomed and new clients came to me on a regular basis.

In 1993, I met Bane Harrison at the camera shop where I still worked full-time. A friendship developed and Bane occasionally joined me on photo shoots trying to help where he could.  Bane had been working on a degree from the New York institute of Photography and soon became an accomplished photographer himself.  During the next couple of years Bane and me each went through a lot of very painful personal challenges and major changes in our home lives.

It was only through God's mercy and grace that we were able to leave the past behind and move forward. Before long we discovered many common interests, becoming a very effective team and in 1995 we decided to get married.

We experienced a major breakthrough in 1998, when we stepped out by Faith and began working the business full-time.  This was an exciting, but somewhat trying experience.  We knew that it was sink or swim.  We chose to swim!  Since that time Close Encounters has continued to grow and prosper.  We relocated to the mountains of North Carolina in 2002, where the weather is more cooperative for photographs and the scenery is awesome. We love the natural outdoor settings in which to shoot and Bane works hard on preparing new and unique settings for the animals to appear in. 

The Harrison household consists of two dogs, a shih tzu “Fuji”, a wiry pound puppy “Sozo”, and our cat “Jellybean” who thinks she's a dog.  Completing the Harrison household is our precious daughters Lyndsay who we were blessed with in 2005 and most recently in 2008 our daughter Charis, both from The People’s Republic of China. Our dream is for them to one day continue the legacy of Close Encounters and take over the family business.

We are grateful for the opportunities we've had to work with all the owners and their wonderful dogs and to be able to get our work in front of the eyes of the public for their enjoyment.  The talents we have been given are not taken for granted and we don't forget that these are gifts that the Lord has given to us to use to bless others.  That is our intention and we hope you will be inspired by our story.  Remember God is no respecter of people and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!