DIAMOND
DOUBLE S
PHOTOGRAPHY
(817)247-4438 Brett
(940)390-0089 Karen
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Meet The Team
Capturing the Authentic Moments That Matter
Welcome! We're Karen and Brett Shayler, the husband-and-wife team behind Diamond Double S Photography. We specialize in equine, animal, and product photography and videography throughout Texas and beyond. But we're more than photographers - we're horsemen, animal handlers, and adventurers who understand the world we capture.
What Sets Us Apart
We don't just photograph animals and equestrian events - we live this world every day. With backgrounds as a Veterinary Technician, horse owners, and certified Search and Rescue handlers, we understand animal behavior at an instinctive level. We know when a horse is about to strike that perfect pose, when a dog's personality is about to shine through, and how to stay safe while capturing authentic moments.
Our unique combination of wilderness expedition experience, traditional film photography training, and cutting-edge digital techniques means we can handle any environment - from the show arena to remote ranch locations. As active NCHA competitors and SAR volunteers ourselves, we're not outsiders looking in; we're capturing the moments that matter because we understand what makes them special.
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Lead Animal & Equine Photographer
Why I Photograph Animals
I've spent my entire life working with animals - not just photographing them. As a former Veterinary Technician working in horse breeding and showing facilities, I've learned to read animal body language, anticipate their movements, and understand what makes each individual unique. This insider knowledge is what allows me to capture those fleeting, authentic moments that tell your animal's true story.
My Background
I cannot remember a time when I wasn't creating images of animals and natural scenes, whether through drawing, painting, or photography. I remember running around on family vacations with my mother's camera, eagerly awaiting the developed photos when we returned home.
My career has been dedicated to animals: working at premier horse breeding and showing facilities, serving as a Veterinary Technician, and volunteering with Search and Rescue alongside my husband. I've trained and certified my own hounds for search work and helped others achieve their certifications. I currently show cutting horses with my husband in National Cutting Horse Association events. This hands-on experience with animals in high-stress, high-performance situations gives me unique insight into capturing them at their best.
When I'm not behind the lens, you'll find me in the saddle with Brett - either at home or competing at horse shows. I love being in nature, working with our dogs, and sharing my lifelong passion for animals through photography.
Published
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Lead Photographer & Videographer
My Approach to Photography
With roots in traditional film photography and decades of expedition experience, I bring both technical mastery and adaptability to every shoot. Whether we're working in perfect studio conditions or dealing with unpredictable weather on a remote ranch, my background in wilderness medicine, firefighting, and adventure photography means I can handle any challenge while keeping everyone safe.
From Darkroom to Digital
I received my first camera as a child, and what began as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion. Growing up with a family camera shop in California, I spent countless summer hours in the darkroom learning to develop film and master the fundamentals of photography. I learned by doing - and I've never stopped.
Adventures That Shaped My Photography
My life experiences have taken me from mountains to caverns, rainforests to deserts, and beneath the ocean's surface. I've served as a SCUBA instructor, Wildland Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, and currently volunteer for Search and Rescue. I hold prestigious awards including the Boy Scouts of America Wood Badge and Powder Horn, and I've completed Basic and Advanced Wilderness Life Support training from the University of Utah. As a member of both the Explorers Club and the Royal Geological Society, I continue to push the boundaries of adventure photography.
Through all these experiences, one constant has remained: my camera. Whether documenting expeditions or capturing the beauty of a cutting horse mid-performance, I'm passionate about sharing the world's extraordinary moments.
Current Focus
Today, alongside Karen, I compete in the National Cutting Horse Association and bring that same competitive drive to our photography business. Our dogs and horses keep us grounded and smiling and photographing them for others brings us tremendous joy.
Published And Awards
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you need stunning equine portraits, professional product photography, or cinematic videography, we bring decades of combined experience and genuine passion to every project. We understand your world because we live it too.
Contact Us:
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Brett: (817) 247-4438
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Karen: (940) 390-0089
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Please leave a message - we're often out on location but will return your call promptly