Donna Ackland Coss has a lifetime of experience working with animals. She has exhibited horses, dogs and cats professionally and has been an all breed judge. This is an extinct advantage because knowledge of the breed standards results in a photograph that emphasizes the animal's best breed features.
Donna was the owner of Hillside Studio for 22 years. Her daughter, Jody, has taken up the reins, and has moved the Studio to a new 4000 sq. ft. facility located on the farm. This offers Donna an opportunity to devote her time to the animal photography she is well known for creating. A majority of the photos displayed on this web site are samples of her work.
Many of Ms. Coss photographs have received national awards for their excellence. Two have been selected into the Professional Photographers of America permanent loan collection.
During the past few years, Donna, has been creating portraits for books, calendars, magazine articles, including cover photos. The AKC Gazette uses her photos on a regular basis.
2003 was the inauguration year for the Giclee Art Prints being created from new commissions and also from files from past years. These prints are available for purchase. An original Giclee print may also be made from your own portrait session.
Many well known show dogs have journeyed to Donna's studio for that "perfect" photograph and many of these have earned the reputation of being, "the best photograph of that breed ever!"
Donna also photographs horses and has gained much experience working with her own horses at Lily Creek Ridge, her breeding farm on the property. The Studio and Gallery is located in a rural setting just outside of Freeport, Il. Just outside the Studio door is a scenic lake and vast wooded, landscaped grounds. The Studio is equipped for indoor and outdoor portraiture.
A limited number of location assignments will be accepted in 2006. Please contact the Studio for an appointment. (815-541-4552)