Lupin
It started with a dog named
Hi, I'm Amanda, a Traverse City pet photographer helping people hold onto the animals who make life better.
His name lives in the lupine at the heart of Dear Creature Co., a wildflower that leaves the ground richer than it found it. Lupin did the same for me. Our creatures always do.
If you're here, you probably have a Lupin of your own. The one who's been there through everything, who makes home feel like home. Dear Creature Co. is my love letter to them, and my way of helping you hold onto yours.
Noodle
My big shadow, inexplicably terrified of mechanical sounds and, unfortunately for me, cameras
Tea
Goose
Lupin
Lemon
Lupin
Lupin
Multiple International Pet Photography Awards, and published in Tails of the World, global fundraising books that have raised over $300,000 for animal charities.
Award-Winning & Internationally Published
A safe and welcoming space for all. You and your pet belong here.
You may know me from Amanda Lewis Photography. Same photographer. Same love of animals. Just a new name that puts your dearest creature in the spotlight, right where they belong.
A New Name, the Same Photographer
Up North Pride Safe Space
Support through anticipatory and post-loss grief, and help honoring your pet's story in a way that brings comfort and joy.
Certified Pet Loss Grief Specialist
Award-winning, internationally published, and always in your creature's corner
"We loved working with Amanda and highly recommend her! The photo shoot (which included three dogs) could have been chaotic, but Amanda's calm and patience made the experience fun. The end result was exceptional. She was able to capture the personalities of our four legged kids and we will treasure our photos forever. Definitely a 5+ star experience!"
"Amanda's calm and patience made the experience fun."
carol
"I have nothing but positive things to say about Amanda... [she] is amazing! I love all of the photos of my sweet dog Gemma. Definitely recommend... she’s an avid dog lover with a kind heart as well as a phenomenal photographer!"
"she’s an avid dog lover with a kind heart as well as a phenomenal photographer"
samantha
"I was in Traverse City for the summer for work, and I wanted photos taken of my dog and Amanda was highly recommended. She is truly incredible, from her artwork to her personality! She makes everything very easy and comfortable. And works great with the dogs. My dog can be a little shy and funny with new people and she was so patient! My photos came out absolutely unbelievable they did not disappoint. I will for sure be getting more photos when I go back next year."
"She is truly incredible, from her artwork to her personality!"
Gabby
Tea and cookies
Good books, great music, and always one more episode
Games, puzzles, and trivia nights with my team, We Miss Our Dogs (find me in the wild at a local trivia night!)
A candle problem (not looking for help)
Making friends with every dog I meet. Or cat. Or whatever animal happens to be there.
A few of my
Favorite Things
Me, my husband Mike & our creatures
I live in Traverse City and genuinely love it here, all four seasons (but I could do without the bugs). My husband Mike is my best friend and occasional session assistant, a true good sport who will happily run through the sand with a dog on a long line if the moment calls for it.
Animals first
Personality over poses
Made for your home
What I believe
The best photos aren't perfect. They're real. Every creature deserves to be remembered exactly as they are, quirks and all, and those memories belong somewhere you'll actually see them, not lost in a camera roll.
Guidance every step of the way, from planning to the artwork in your home
Zero pressure to perform, for you or your dog
Breaks, sniffs, zoomies, and squirrel-watching, all welcome
A really good evening out with your dog
- Since 2024, my annual calendar contests have raised over $33,000 for Cherryland Humane Society, helping give pets in need the second chances they deserve.
- I love being part of charitable projects for animal rescues, both locally and around the world, including Tails of the World and Dear Dogs: Portraits & Stories, my photography book celebrating the dogs of Northern Michigan, with all book proceeds benefiting Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.
- I offer charitable photography sessions for local animal rescues throughout the year (psst — join the list for first dibs!).
- I donate to silent auctions and charity events that align with my values, helping local organizations raise funds for their causes.
