These are the days you'll want to remember
Dog Photography Sessions in Traverse City & Northern Michigan
A photography experience that comes home with you
Sessions that let your dog be themselves, planned from the very start around the artwork you'll live with
A Dear Creature session is a perfect evening with your dog. Natural, relaxed, and completely at their pace.
But the session is only the beginning. Everything we do is designed around the artwork that will live in your home: the canvas above the couch, the album on the coffee table, the acrylic block on your desk that makes you smile on a hard day.
From our first conversation, I'm planning with your home in mind. You'll see mockups of your images on your actual walls, I'll guide you through every option, and your finished pieces arrive ready to treasure. We don't just hand over a gallery and wish you luck. We create something together, start to finish.
Starting price: $500
A $500 credit toward your artwork
A personalized ordering appointment to choose your favorites and design your artwork together
Helpful guides to make sure you feel completely prepared
Professional editing (bye-bye, leashes!)
A relaxed outdoor session for up to two pets
A planning call to customize the experience around you and your dog
The Dear Creature Session
Prints, products, and digital files are purchased separately at your ordering appointment. Most Dear Creature clients choose to invest at least $1,800 in finished artwork.
Your session includes:
Something beautiful to come home to
Every piece is a love letter to the creature who made it worth telling
Not sure what would work in your space?
That's okay, that's where I come in.
From our very first conversation through your ordering appointment, I'm here as your creative guide. We'll talk about your space, your style, and what feels right for you. Together we'll create something you'll love coming home to.
Wall Art
Starting at $695
Artisan canvases with hand-brushed acrylic strokes, fine art floats with a signature hand-torn edge, and framed prints in classic or reclaimed barnwood.
The Heirloom Album
Starting at $2,650
Twenty of your favorite portraits on thick layflat pages with a pet-proof coating, made to be held and revisited for years.
The Memory Box
Starting at $1,850
10 or 20 matted portraits in warm bamboo or sleek acrylic. Keep them tucked inside, display them, or share them with the people who love your dog most.
Tabletop Keepsakes
Starting at $395
Acrylic blocks, small print bundles and more, perfect for desks, shelves, nightstands, and gifts.
Collections
Starting at $2,200
Wall art, keepsakes, and bonus digital files bundled together at a genuine saving.
Every piece is handcrafted, includes the matching high-resolution digital file, and is backed by the Love It Guarantee.
Sessions usually happen in the evening, in that golden Northern Michigan light, at a spot that's meaningful to you or one of my tried-and-true favorites. We follow your dog's lead, and most sessions wrap up in about an hour. Just a really good evening with your dog.
Step 2: Your Session
Before we meet, we'll talk all about your dog: their personality, their quirks, the things that make them light up. Then we'll plan every detail together, from location and timing to what to wear and the artwork you're dreaming of, so you feel completely prepared.
Step 1: Let's Connect
it's all about your dog.
The experience, start to finish
from first hello to finished artwork,
Step 3: Your Artwork
The part we've been waiting for. About two weeks later, we'll meet virtually to see your photos together (tissues at the ready, just in case). I'll walk you through your artwork options and help you choose pieces that feel right for your home. You only purchase what you love.
Your dog doesn't need to perform or behave a certain way. They just need to be themselves, which is honestly the whole point. My job is to capture them no matter what. Your job is to show up and have a good time with your dog.
All of them. Every single one.
Every dog is welcome here
Pets are what we do
Dogs are our specialty. Every session, every product, and every part of this experience is built around animals and the people who love them. Dogs are at the heart of it, but every creature is welcome here.
Dog-led from start to finish
Every session follows your dog's lead. Their pace, their personality, and their comfort always come first. No forcing, no rushing, no poses that don't feel like them. Just a genuine experience designed entirely around who they are.
Certified pet loss grief specialist
I understand the weight of what it means to book a session while time feels precious. You'll never have to explain why this matters so much. I already know. I'm here to make sure the experience feels as meaningful as it should.
From session to finished artwork
This isn't a photography experience that ends with a gallery link and a wave goodbye. From our very first conversation to the moment your finished artwork arrives, I'm with you every step of the way. No guesswork, no figuring it out alone.
I'm an award-winning pet photographer and certified pet loss grief specialist based in Traverse City, Michigan. I also wanted to be a dog when I grew up… and while that career path didn't pan out, this one feels pretty close.
My sessions are dog-led, which means we go at your dog's pace and follow their lead, and they're so much fun that most dogs are passed out on the drive home. No forced poses, no pressure, no such thing as a dog that's "too much."
Dogs are my specialty, but every creature is welcome here. I can't wait to meet yours.
"When I say she thinks of everything, I mean EVERYTHING... She traveled to us, provided examples of artwork on-site at the session, and her communication has been top notch through the entire process... The quality of the products she offers is incredible and will be enjoyed for years to come."
"When I say she thinks of everything, I mean everything!"
Kristen
"The photo reveal session a couple weeks later was fantastic! It was so wonderful to see how well Amanda captured Palmer's personality... The thoughtfulness and personal touches Amanda provides with her products is amazing. I'm grateful to have these memories of Palmer forever."
"I'm grateful to have these memories of Palmer forever."
Ashley
"She did such a perfect job of meeting Bonnie at her level as a senior dog and captured her personality perfectly. She made a special moment a truly beautiful and memorable experience."
"She made a special moment a truly beautiful and memorable experience."
brooke
“We had our photo session during our "dog vacation" up to Traverse City and it was absolutely amazing! We adore the photos we had taken, the hardest part is narrowing down your favorite photos, because there will be many!! I cannot recommend Amanda more highly. If you love your pet, don't wait, capture the love you share.”
"If you love your pet, don't wait, capture the love you share."
Sarah
A few things people ask
Questions? I’ve got you (and your dog) covered.
My dog is way too [adjective] for a photo session. Are you sure they can do this?
Absolutely. Wiggly, wild, shy, reactive, perfectly trained, never trained — I've worked with all of them. There's no such thing as a dog that's "too much" or "not enough" for a Dear Creature session.
My dog can't be off leash. Can you still get great photos?
Absolutely. Your dog's safety always comes first, and most of the dogs I photograph stay on leash the entire time. The best part? Leashes are removed during editing, so the final images look completely natural.
Can I be in the photos with my dog?
Of course. I actually encourage it! The connection between you and your dog is part of their story too. We'll capture some of those relationship moments that mean so much. Just keep in mind that Dear Creature sessions are dog-led and dog-focused. You're welcome to join in, but this isn't a traditional family portrait session.
I have more than two pets. Is there an additional fee?
Sessions include up to two pets. For households with more than two, there's a $50 fee per additional pet.
What's an artwork credit?
Your $500 credit is applied at your ordering appointment and can go toward any artwork you love — wall art, an album, a memory box, keepsakes, whatever feels right. I'll walk you through all the options and help you figure out what works best for your space and your favorites.
Is there a minimum purchase requirement?
No minimum. You see everything first and then decide what you'd like to order. Most Dear Creature clients choose to invest at least $1,800 in finished artwork, but whatever you choose, it'll be something you truly love.
What if I don't love my photos?
You won't be stuck. If you don't love your photos, we'll reshoot, and if anything isn't right with your artwork, I'll make it right. That's the Love It Guarantee.
I want to do this but I'm not sure it's in my budget. Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Your session fee must be paid in full to reserve your date, but for artwork purchases I offer flexible no-interest payment plans. I can also accept Afterpay and Klarna. We'll figure out what works best for you at your ordering appointment.
What about digital files?
Every piece of artwork you purchase includes the matching digital file. If you'd prefer digital files only, you're welcome to order a digital only bundle; however, they're priced the same as physical products, so artwork gives you significantly more value since you get both.
What areas do you serve?
I'm based in Traverse City and photograph all over the Grand Traverse region and Northern Michigan, including Leelanau County, Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. Travel within about an hour of Traverse City is included. Beyond that, a travel fee may apply. Just reach out and I'll let you know what to expect.
Do you photograph year-round?
Yes! Every season in Northern Michigan has its own magic, from summer beaches to fall color to snowy winter walks. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll pick a new date and your session fee transfers right over.
How far ahead should I book?
As soon as you can! Depending on the time of year, I may be booked out one to two months ahead. Summer and fall are my busiest seasons, so if you're hoping for a session then, reach out as early as possible.
Do you photograph cats and other pets?
Yes! Dogs are my primary focus and most frequent subjects, but all creatures are welcome here. Cats, and other pets too — if they're part of your family, they're part of your story. Just reach out and we'll chat about what's possible.
My dog doesn't have much time left. Can I book a session?
I'm so sorry. No matter how much time we have with our pets, it's never enough. Sessions for senior, aging, and ailing pets take priority in my schedule. Please reach out as soon as possible and I'll do everything I can to make it happen.