Chicago Pet Photographer for the Family Members With Four Legs
Yes, your dog absolutely deserves professional photos. We have been saying this for years.
Your dog absolutely deserves professional photos.
Studio and outdoor pet portrait sessions in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.
Studio and outdoor pet portrait sessions in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.
Your Dog Is Not "Just a Dog." I Know Because MINE Isn't Either.
Your pet is in every family photo you own. They are in your Instagram grid, your phone wallpaper, and probably your Christmas card. They sleep in your bed, steal your spot on the couch, and somehow always know when you need them most.
They are family. Full stop.
And yet, most pet owners never get professional portraits of their animals. Not because they do not want them, but because they do not know it is even an option, or they assume their dog is too hyper, too unpredictable, or too much to photograph well.
Sixteen years of experience says otherwise. I have photographed almost every breed, every energy level, and every personality under the sun. My own rescue pup Jett taught me everything I needed to know about working with dogs who have exactly zero chill.
Your pet is not too much. They are exactly enough.
A Chicago Pet Photographer Who Is Genuinely One of You
I am a dog mom first and a photographer second. My rescue dog Jett has been my studio companion, my creative inspiration, and honestly my best marketing tool for years. He is also proof that the most imperfect, unpredictable dogs make the most incredible subjects.
I know how to read animal body language. I know when to push for the shot and when to let the moment breathe. I know that treats are a legitimate professional tool and that sometimes the blurry, chaotic, mid-zoomies frame is the one you end up loving most.
Whether your pet is a zen golden retriever who poses like a professional or a chaotic rescue mix who has never sat still in their life, I know how to find their magic. And I will find yours too, especially if you get in the frame with them.
I also work with the dogs at Animal Care League by photographing them to help them get adopted and live their best life....like Jett!
Get in the Frame. Seriously.
The photos of you with your pet are the ones you will treasure most. Not just the adorable solo portraits, but the ones where you are nose to nose with your dog, laughing at something ridiculous they just did, or curled up together the way you actually are at home.
Those are the images that make people swoon at their ordering appointment. Every single time.
You do not need to be camera-ready. You do not need a blowout or a perfect outfit. You just need to show up and love your animal, which I am guessing comes pretty naturally.
Dogs, Cats, and (MOST) Everyone in Between
Dogs are absolutely my specialty, but they are not the only animals who deserve a great portrait. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds: if they are family to you, they are welcome in this studio. (Okay, I may draw the line at snakes, mainly because it terrifies me!)
Every animal is different and every session is tailored to what works for your specific pet. We always start with a conversation about your animal's personality so we can set the session up for success from the very first frame.
How It Works
1
Reach out
When you inquire, tell me everything. Breed, age, energy level, favorite treats, whether they are social butterflies or a little skeptical of strangers. The more I know going in, the better I can set us all up for success.
2
Session
We work at your pet's pace, use whatever motivation gets them engaged (treats, toys, squeakers, your own ridiculous noises), and capture everything from the perfectly posed to the perfectly chaotic. Studio or outdoor, we make it work.
3
Reveal+Order
This is the best part! 1-2 weeks after your photo session, you’ll come back to the studio to see your edited images. During this appointment we will work together to design something beautiful for your home. From large gallery walls or an album, to simple displays, we will create the perfect artwork for your family. Your complete order will be placed at this meeting, so we highly encourage you to have all decision-makers present.
4
Delivery
In 3-4 weeks your artwork will be ready. We are happy to arrange shipping or delivery and installation for you. Once your portraits are hanging on your wall you can enjoy them for years to come! And that's not all - many of our families visit us year after year to update their gallery walls or album collection with their changing family. We love seeing you each year and watching your family grow.
Studio or Outdoor: Both Are Incredible
Studio Pet Sessions
simple + classic
My Lakeview studio is a controlled, comfortable environment that works beautifully for pets of all temperaments. Clean backdrops, gorgeous light, and no outdoor distractions competing for your dog's attention.
Studio sessions are ideal for cats, smaller animals, and any pet who does better in a calm, contained space.
Outdoor Pet Sessions
Fun + scenic
Chicago is full of stunning locations that make incredible backdrops for pet portraits. Parks, lakefront paths, iconic skylines, tree-lined streets: outdoor sessions bring a natural, energetic feel that suits high-energy dogs and active families perfectly.
Summer and fall outdoor dates book up fast.
What Clients Are Saying
Chicago Pet Photography: Chicago's Favorite Pet Portrait Studio
What to Expect Investment-Wise
Here is how it works. A $900 booking fee reserves your session date and gets everything started. That booking fee includes your $250 session fee plus a $650 product credit that goes directly toward your wall art, album, or image box order at your appointment.
Most families invest between $1,500+ once they fall in love with their images at the ordering appointment. Which, in 16 years, has been every single family.
Your Pet Belongs on Your Wall. Not Just Your Phone.
A great pet portrait deserves more than a phone screen. We create heirloom-quality wall art, custom albums, and image boxes that turn your favorite images into real art for your home. Because your dog has been giving you their whole heart every single day, and they deserve a little something on the wall in return.
Chicago pet Photography: Your Questions Answered
What if my pet just won't cooperate on the day?
It happens, and it is never the disaster it feels like in the moment. I am experienced at working through the chaos and finding the gold. Sometimes the most uncooperative sessions produce the most personality-packed images. We always figure it out.
How do I prepare my dog for their session?
A good walk or run before the session works wonders for high-energy dogs. A tired dog is a cooperative dog. Beyond that, keep the morning low-key, bring plenty of treats, and arrive ready to have fun. I send a full prep guide to every client before their session so nothing feels like a surprise.
What should I bring to the pet session?
Bring your pet's absolute favorite treats, a toy or squeaker that reliably gets their attention, and anything that helps them feel comfortable and happy. I have studio props and equipment covered. The more motivated your pet is, the better the session goes, so do not be shy about the good stuff.
Do you offer outdoor pet sessions in Chicago?
Yes. I offer both studio sessions at my Lakeview location and outdoor sessions at a variety of Chicago locations. We talk through which option makes the most sense for your pet's personality and energy level during our planning conversation. We can edit out leashes so don't worry about that.
Can I be in the photos with my pet?
Please do. Owner and pet images are some of the most emotional and meaningful portraits I create. The bond between you and your animal is the whole story. You do not need to be dressed up or camera-ready. Just show up and be yourself with your pet.
My cat hates everyone. Is a pet session even possible?
Isn't that standard behavior for a cat? (joking) Cat sessions are absolutely possible. Cats require a different approach than dogs: slower, quieter, more patient. Studio sessions work especially well for cats because the environment is controlled and calm. We let your cat set the pace entirely, and the results are always stunning.
My dog is really hyper. Can you still photograph them?
Absolutely. Hyper dogs are some of my favorite subjects. I work at your pet's pace, use high-value treats and toys to capture attention, and know how to find the calm moments even in the most energetic sessions. I have met a few who have made me work for it, but the photos were always worth it. We also give you some tips on how to work off some of their energy before their session.
Pets are our world. And they aren't here long enough.
Don't wait until it's too late. Book their portraits before they someday comes too late.
Chicago pet photographer serving Lakeview, North Center, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Bucktown, Wicker Park, West Town, West Loop, Andersonville, Old Town, Evanston, and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.
