There is something heartbreaking about realizing the photos you meant to take never happened.
That is part of what drives Amanda Stamm, owner of Amanda LaRae Photography. While she photographs families of all kinds, her passion has always centered around pets and the people who love them.
“Pets bring so much joy to our lives, and they are part of the family,” Amanda says. “Especially with kids, because kids are growing up so fast. These photos give families something to look back on years down the road.”
Amanda encourages families not to wait for the “perfect” moment to schedule professional portraits. Some of the most meaningful sessions happen during life’s less obvious seasons. That first gotcha day with a puppy or kitten. The middle years, when pets are still playful and are such a big part of your everyday family life. Even the senior years, when gray whiskers and wiser personalities begin to appear.
“Those older pets become the wise members of the herd,” Amanda says. “You start to see those little changes that make them even more special.” She also believes some of the most treasured photos are often the candid ones taken at home.
Amanda recommends photographing pets near natural light, such as beside a window, and getting down to their level for more personal images. And when it comes to grabbing their attention, she says not to be afraid to get silly.
“Use squeakers. Hiss. Make weird noises,” she laughs.
Some of Amanda’s favorite photos of her own pets are not polished studio portraits. One is a video of her cat, Willow, “paddling” her paws when happy. Another is a close-up photo her son captured of Willow gazing out the window. She also treasures photos of her husky, Beau, giving dramatic side-eye expressions.
“Capture those little traits,” Amanda says. “Someday, those are the things you’ll miss the most.”