- serving Des Moines, Iowa and beyond -
Natural, expressive dog Photography
capturing memories to cherish forever
Why hire a dog photographer?
these memories are more precious than you know.
I know the pain of having a dog slip away with nothing but a couple photos on my phone to remember them. I clung onto their old collar for years because it's all I had.
I don't want anyone else to feel that pain. That's why I specialize in turning your memories into stunning pieces of art that allow you to cherish your dog forever - even long after they have gone.
Knowing how to work with dogs is hard, and you shouldn't trust just anyone with your baby. With nearly a decade of experience in dog training, grooming, and behavior, you can rest easy knowing I will make sure your dog is comfortable and happy.
Don't wait until it's too late, schedule your dog photoshoot today!
I'm not just a photographer...
I'M AN ARTIST.
I don't just take photos for you to enjoy on your phone. My passion is to create timeless fine art of your cherished pet that will last a lifetime. Why? Because our dogs are worth so much more than a photo that gets lost on our phone. I offer many types and styles of artwork to commemorate your best friend in the best possible way, from rustic barn wood frames to modern acrylics and more. Whether you want a beautiful wall collection, a standalone statement piece, or an album of all your favorite images, you name it, I have it!
"But my dog would never sit still!"
Great! Action shots are some of my favorite! I have worked with A LOT of dogs in the past 9 years, so you can trust me when I guarantee to capture beautiful photos of your dog even if they are bouncing off the walls. In fact, sometimes these photos turn out the best and capture their personality the most! You will love to see the pure joy on your dog's face as they run wild and free.
"What if my dog has to stay on a leash?"
No sweat! All the cool kids are wearing them, and your dogs' safety is my #1 priority. In fact, having your dog on a leash is usually very helpful with guiding them to the perfect shot! With a little photoshop magic, I can remove most leashes, people, and background distractions with ease.
"what if my dog is scared of strangers or nervous?"
That is completely fine. Meet Betty, the dog above. Betty was no simple case. Despite not allowing me to touch her and sticking to her mom's side the entire session, I was able to capture the stunning shot above. The truth is, not every dog will be comfortable around strangers or a camera, and that's okay! I'm very adept to dog body language and am happy to work with your dogs' boundaries and needs. If you'd like to hear more about my experience with nervous or fearful dogs, just shoot me an email or schedule a call!
the person behind the lens
Hi, I'm amber!
I'm a dog-obsessed person just like you! I'm a dog mom to two Aussies, meaning I'm a professional at ball launching and vacuuming. Besides dogs, I'm also a huge outdoor enthusiast and am always outside adventuring with my dogs. When not hitting the trail or camping with my pups, I like to explore new coffee shops and patios!
I have been working with dogs for over 10 years. From professional dog grooming, to dog training, and even working at a veterinary clinic, I can work with dogs of all temperaments, energy and obedience levels. Even yours!
how to get started:
step 1:
consultation call
During your consultation call, we'll discuss your vision and how you plan to enjoy your images after your session. A $195 session fee reserves your spot on my calendar and can later become a product credit!
Session Fee: $195
**artwork & digital files sold separately
step 2:
enjoy your session!
Sit back and have fun! My sessions are all about letting your dog have fun and be themselves. You'll love watching your dog run around and get plenty of treats. I will guide you and your dog through the entire process and posing so there's no stress, just good vibes!
step 3:
order your artwork
Here at Lens and Leash, I create art. I believe our dogs are worth so much more than some photos that will get forgotten on your phone. I want you to be able to cherish these memories with your dog for a lifetime -- that's why I offer museum-quality pieces from the best labs in the country. From premium canvases to rustic barnwood frames to heartwarming albums, I offer something to match everyone's style and budget. Digital file packages are also available.
All-inclusive packages starting from $975
A la carte artwork starting from $350
Join my model network!
I'm always looking for dog models when I travel to new states or want to try something new! Models receive complimentary sessions and get first dibs on new opportunities!
Specifically looking for models in Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa but will accept them from anywhere!
previous clients
"This is the best pet photography experience anyone could ask for. Amber treated my dog Rosie with love and care as if she was her own. She will be the only person I will call for future photoshoots."
Gwen & rosie
previous clients
"I absolutely loved working with Lens and Leash! Amber has an extremely calm demeanor and is extremely patient with animals throughout her sessions. When I tell you her work is breathtaking there is no exaggeration there, your images will be exactly like what you see her advertise."
Briana & Lady
previous clients
"Cannot say enough good things about Amber! She was so easy to work with and was great at directing us to get good shots. The photos are INCREDIBLE. Could not be happier!"
The galbraith's & zee
previous clients
"Working with Amber has been amazing! Not only were her pictures beautiful, but she made my dogs' comfort her top priority throughout the whole process. She was kind, professional, and so fun to work with."
roa & link
FAQ
How many pictures are included in a session?
It's important to note that your session fee does not include the digital files, but they can absolutely be added on. You are guaranteed at least 30 photos to enjoy at your viewing and ordering session, but often there are more than 50! I promise once you see the stunning artwork samples that I have, you won't go back to digital!
Does my dog need to be well-trained or know tricks?
Absolutely not! Having some off-leash reliability or basic commands can always help, but it's not required to get beautiful photos. In fact, usually the best pictures end up being the ones of them just being silly! I've trained dogs over many years and know how to capture the best shot.
How far do you travel?
Anywhere within 1 hour of Des Moines is included in your session fee, but I also love traveling out of state for sessions - just ask! I charge $375+ for out of state sessions to cover travel costs, which includes a $200 artwork credit. I regularly visit Colorado, so if you'd like to get on a waitlist for next time I'm there send me an email!
Can I or my family be in the pictures too?
Of course! I love capturing the special bond between you and your dog. I encourage everyone to get at least a couple photos together with their dog, even if you don't enjoy being in photos. I promise that seeing the look of true love between you and your dog will immediately be worth it. We will discuss who will be included in the session during our consultation call.
What is the total cost?
Every session starts with a $195 session fee. Please note that this does not include any digital images or artwork, those are purchased separately. Your final cost will depend on what artwork you decide to purchase -- since every client is different, this varies greatly, but my clients typically spend at least $1000 on their photography experience. Email me for my full Product Pricing Guide!
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