You can’t fake the kind of connection Amanda Stamm has with animals. It’s quiet. It’s natural. And if you’re a pet owner in Eagan (or beyond), it’s exactly what you want behind the camera when capturing your dog’s goofy grin or your cat’s signature stretch.
Amanda is the owner and self-taught photographer behind Amanda LaRae Photography, a pet and family portrait business that officially launched in 2023. But her love for animals? That began decades earlier. “For as long as I can remember,” she says, “I knew that I wanted to do something with animals in my career.”
She grew up surrounded by pets. There are childhood photos of Amanda holding bunnies, cuddling cats, and sitting beside dogs. Her calico cat, Mitzy, used to sleep under the covers by her feet. “She was like a little security blanket,” Amanda recalls.
Though she once considered a path in wildlife conservation, photography offered a more accessible and creative way to work with animals. She picked up a camera during the COVID-19 pandemic and started learning on her own. Now, with a growing client base and a camera full of wagging tails and gentle eyes, Amanda has found her calling—creating pet portraits that reflect real personality and connection.
A Lifelong Love for Pets
Today, Amanda lives with a Husky mix named Beau and two cats, Willow and Jade. While dogs are the most commonly photographed pets, she’s always up for something new. She’s already been asked if she’d photograph a snake. “Not yet,” she says with a laugh, “but I’m brainstorming how to make that a great session.”
Horses hold a special place in her heart, too. Amanda has spent the last decade volunteering at a horse ranch that runs a mentoring program for kids. As a sign language interpreter by day, she was drawn to the program’s mission to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. “Horses are magical in and of themselves,” she says. “They’ve helped calm anxious children. I’ve even seen how they helped my own son come out of his shell and have a full conversation with me.”
So, what’s Amanda’s favorite animal to photograph? “It’s a toss-up between horses and dogs,” she says. “Both have expressive eyes. They’re curious and full of personality.”
Before any photo shoot, Amanda has a phone consultation with the pet’s owner. She gets a feel for the animal’s personality and learns helpful cues—like if the dog responds to a certain sound or command. “Some pets are treat-motivated; others respond to specific words,” she says. “And if they’re high-energy, I try unique sounds like hunting calls to get those fun, curious head-tilts.”
She also schedules an in-person consultation, so the photo shoot isn’t the first meeting. “It helps me understand if the pet is shy, super friendly, or somewhere in between,” she adds.
When it comes to ideal timing, Amanda is like many photographers—she loves golden hour. “That soft light one to two hours before sunset gives the whole session a warm, dreamy look,” she says. “We try to avoid high noon if we can.”
Prepping Your Pet for Picture Day
A little prep goes a long way when it comes to a successful photo session. Amanda recommends using a collar instead of a harness when possible, as collars are easier to edit out during post-processing. That said, don’t stress about leashes—they’re often necessary for safety and can be removed later in the final edits. The biggest tip? Just enjoy the moment. “If you’re relaxed and having fun, your pet will pick up on that,” Amanda says. “It’s all about capturing the connection you share—perfection isn’t the goal, authenticity is.”
Cherishing Memories
Amanda also offers family sessions, and she brings the same thoughtful, personalized approach. She encourages families to wear solid, warm colors, avoid busy patterns, and embrace the timeless combo of jeans and a confident smile. “I get to know the kids’ personalities ahead of time, too,” she says. “That way, I can plan who goes where—and once I start working with the pet, I tell the humans to keep looking at me, no matter what noise I make!”
As for what to do with the final photos, Amanda encourages families to think beyond digital. “Our pets are never here long enough,” she says. “This is a chance to preserve those memories in a lasting way. Whether it’s a wall print or a keepsake album, those portraits become a reminder of your bond and that stage of life.”
Whether you’re looking to capture a tail wag, a toddler hugging a gentle dog, or a cat’s cool gaze from the windowsill, Amanda LaRae Photography invites you to press pause—and turn those everyday moments with your pets into something unforgettable.