The 7 Best Pet Photographers in Des Moines

Almost everybody understands the importance of a good family photo session every few years. However, many are surprised when you suggest that pet photography is just as important. Sometimes they even leave their fur babies behind when having a family session, which is simply unthinkable in our eyes! Each one of the top Des Moines pet photographers on our list is an expert at celebrating the present moment.

Pets are full-fledged members of any household. So it’s up to you to capture them when they are still looking their best. These pet photographers in Des Moines boast portfolios that highlight pets engaged with each other, their human family, or simply looking adorable! From classically inspired to documentary in style, there is a pet photographer here to suit any style and story.

1. Michel Rohner of Arf & Wag

Des Moines pet photographers often do more than just photograph dogs and cats. Michel Rohner of Arf & Wag has been working since 2006 to craft quality heirloom portraits of pets and their people. He ensures that even though you will likely outlive your furry children, they will never be forgotten.

Michel’s style is so in demand that his work takes him throughout the United States and Europe. People love his nostalgic style, using warm light, blurred backgrounds and coaxing stylish poses out of each subject.

2. Shanna of Flaherty Photography

The creative mastermind behind Flaherty Photography, Shanna uses balanced flash, backgrounds that pop, and a sense of timing that ideally captures the quirkiest aspects of your pet. Flaherty Photography collaborates with local pet grooming shop, Stylin Paws, to capture your pet while they still look their very best. Baths and hairdos are just a small part of what’s on offer at Stylin Paws. They also do daycare, dog walking, and of course, endearing and artistic pet portraits!

Shanna works from above, below, and at eye level, allowing you to find the frames that best highlight a dog’s “good side.” What better way to celebrate a new doggie hairdo than a photo session before they can mess it up with an outdoor romp?!

3. Paul and Tammy of Red Door Photo

Paul and Tammy are the creative couple and lead photographers behind Red Door Photo! They built this brand from the ground up in 2009. They have captured pictures of over 400 weddings, 800 high school seniors, and innumerable families, individuals, and pets. Red Door Photo reminds you that pets are full-fledged members of the group!

Their weddings and family sessions regularly showcase the four-legged children. And if you’re so inclined, Paul and Tammy also offer pet portrait sessions where your dog has their moment to shine. Red Door Photo’s style is classic in character, with cheerful outdoor backgrounds and warm golden-hour tones. Poses, be they with people or dogs, are all nicely chosen that reflect the timeless qualities of wedding and family photography.

4. Nose Art Studios

Whether dogs, cats, chickens, or spiders, no animal model is beyond the scope of Nose Art Studios! The photographer behind this brand is one of the best Des Moines pet photographers around. They offer polished images that convey nostalgic emotional tones through well-chosen backgrounds, dramatic lighting, and narratives ranging from adventurous to homey.

Nose Art Studios displays a love for animals that extends beyond pets as well. Local wildlife regularly shows up in their feed, captured with all of the skill and love they display for their pet models.

5. Unique Memories By Rachel

Pet photography should capture unique memories of the subject, something Rachel Hanken fully believes in! She works throughout the state of Iowa, crafting heirloom quality portraits of people and their bonds with each other and their pets. We especially love her studio basket sessions, giving cats and other pet models a chance to shine.

Rachel’s portfolio reminds us of the unconditional love that pets display to us, offering us the chance to celebrate that and remember it forever! As she shares in her own words, “Animals are there for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they do not care what you look like, or smell like, they just care that you are you! I think it is time we showed our animals just how much we care for them with a pet portrait session.”

6. Rachel of Jaderbug Photography

Rachel of Jaderbug Photography is a Des Moines pet photographer who offers a very different portrait experience. She does capture sheepdogs and other pets from traditional still perspectives where sitting poses and quirky expressions give you a look into the unique personality of a pup or cat.

We think her action-based images are especially compelling, featuring the thrill of the chase, the endless energy of working sheepdogs, and the skill involved in herding are immediately apparent to us. Rachel’s use of natural colors and narrative-driven backgrounds gives us a documentary perspective into a world that outsiders rarely get to enjoy.

7. Amy Doerring Photography

After a chance encounter with a college class in art, Amy Doerring discovered a passion for the arts she never once suspected was there! Form, subject, light, composition — all of these paved the way for her to become a top Iowa portrait photographer. Amy works with both people and their dogs, as well as dogs as standalone subjects for her portraiture.

Her style is classic in character, using compositions that include flattering backgrounds, shallow depth of field, and guided poses that strike just the right mood. Amy also gets down to the level of her pet models, ensuring her portraits fill the frame with all of the cute details we expect from the furriest members of our families.

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