Whorl of Petals and Leaves

Discover the quiet beauty of Illinois Nature Preserves in spring through fine art nature photography. View the fleeting grace of Trillium grandiflorum and discover how Illinois prairie and forest preserve photography can transform moments in nature into fine art for your home.

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Lesley Ames
Understanding Your Pet on a Deeper Level: Exploring Pet Psychic Communication

Have you ever sensed your pet trying to tell you something, without saying a word? Animal communication is a powerful, intuitive connection that reveals their deepest thoughts, emotions, and needs. As a pet psychic, I help people receive messages from their pets—whether they're here with us or in spirit. Whether it’s love, wisdom, or even a little humor, your pet always has something important to share.

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Lesley Ames
Capture Magic With Your Family’s Best Friend This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and unforgettable moments—and I’m honored to share that one of my most cherished memories has been featured in ParadePets! The photo of my beloved Stanley with Santa, taken during my very first holiday marathon three years ago, marks the beginning of my pet photography journey. At 16, Stanley’s gentle face next to Santa’s jolly smile is a timeless reminder of the magic that happens when we celebrate the ones we love—furry or not.

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Lesley Ames
How to Display Dog Photography Portraits in Your Home

Our homes are filled with personal touches that express who we are. Naturally, you may want to display dog photography portraits in your home as a pet owner. After all, photos of our loved ones, including our pets, offer comfort and sanctuary, fill our living spaces with personal touches, and help make them feel cozy. 

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Lesley Ames
Valentine Pet Portraits in Chicago

Celebrate love with a heartfelt pet portrait experience at RAYGUN in Andersonville. In collaboration with Urban Pooch, this event offers both full one-hour sessions—featuring Dogs of Andersonville and Human + Friend portraits—and sweet 20-minute Mini Pooch Valentine Portraits. A perfect way to honor the bond you share with your furry Valentine. Reservations required.

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Lesley Ames
A Valuable Lesson I Learned from Cesar Milan

My journey into pet photography began with an unexpected lesson in leadership—learned from binge-watching The Dog Whisperer to become more assertive at work. Cesar Millan’s core message stuck with me: to change a dog’s behavior, start with the human. Nearly two decades later, that insight still guides me in the studio. By bringing calm, confident energy to each session, I’m able to create authentic, soulful portraits that capture the unique spirit of every dog—and the deep bond they share with their people.

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Lesley Ames
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Pet Portrait Session

A little magic is at play regarding dog photography, but being prepared goes a long way when putting a dog in front of the camera. We promise to be prepared when you arrive with what we do best, plus take care of the magic, but your help is needed to get the most out of your dog portrait session in the photo studio.

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Lesley Ames
Dogs: Social Beings

Discover highlights from our debut solo exhibition, Dogs: Social Beings, held in August 2023 in Chicago. Showcasing soulful pet portraits from Stan's Photo, the exhibit celebrated dogs’ unique personalities and their role in community connection. It also launched Dogs of Andersonville, a project capturing 100 local dogs and the stories that make this neighborhood one of the friendliest around.

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Lesley Ames