Pet Photography
in Grand Rapids, MI
A true studio portrait experience for your pet — professional lighting, clean backdrops, and a pace that lets their personality show.
Book a Pet Session
Real portraits.
Not rushed ones.
I'm Crystal Poole, and pet portraits are one of my favorite things to photograph. Every pet has their own personality, quirks, and mannerisms — and I love getting to capture those and show them in their best light.
Pets don't take direction the way people do, and a session that feels rushed or chaotic shows up in the final images. So I built my pet sessions around a slower pace — the same lighting, the same attention to detail, and the same care I bring to all my studio work.
The goal isn't a hundred quick snapshots. It's a small set of genuine, well-lit portraits that actually look like your pet — the good days and the goofy ones both.
Get in TouchIn Your Home
Many pets are calmer in a familiar space. If you have a 12×12 area available, I'll bring my full studio setup — lighting and backdrop included — right to you. Sessions run about 1 hour: 15 min setup, 30 min shooting, 15 min breakdown.
The Story Room, Byron Center
Prefer not to have a photo setup in your living room? We can meet at this studio space instead — an easy drive from Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, and the surrounding area. Studio sessions run about 30 minutes since the space is already set up.
What's Included
- 5–10+ professionally edited images
- Private online gallery
- Print release — print and share freely
What makes a pet portrait session different
A lot of pet photos happen on the fly — on a walk, in the backyard, on a phone. Those moments matter too, but a portrait session is intentional. I'm working with proper lighting, a clean backdrop, and a pace that gives your pet time to settle in instead of feeling chased around with a camera.
This tends to work especially well for
- New puppies or kittens you want documented at this exact stage
- Senior pets, where every year together is worth honoring
- Pets with a lot of personality you want captured in a real way
- Anyone who's tried to photograph their pet and got fifty blurry photos and zero usable ones
Simple, straightforward pricing
Every session includes 5–10+ edited images, a private gallery, and a print release.
- At The Story Room in Byron Center
- ~30 minutes — space is already set up
- Professional lighting + backdrop
- 5–10+ edited images
- Private online gallery
- Print release
A clean, distraction-free studio environment — great if you want a consistent backdrop or your space at home is tight on room.
- I come to you (within 60 miles of Grand Rapids)
- ~1 hour total (setup + shoot + breakdown)
- Full studio lighting + backdrop setup
- 5–10+ edited images
- Private online gallery
- Print release
Ideal for pets who are more relaxed in familiar surroundings. Requires a clear 12×12 area in your home. I handle all the setup.
Add-Ons & Travel
Not sure which option is right for your pet? Reach out and I'll help you decide.
Based in Grand Rapids,
serving all of West Michigan
Sessions are available at The Story Room in Byron Center or in your home. I'm based near Grand Rapids and travel throughout the surrounding area for in-home sessions. Outside this area? Reach out — I'm happy to talk through what's possible.
Questions & Answers
Both, and any pet in between. I've photographed dogs, cats, and a handful of other animals over the years. If your pet can hold relatively still for a portrait — or close to it — I'd love to work with them.
This is exactly why I build extra time into every session. We go at your pet's pace, and there's no pressure to get the perfect shot in the first five minutes. I'll spend a few minutes with them before bringing out any equipment so they can get comfortable with me before I put a camera in their face. A lot of pets warm up once they realize nothing scary is happening.
It depends on your pet. If they're more relaxed in familiar surroundings, home is usually the better call. If your space is tight on room, or you'd rather not deal with the setup, The Story Room in Byron Center is a great alternative. I'm happy to help you decide when we talk.
Absolutely. Many clients want at least a few portraits that include themselves or the whole family with their pet. Just let me know ahead of time so I can plan for it.
A quick walk or potty break before we start helps. Bring some of their favorite treats and toys to help grab their attention. If we're shooting at your home, make sure the 12×12 area is clear — I'll handle everything else.
You'll receive a private online gallery with your 5–10+ professionally edited images. I'll let you know your specific turnaround timeline when we book your session.
Yes. Every session includes a print release, so you can print, share, and use your images however you'd like.
Reach out through my contact page and I'll get back to you to find a time that works — whether that's in your home or at The Story Room in Byron Center.