Who Am I
MEET ERICA
Lover of animals • hiking • and all things Mabel
Living in the Black Hills, I've discovered my haven for recharging amidst nature's quietude. Hiking through its serene trails and encountering wildlife has become my way of finding inner peace. It's a stroke of luck to have the privilege of calling this region home, with its wealth of national parks just a day's drive away. Amidst my various passions, my primary goal is to ignite the travel bug in others and foster a sense of environmental responsibility. Through my photography lens, I aim to capture the allure of travel and the raw beauty of nature, hoping to awaken a shared commitment to preserving our planet.
When it comes to pet photography, the passing of my beloved canine companion, Peanut marked a significant chapter in my life. During a photography workshop, I stumbled upon the realm of pet photography. This discovery aligned perfectly with my love for animals and the outdoors. The fusion of these passions felt like destiny, allowing me to effortlessly capture the spirit of pets in the studio or against the backdrop of nature. After all, spending each week immersed in the joyful company of exuberant canines brings a sense of boundless positivity.
MEET MABEL
Loves naps • tennis balls • and all things Mom
Mabel is Erica's right hand pup when it comes to greeting customers and provided a never ending supply of slobbery kisses and hugs. Don't worry though she gets the day off when pets come to the studio she is too friendly for her own good and tends to be a distraction to the pets. For those curious, she is Moyen Poodle with a Sabel coloring and thinks she is a super model. She is always willing to step in when mom needs some practice and that way she has images to post to her fan base, Mabel thinks they get upset when she is absent for too long on social media.
MY STUDIO
Black Hills Area's Exclusive Pet-Focused Studio
We understand that pets are family, even though they can't communicate with words. They may not comprehend the need to remain quiet or avoid accidents during their portrait session. The great news is that our studio is specifically designed with your pet in mind, ensuring a smooth experience when such situations arise. Erica dedicated the last four years to finding the perfect space to accommodate these unique needs.
Being a commercial space, our studio minimizes distractions for your pet upon arrival, and our neighbors don't mind if we have "talkative" clients that day. Upon stepping into the studio, you'll be surrounded by the various products we offer, and you can admire the adorable faces of our many past clients. Before heading back to the studio to create magic, you can conveniently place personal items in the dedicated changing room, especially if some clothing needs to remain fur-free, if that's even possible.
AWARDS
South Dakota's Most Decorated Photographer
Competition, for Erica, goes beyond the pursuit of trophies; rather, it is a journey of self-improvement and dedication to her craft. Engaging in competitions has compelled her to explore new skills and experiment with techniques beyond her routine editing protocols. One notable skill acquired through this process is digital painting using Photoshop. As she pursued her Artist Degree with the Professional Photographers of America, Erica exclusively submitted hand-painted dog and wildlife images. This endeavor not only honed her abilities but equipped her with the expertise to create meaningful art for those whose beloved pets have passed, allowing her to transform old photos into timeless memorabilia.
Beyond testing Erica's Photoshop proficiency, these competitions have become a benchmark for her composition and lighting skills. The feedback received from various competitions throughout the year serves as a valuable resource, enriching her work and benefiting her client sessions. Erica, in turn, channels this knowledge to ensure that every pet or family looks their very best in any given scenario. Her commitment to continuous improvement is not just a personal pursuit but a dedication to delivering excellence to those who entrust her with capturing precious moments.
WHY PET PHOTOGRAPHY?
Enter Peanut • the dog who changed my life
"As an adult, I finally grasped the depth of loving a dog, and Peanut, my one true companion, embodied that connection. Vets often marveled at her resilience, claiming I must be the best dog mom, considering she defied the odds to survive to the age of 14.5 years.
Peanut came into my life in 2006 as a lively pup, but at the age of four, her health took a drastic turn. A nasal cavity issue meant she couldn't drink water from a bowl, and the fear of losing her gripped me. Months of uncertainty followed until I found a vet who could help; after surgery, she drank from a water bottle for the rest of her life. Over the next ten years, we faced challenges and close calls, making me realize I lacked quality images with my loyal friend. It was during the third scare that the importance of capturing moments with Peanut truly hit me. I immediately called a friend to schedule a session for us. Subsequent sessions followed, including a memorable one with my friend Russel Jensen of Sage Studios in 2019, featuring my mom and both our pups. My most cherished memory came from this session. My mom holding Peanut. I know there will come a time that this photo will be one of my my prized possessions and thoughts." - Erica Lane Harvey
Peanut's resilience taught me to embrace life and cherish every day as if it were the last. Unfortunately, Peanut passed away at the end of 2020. I am grateful for the images that now serve as lasting memories, keeping her spirit alive in our house and my heart.