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.
A Studio Where Every Story Is Welcome
Pets are family, and every family has a story. Some stories are quiet and tender, others a little messy and wonderfully expressive. Not every pet understands what a portrait session is or why stillness matters, and that is part of what makes their story worth telling.
This premier studio was created with those moments in mind. Designed for pets and the people who love them, it is a space where patience, flexibility, and understanding guide the experience. Over the last four years, Erica thoughtfully searched for and shaped a studio that supports real connections, allowing each session to unfold naturally. The studio’s calm environment and thoughtfully designed spaces help pets and people feel comfortable from the moment they arrive, and inside, the walls reflect the journeys of past clients while our products offer a glimpse of how those stories live on.
A private changing area allows you to settle in, so we can focus on capturing the bond you share with your pet and family.
South Dakota's Most Decorated Photographer
For Erica, every challenge is an opportunity to grow—because the more she hones her craft, the more she can tell your story. Entering competitions has pushed her to explore new techniques beyond her routine, from advanced editing to digital painting, and even hand-painted dog and wildlife portraits. These skills allow her to transform cherished pet photos into timeless keepsakes, preserving memories that matter most, including those of pets who have passed.
Every skill she develops—from composition and lighting to the subtle nuances of expression—is applied directly to your session. Feedback and insights from her creative journey inform how she captures pets, families, and the natural world, ensuring each image reflects personality, emotion, and the bond you share.
Erica’s pursuit of excellence isn’t just about perfecting her craft—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting art for every client. Every portrait, every image, is guided by her dedication to capturing moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.
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.