Heya! I'm Lexi Rae.
pet portrait and dog sport photographer
I started my photography journey when I got my first camera on my sixteenth birthday. I photographed anything I could, from flowers on the side of the road to my friends' senior photos. My very first photo was of my childhood dog, Max. His patience helped me grow into the photographer I am today. I am eternally grateful for his presence in my life.
Now, over 10 years later, I am so proud to be capturing the love and connection between people and their beloved pets.
A Decade of Photography
While I started out photographing my beloved dog Max, and I am now a pet-exclusive brand, it wasn't always like this. I have dabbled in many different types of photography before I found my way back to my passion for pets. As a senior in high school I took quite a few of my friends' senior photos, and I brought my camera along on every track meet to capture the action. When I moved to Fargo, ND with Max, I wanted to find my passion. I found myself at car shows, meeting up with local models, and taking my future wife on countless hikes to practice.
In 2020, Max was diagnosed with bone cancer, and it spread quickly. He lost his fight with this disease in 2021, and I took my grief and channeled it into my photography. I found comfort in the abundance of photos I had of Max, and I realized that many families did not have the same luxury. I pivoted my entire brand to follow my new passion. Over the past four years, I have never felt more connected to my work. With every gallery delivered, I feel more confident in my choice to run a pet-centered photography brand.
Because of my wide variety of photography experience, I bring a unique eye to my work. I love capturing honest, candid moments between pets and their owners, along with fine art styled photos. With Rae Photography, you get a set of photos that capture every side of your pet.
Beyond the Camera
When I'm not taking pictures or editing your photos, I can be found curled up with a good book and my cat, Willard. I spend my summers tending to my flowers and garden, and my winters caring for my houseplants. With over 40 different species, my houseplant chores are like a part time job! Somehow I still find the time to read enough books to fill my own personal library, and binge watch my latest tv obsession.
Willard is my ten year old cat, and he has been with me for eight years. He loves to watch the birds out the window, and sleeps with us every night. He knows that when my camera comes out, he's about to be the center of attention and will be getting some treats!
Even though I don't currently have a dog, I love both dogs and cats! Meeting hundreds of different dogs each year is definitely my favorite part of the job!
