Hi! I’m Amy Hodson - the hands behind the lens of Wander Pet Photography.
My clients know me as the crazy Indianapolis dog photographer, who loves crawling along the Indiana trails to capture gorgeous images of their best friends. Without a doubt, I end up covered in dirt after every session (usually with a leaf or two attached to me somewhere)! I’m known for being “bubbly” and outgoing, with a heart that pumps pure passion for our pets. I thought it would be fun to dig a little deeper with you guys and share a little more about what makes your favorite Indianapolis dog photographer wag her tail.
Without further ado - Let me introduce myself!
Fun Fact # 1: I am a bird nerd!
I’m not kidding you guys - A TOTAL bird nerd.
Whenever I’m not talking about dogs, I’m usually talking about birds. Here is how my love for the avian world all came to be:
On a rainy Sunday afternoon in 2012, I was watching a movie called “The Big Year” while folding some laundry. I had no idea what it was about, but it starred Jack Black (funny), Owen Wilson (funnier), and one of my all-time favorites - Steve Martin (“The Jerk” has a special place of honor in our home theater collection). About 30 minutes into the movie, I had stopped folding laundry and was in a complete trance while watching the television.
My thoughts: “THIS IS A THING??? There are people who actually keep track of what species of birds they see? And then competitively try to see as many species as they can?” I was obsessed with the idea, and by the time I was halfway through the movie - I had ordered my first pair of binoculars online.
I jumped in HEAD FIRST. I learned as much as I could about the birds of Indiana. I wanted to see them all! To help me with identification, I purchased my first DSLR camera so I could document the birds I was seeing in the field. Although I was the photojournalist for my high school yearbooks, camera gear had come a LONG way since my original Canon AE-1.
By 2017, I decided to do my own “Big Year”, where I set out to become the first woman in the state of Indiana to see over 300 species of birds within the state during one calendar year.
I succeeded - seeing 302 species that year, and made countless memories that I’ll cherish for the rest of my days. That was one AWESOME year. I was lucky enough to find my partner-in-crime, best friend for life, and assistant photographer for Wander Pet Photography while birding. If you think I’m crazy about birds… you should hear him talk about his lists! (I’d be happy to dive into the plethora of “lists” of birds that we keep - but that would take up way too much ink for this post!) Today, you can still find me out “birding” on the weekends and during my lunch breaks. It centers me in so many ways, and I’m eternally grateful for that silly movie coming across the airwaves to me in 2012.
FUN FACT # 2: I am an addict - of the travel variety
To carry-on from the previous fun fact - My obsession with seeing new birds was harmless enough at first. I traveled mostly across the state of Indiana, then the midwest on the quest to see new birds. Then my scope opened up to the rest of the United States… and once I had been to most of the “birdiest” regions of the US, I stepped outside of our borders and into Costa Rica for the first time. My partner and I both fell in love with traveling internationally. Since that trip, just a few years ago, we have been to Costa Rica four times, Ecuador, Colombia, Iceland and South Africa. We are heading back to Colombia in January of 2025 and are then finally heading to Europe for the first time in the spring. I’m obsessed with planning trips, and almost enjoy the planning stages as much as the actual travel!
We set a life goal for ourselves to see 5000 species of birds in the world. The goal will help us get out and experience the world. We want to see the landscapes, learn about the cultures, eat the food, meet amazing people - and of course…. see ALL the birds!
If you are interested in seeing some of our wildlife and bird photography, be sure to check out our brand new website and social media pages - Wander Nature Photography. Facebook: Wander Nature Photography
We are launching an academy for wildlife and nature photographers to help them translate the magic they capture in the field into what they see on their screens. We also share travel stories, travel tips, lots of birds, and some pretty awesome photography.
If you have some favorite locations around the world - I’d love to hear them! Pop in a comment below!
FUN FACT # 3: I don’t drink alcohol
This Indianapolis dog photographer likes to have a LOT of fun. However, that fun doesn’t involve alcohol. I spent my younger years as a beer aficionado, but realized that it wasn’t doing me any favors. I decided to quit drinking in early 2021, and it is by FAR the best decision I have ever made. If we ever meet out “for a drink” (which I still love to do with our friends and family), you can order me a tonic on the rocks with lime, or a non-alcoholic beer. It is AMAZING how many non-alcoholic beer options there are. It’s pretty awesome how inclusive restaurants and bars are becoming. What a time to be alive!
FUN FACT # 4: I have an extensive hoodie collection
Does anyone know of a “hoodies anonymous” group? *hides under hood* I would definitely qualify to be a member. Not to brag - but I just went into my closet and counted… My hoodie collection is up to 23!
Fashion, hair styles, pretty nails… I never really connected with any of those things. I much prefer wearing a hoodie and having my hair pulled back in a bun. I do love to get a manicure every once in a while… but the frequency is usually once per year.
So just a fair warning - when you have your session planning call for an Indianapolis dog photography session, you know what I’ll be wearing!
FUN FACT # 5: I didn’t have a dog at home growing up
Brace yourselves… I had CATS while I was growing up! Typically only one cat at any given time (Except for that one time our cat disappeared for two weeks - so we went out and adopted a new kitty. Just to have our cat return home a few days after the kitty was home!), but cats nonetheless.
Cat people - I see you and I hear you!
Over the course of my childhood I made some pretty good arguments for getting a dog, including a slide show presentation when I was in middle school about how I would help to pay for the dog’s needs and take care of it myself. Alas, my parents weren’t budging. We were a busy family and a dog just didn’t fit into the picture.
Fast forward to me getting my first apartment: I got my first dog. Her name was Marley, and I have had dogs ever since. Our current pup, Mr. Mickey Moo, is a rescue dog from Indy Humane. I was volunteering as an intake photographer at the shelter, and I instantly fell in love with his little cute noggin. Mickey is mostly blind, and doesn’t have a good sense of smell - but man-oh-man do I love him. Of all the dogs I’ve had the pleasure of sharing life with… Mickey is without a doubt my “soul dog”.
SPOILER ALERT: Mickey just might be getting a “little” four-legged brother this year!
So there you go! NOW YOU KNOW A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THIS INDIANAPOLIS DOG PHOTOGRAPHER.
Just a little peek into what makes this dog photographer tick. Have any questions about what birds you’re seeing in your yard? Or what hoodie best pairs with your bootcut jeans? Or perhaps you even want to know about booking a dog photography session in Indianapolis? Head on over to the contact page and shoot me a note! I’d love to chat with you.
DID WE JUST BECOME BEST FRIENDS?! 🤣 I loved learning more about you with this post, Amy! I am also a huge bird nerd, and I love The Big Year! Congrats on 302 in 2017, that is a serious commitment! I can't wait to watch the nature side of your photography grow! *high five*
*high fives* Ok, are we going to become BFFs? I am just starting to get in to birds, like, very mildly and I am sure that I am on the edge of becoming obsessed! Do you have a favorite bird book or bird newbie resource?
Amy, I'm also a non-drinking hoodie addict. It's great to find a kindred spirit! Your wildlife and pet photography is incredible! Can't wait to see more :)
It's so magical how something as random as a movie popping up while folding laundry can change the whole course of one's life - so cool! Good luck with the new wildlife side of your business, I can't wait to see more.
I find your story of how you got into birding fascinatingly funny. I would’ve never guessed!