Ever wonder what happens BEFORE we even head to a photoshoot of your dog? Long before your wild beach-loving Singapore Special becomes that majestic sea creature in photos, there's a whole secret world of preparation happening behind the scenes. Today I'm pulling back the curtain on all the pre-shoot magic that makes those perfect adventure dog photos possible – it’s a lot!
🕵🏻♀️ Detective Mode: Getting to Know Your Dog
Before I even pick up my camera, I'm already in full dog-stalking mode! During our initial chat on DM or WhatsApp, and in the questionnaire that I send over to you, I'll be asking:
"Is Major a tennis ball fanatic or more of a squeaky toy connoisseur?"
“What does “comfort” look like to your pet? What can I do to get their attention?”
These aren't random questions – they're my secret weapons for capturing your dog's true personality! The more I know about your furry friend's quirks and preferences, the better prepared I'll be to catch those perfect, authentic moments of your dog, and your bond.
📍 Location Reconnaissance Missions
That stunning sunlight-peaking-out-of-leaves shot? Yeah, I probably visited that spot three times before our session, with ShutterBark’s Chief Happiness Officer, Poppy.
Once at 7:57 AM on a weekday to check the sunrise lighting (coffee in hand, still half-asleep)
Again at 9:30am to find even more perfect hidden corners
And a final time on a weekend morning to get a sense of the location on the weekends
Anywhere we are going for your photoshoot, Poppy has probably been, and posed for numerous photos in that location. All to find the best angles of your pet!
🐶 Preparing YOU! (The Human Behind the Dog)
About a week before our session, you'll receive a digital prep guide that's basically the dog photography equivalent of a spa day preparation. It's the secret sauce to making our session amazing! Inside you'll find, amongst other things:
What NOT to Worry About: Your pet hates the camera and can’t post? They don’t listen in a new place? All of these are not things you’ll need to worry about in a ShutterBark Studio photoshoot. We meet your dog at their most comfortable: having fun and being relaxed in their skin, whether it be rolling in grass, fetching a ball…or terrorising a pigeon.
Wardrobe wisdom: Tips on what colors photograph beautifully on the beach (hint: jewel tones are your friend, neon is... not), and why matching your dog's collar to your outfit creates a subtle visual connection
Mindset Pep Talk: Dogs are emotional sponges—if you're stressed about getting "perfect" photos, your dog will feel that tension. So have fun with your dog— we'll get the shots!
Shutterbark Studio is a Singapore dog photography studio specializing in outdoor, adventure-style photoshoots. I photograph dogs across Singapore, from heritage trails to coastal walks, or even on your staycation or favorite neighborhood walk. Book A Photoshoot Now!
