Picture Pupfect

Rina Kang studied photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and began her career in 2008. She’d always loved dogs, but her passion for four-legged subjects grew when she realized that she didn’t have any professional photos of her aging 15-year-old pup who had been diagnosed with lymphoma. She took some portraits of him and realized that she’d found her calling.

After a few years as a dog photographer, Kang decided to open her own studio. Her business, Say Woof Studios, recently welcomed its first clients to its location at 2215 Eighth Avenue next door to Seattle Barkery.

“I love having my studio here in South Lake Union. It’s such a dog-friendly neighborhood,” she said.

We don’t get much time with our beloved pets, so with dog photography, Kang is interested in capturing something that will last a lifetime for people.

“A photo can be a good memory to celebrate your pet or a piece of fine art you can proudly hand on your wall for a long time. When dogs come into the studio, I think it can be a less distracting experience for them. I am minimal with props, but they do get lots of treats and belly rubs. I think being indoors is the best way to capture their personalities.”

Typical sessions last about 20 minutes and Say Woof Studios offers a variety of packages ranging from birthday to family photos. The studio’s “mini” packages are incredibly popular and usually follow a seasonal or holiday theme and sell out at least a month in advance. Say Woof even features a selfie portrait studio called Say Cheese. You can take photos in a private studio environment for 20 minutes with the use of a remote control.

One of the best things about Say Woof is that it partners with rescue organizations in South Korea to advocate for overseas adoptions. These orgs work to end pet abandonment and the dog meat trade in South Korea. Say Woof also donates 10% of its profits to help fulfill the needs of Seattle-area shelters.

If you’re ready to book your pup’s portrait (and help a good cause while you’re at it), check out Say Woof Studios services.