There’s no denying that planning and executing a photoshoot is a lot of work. Add the delightful chaos of working with cats and dogs into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for some truly unpredictable moments. But honestly, that’s half the fun - and part of the magic.

One of the things I’ve come to love most about owning my own brand is the creative freedom it brings, especially when it comes to planning and executing photoshoots. Coming from a web design background, this was all very new to me when I first started. But over time, I’ve grown to love the process - from brainstorming concepts to seeing the final shots come to life.

Step One: Find Your Photographer

The first step to a successful photoshoot? Find yourself an excellent photographer. I’ve been so fortunate to work with some truly talented people over the years. Rachel Oates is one who I've been luckily enough to work closely with. Rachel and I have worked on several studio shoots together, and her ability to bring my ideas to life is nothing short of amazing.

 

Setting the Vision

For our latest shoot, I started with a loose plan and, of course, a trusty mood board. The vision was clear: a Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetic that felt both whimsical and charming. Imagine rich velvet curtains, a vintage landscape backdrop, proud-looking dogs, and earthy, camp-themed tones—all brought to life with a polished, bright studio vibe. Having a photographer who really “gets it” is so important, and Rachel nailed the brief perfectly.

The Talent: Cats, Dogs, and a Little Chaos

One of the best parts of our photoshoots is the incredible community of pets and owners we get to work with. We’re lucky enough to have a huge pool of volunteers who are always more than happy to let their furry friends shine in front of the camera.

That said, we have worked with professional animal models as well, especially when cats are involved. Cats seem to have their own agenda, and they’re not always as motivated by treats as their canine counterparts! Professional cat models tend to be better at staying still and striking that perfect pose, but there’s always a fair bit of coordination involved. 

A typical shoot usually runs about 45 minutes to an hour per dog, with a team effort required to keep things on track. It’s a three person job: the photographer, the pet owner, and me, all waving treats, squeaky toys, and tennis balls in the air while making the most ridiculous noises to grab their attention. 

The Wardrobe: Showcasing Scout’s Honour Patches

For most of our shoots, the wardrobe is made up entirely of Scout’s Honour items. But for this particular concept, I wanted to highlight how effortlessly our patches can be incorporated into pets’ existing wardrobes.

I sourced a gorgeous vintage blanket to set the camp-like tone, and many of our models brought in pieces from their own wardrobes to add variety. The end result? A beautifully styled shoot that showcased the versatility of our patches and how they can elevate any pet outfit, whether it’s a classic coat, a cozy sweater, or even a blanket.

Below, Sunday models our patches on her own wardrobe and Ted gets cozy in a patch-adorned blanket. 

Plan, Plan, Plan… and Then Wing It

Every dog gets their own contact sheet with a shot list and wardrobe changes planned out in advance. Inevitably, though, things don’t always go according to plan - especially when working with animals. Flexibility is key. While having a plan is essential for staying organised, I’ve found that some of the best shots often come from unplanned moments and spontaneous ideas.

Snacks Are Non-Negotiable

This one might seem specific to our canine clientele (because let’s face it, dogs are very treat motivated), but I think it’s universally true for any long day on set: snacks are a must. I take pride in always bringing the best snacks. Happy models makes for a much smoother shoot.

For this shoot I packed w'zits which were a HUGE hit. 

 

The Magic of the Finished Product

When all is said and done, there’s something so rewarding about seeing the final photos come together. From the initial spark of an idea to the hours spent coordinating and improvising on set, the finished product always feels like a true labor of love. 

Here are some photos from the shoot. What do you think?