Bored Panda reached out to Lea to learn more about her photography and the inspiration behind focusing on pets and animals. Here’s what she kindly shared with us: “My journey began with my 3-year education in Switzerland as a photographer. During this time, I took photos of our family dog, Charlie, to practice at home. She was always my favorite model, and she was always very calm and patient with me. During these three years, I realized that I love taking pictures of our pets, and even more, I love seeing the smiles of the people who view my photos of their pets. I knew this was the job I could do for my entire life, and I would never get bored of it. Charlie passed away after my education, and at that point, I realized how important these images are for me and my whole family. How important these memories are and what our pets give us every day. So, I decided I wanted to give others the same—high-quality memories of their best friends forever.
After my education, I worked as a product photographer at a company. Besides this job, I built up my own business as a pet photographer on weekends, evenings, and mornings. After an exhausting 1.5 years at the company, I decided to quit my job and go full-time as a pet photographer. Since then (January 2021), I’ve been self-employed full-time. I love my job, working with dogs and horses, and the lovely people I can happily call my customers.”
Styger told us more about her go-to techniques and tricks to keep dogs engaged and cooperative during a shoot. If you're trying to get that perfect shot of your furry friend, this might come in handy: “Most important: Be patient. Be understanding of the pet and the people. Pets are only calm if the owner is calm! The key for me is giving room and time. Of course, our dogs and horses are also very happy with a good treat! If a pet is very nervous, mostly puppies or other young pets, I let them sniff around, say nothing, and at the right moment, I make funny noises. Most people laugh at that, which helps them relax, and the puppy will look at the funny noise, lift its ears, and look directly at me. Don’t be shy or too serious—don’t be afraid to be a clown during the photoshoot! Most people and pets will love it! :-) With horses, I often just talk to them calmly or call their name and tell them how beautiful they are. Most of them love that and show themselves more. This also works with sensitive dogs!”
When asked about the most memorable moment she’s experienced while photographing animals, Lea responded: “I always have funny moments with my clients and their pets! But one moment I think I will never forget was a photoshoot with a dog in a tulip plantation. She was such a lovely dog and very well-behaved, never looking at other people or dogs walking around. But then, the postman drove by on his scooter, passing the street next to us. The dog was off-leash, and as soon as she heard the sound of the postman’s scooter, she ran after him, barking and chasing him all the way down the street. It was like a movie where the dog always chases the postman. I felt so sorry for him – I think he must have been scared because he started driving faster and faster. No worries, though. At the corner of the street, the dog turned around and came back, happy and proud. It was scary and funny at the same time.”
The photographer also shared with us what she finds most rewarding about capturing the bond between pets and their humans: “I love capturing the natural communication between pets and their humans. If a dog or a horse doesn’t like to cuddle, they don’t have to during the photoshoot. I focus on moments of joy, like playing together or simply a calm hand resting on a horse’s neck. Or when both look into each other’s eyes, and there is just pure love between them.
I love photographing pets with their humans because I know how it feels to have beautiful images of your pet alone but none together. Interestingly, most of my clients initially don’t want to be in the photos. But during the shoot, I always encourage them to sit with their pet, and afterward, those images often become their favorites—the ones they choose to print big for their wall gallery!”
Lastly, we asked Lea a more theoretical question—if she could photograph any dog, fictional or historical, which one would it be? Here’s what she told us:
“That’s a funny question—I’ve never thought about it before! But I think it would be Togo, one of the lead dogs of the serum run to Nome. I love the new movie about him; he was a true hero and lifesaver. But Balto is also one of the heroes—I loved the cartoon movies about him as a child. It’s sad that there aren’t any movies about Togo or both of them together! If I could, I would love to take photographs of both of them in their element, pulling the sled through the snow.”
