INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Vancouver Dog Photographer: Pooch in the Park Photography // Bernice (She/her) & Phoenix
Pooch in the Park Photography specializes in portraiture of dogs in nature! Bernice has such a calm and inviting energy – the perfect combo for any photographer who captures moments beautifully!
And Phoenix, her loveable parti poodle.. it was so great meeting Phoenix – he has so many similar qualities to our parti doodle Rufus. I can see why they are in love with him! Witnessing the joy in Bernice’s face was golden as Phoenix jumped around, or lay sprawled out for belly rubs. True love!
“My journey in professional photography started when I lived abroad – exploring landscapes, city architecture and observing people immersed in their vibrant culture.
In this time, I worked professionally at events (public, weddings), and baby portraits which was a lot of fun. Currently, I am completing the Embark Pet Photography challenge with Unleashed Education, and most recently completed training with multi-award winner Anne-Laurie Léger at Blooming Dahlia Photography.
If there’s one thing my experiences on top of my day job as a healthcare worker has taught me, it is to treasure the little moments! From that, my aim is to offer you timeless memories that showcase the unique personality of your furry companions.”
-Bernice
Pooch in the Park Photography
What is the most rewarding thing about your business and what you do?
I love dogs, photography and being outdoors! I know how much my dogs have meant to me over the years, how much joy and love they bring to a home, and how heartbreaking it is when it is time for them to go. The most rewarding thing about what I do is being able to capture the unique qualities of a dog’s personality in the beautiful landscape we live and play on. I love it when an owner feels their gallery accurately captures the essence of their dog’s unique personality!
Have there been challenges? If so, how did you overcome them and what positive things came out of it?
There really is no “one-size-fits-all”! Every dog and their human are different, which is both the best and the most challenging part of the job. In the beginning, I took a “go with the flow” approach going into a shoot. While I still very much follow the dog’s lead during the shoot, I have found it hugely beneficial to provide a questionnaire to all clients, and really take time to get to know their desires before the shoot.
For example: Are there any specific photos they are looking for? Is their any kind of landscape/environment they prefer? Are there any reactivity or triggers I should avoid?
This way I can prepare for all eventualities and also suggest the right kind of setting to bring out the very best in the dogs.
What has been your proudest moment in your business journey so far?
We are a brand new business! We started in March 2024. My aim was to have five clients in the first six months of our business and three months in, we have had eleven! I have also discovered how incredibly positive the dog community in Metro Vancouver is. I have met some really outstanding entrepreneurs along the way (including the Haus of Rufus), and I am really proud of the supportive relationships we are all building together.
I’d love to hear about your dog! What is their name, age and type?
Phoenix! He is our one year, standard black and white parti poodle. (He will be one year on June 6!)
What are some things that you love about Phoenix?
He’s a smart cookie! He loves learning. Training has provided such a great opportunity to build a strong bond with our boy. He is also very silly – always making us laugh with his antics and perfectly timed side eye.
Does Phoenix have any special quirks or personality traits that are unique to them, or just simply make you melt?
He has a really silly sit, he kinda flops out his legs. It always makes me laugh, no matter what kind of day we are having. It’s also a standard poody thing I think, but sometimes he will lie there with his front paws crossed on his bed in the living room watching us or the sky as if he’s thinking thoughts. We just adore him.
Dogs can teach us so much about ourselves. What have been some lessons you have learned about yourself?
Uh…I can’t control everything! I love structure, schedules and organization. Dogs don’t work like that. To be with a dog is to live in the moment! For a long time, I was searching for my photography niche – events, baby portraits, street, landscape. It was only when Phoenix arrived that I discovered dog photography and suddenly, it all made sense to me. That was a big moment for me!
What does the perfect day, time spent together, look like for you both?
Early mornings, day spent outdoors together (hike/lake/beach), treats and food for all, home for cuddles in the evening, repeat!
Thank you Bernice and Phoenix!
Follow Pooch in the Park Photography on Instagram here @poochintheparkphotography and for more info on Bernice’s wonderful photography, check out their website www.poochintheparkphotography.com.
HAUS OF RUFUS
“Your pet is your best friend for part of your life,
but you are their best friend for all of theirs.”
Haus of Rufus is a pet friendly, photography studio in Vancouver that was born out of the love for our Goldendoodle, Rufus. We invite you to Haus of Rufus, a space where we help you capture meaningful, authentic and vibrant portraits of you and your loved ones.
And if you are lucky enough to be the guardian of a pet, we’d love to capture your bond, at any stage of their precious and significant life.