Rina Kang, of Say Woof, is a dog photographer based in Seattle.

Seattle Refined: How long have you been creating? What mediums do you work with?
Rina Kang: My photography journey started in 2008, and I have been focusing on dog photography for almost five years. My primary medium is digital photography, which allows me to showcase the charm and personality of dogs. I specialize in capturing unique and heartwarming moments of our canine companions.

Can you tell us about your artistic process and how the different stages work into it?
My artistic process involves multiple stages. It typically starts with careful planning, where I discuss with the dog owners to understand the dog’s personality and any specific traits they want to highlight. During the photoshoot, I focus on creating a comfortable and fun environment for the dogs, ensuring their true personalities to shine through. The post-production phase is where I enhance the images to bring out the best in each photo, using editing software to fine-tune colors, contrast and overall Say Woof aesthetics.

Tell us about where your inspiration for your art comes from.
My inspiration comes from the deep connection I feel between humans and dogs. The unconditional love, loyalty and joy that dogs bring into our lives are incredibly inspiring. Additionally, I find inspiration in the beauty of nature and the unique qualities of each dog I photograph. It’s a privilege to capture these moments and share them with others.

Do you have a specific “beat” you like best – nature, food, profiles, etc.?
I have a particular passion for celebrating dogs’ birthdays. I believe every dog deserves to be the star of the show on their special day. During these photoshoots, we bring out the confetti, party hats and treats, creating a fun and festive atmosphere that captures the pure joy and love between dogs and their humans on these occasions. It’s a heartwarming experience to be a part of these celebrations and to document the connection between dogs and their families during these milestone moments.

Do you have one piece of art that means more to you or is extremely special to you? What experiences in your life have affected your art the most?
Say Woof’s first portrait was my old dog, Doobu. One type of photography that holds a special place in my heart is capturing the beauty and wisdom of senior dogs. My passion for dogs began when I received my first pup at the age of 15. He became my loyal companion for nearly 15 years, and his passing was one of the most profound and challenging experiences I’ve ever gone through. It was through him that I truly understood the depth of the bond we share with our four-legged friends and how they can profoundly impact our lives.

Losing him made me realize how essential it is to cherish the moments we have with our pets, regardless of their age. This realization inspired me to become a dog photographer dedicated to preserving the special memories we create with our furry companions. I find a unique beauty in the wisdom and grace of senior dogs, and capturing their stories through my lens is a heartfelt tribute to the love and joy they bring to our lives.

If we want to see more of your work, where should we go to find it?
You can see more of my work on my website www.saywoofstudios.com, as well as on my social media profile on Instagram, @saywoofstudios. I regularly update my Instagram with my latest dog photography.

What is next for you? Anything you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?
I’m thrilled to announce that our next project is all about capturing the holiday spirit with our furry friends and their families. As the year draws to a close, I’m looking forward to celebrating the end of the year with my customers in a special way. We’ll be creating festive holiday photos, complete with dogs dressed in their holiday best, cozy winter scenes, and all the magic of the season. It’s a time when we can come together, share joy, and create lasting memories with our beloved pets, and I can’t wait to be a part of these heartwarming moments. Stay tuned for these enchanting holiday photoshoots!

Lastly, how do you take your coffee? (We ask everyone!)
I’m more of a tea person! But if I’m getting a treat at a coffee shop, I’ll take a matcha latte, extra matcha powder with oat milk!

About ‘Artist of the Week’: This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you’re wondering just what constitutes art, that’s the beauty of it; it’s up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.