Profiles: Susie Hunt, Pet Psychologist on the Beach (and Under a Willow Tree)

Meeting Molly and Susie by the Sea

I met Susie Hunt—pet psychologist, dog whisperer, and all-around good sport—on one of those classic Barcelona days: blue skies, warm light, and just enough wind to keep things interesting. She was with Molly, a client’s dog, who proved highly responsive to the universal language of treats waved just out of frame.

The shoot was meant to accompany a profile piece, so I needed space for text in the layout. Initially, I considered using the sea as a backdrop, but harsh midday light made it tricky. The shadows near the beach weren’t cooperating, and sea sparkle doesn’t always play nice with legibility.

Saturated Greens, Flying Branches, and Creative Solutions

While walking through a nearby park, the intense saturation of the grass and sky caught my eye. Everything looked almost hyper-real. Eventually, we found a willow tree that offered shade and a nice frame. It also came with some occupational hazards: the wind was tossing branches into us, the flash umbrella was under attack, and Susie had to pin down a rogue palm frond with her foot—just out of shot.

Meanwhile, I was being thwacked from behind by another one. Standard outdoor shoot chaos.

Lighting-wise, I tried to use the sun as a hair-light. It flared directly into the lens thanks to the wide-angle setup, but I don’t mind a bit of flare now and then. It can add something cinematic—so I let it ride.

Sun, Dogs, and a Quick Exit

In the end, it was an easy shoot. Susie was relaxed and engaging, and Molly did her part without diva behaviour. I packed up, hopped on my bike, and rode home along the beach, feeling smugly content about managing to combine work, good weather, and a brief moment of zen.

Sometimes it’s not about epic shots. It’s about capturing a moment that feels honest, even when you’re fending off tree branches.