Through Her Lens: Capturing the Soul of Dogs in Costa Rica

In a moment when the world slowed down, something quietly powerful began to take shape. What started with curiosity, a camera, and a dog named Pipo soon became something deeper. Not just photography, but a way to capture emotion, memory, and connection.

For Cindy, the work goes beyond technique. It is about patience, trust, and the ability to understand what a dog is feeling without a single word. Each image is not staged. It is revealed.

In this conversation, we step into her world in Costa Rica, where pet culture is still evolving, yet the bond between people and animals runs strong. From playful studio moments to deeply emotional final portraits, her work reminds us that behind every dog there is a story worth holding on to.

We began by asking her to step away from the camera for a moment.

1. Tell us about yourself. Who are you beyond the camera, and how did your journey with dogs begin?

My name is Cindy Estrada, and I'm the person behind Doggy Style, a project I started in 2020 during the pandemic. I'm a graphic designer by profession, but I've always loved photography.

At the beginning of 2020, I had been saving money for a trip, but when borders closed and everything slowed down, I suddenly had a lot of free time. Instead of letting that time go to waste, I decided to finally invest in photography equipment, lights, and studio gear.

Since we were all stuck at home, I started teaching myself how to use artificial lighting and practice photography on my own. That's when Pipo, my golden retriever, became my first model and the inspiration behind this whole journey.

2. What inspired you to start a pet photography studio in Costa Rica? Was there a specific moment that made you take the leap?

Honestly, it all happened because of the pandemic. I suddenly had a lot of free time, and instead of focusing on everything that was going wrong, I decided to learn a new skill.

At first, it was just me experimenting at home with lights and photography, mostly practicing with my own dog. But little by little, I realized this could become something bigger than just a hobby.

There wasn't one specific moment where everything changed. It was more like all the circumstances lined up at the right time and gave me the chance to build something new.

3. How would you describe pet culture in Costa Rica compared to other parts of the world?

I think in Costa Rica we're still in the early stages when it comes to pet culture, both from pet owners and businesses. Recently, there was a situation where a dog bit a child in a shopping mall, and it completely changed a lot of rules and regulations about bringing dogs into public places and businesses.

As a country, I think we still have a lot to learn about responsible pet ownership and how to create better coexistence between dogs and society. Since Costa Rica is such a small country, situations like that have a huge impact very quickly.

At the same time, people here genuinely love animals, and little by little more people are starting to see pets as part of the family.

4. What makes photographing dogs different from photographing people? What do you need to "read" in a dog?

Photographing dogs takes experience, but more than anything, it takes patience. That's actually something people always tell me after sessions—that I'm very patient—and honestly, that's the most important part.

You have to give dogs space and understand their body language, their limits, and their personality. Not every dog reacts the same way, and you can't expect the same results from all of them.

One of my biggest priorities is making sure the dog doesn't have a stressful or bad experience. Realistically, the photos are for the owners and the memories they want to keep, so I never want to force a dog into an uncomfortable situation just to get the perfect picture.

My own dog is trained to be comfortable around studio lights and flashes, but that's not the reality for most dogs that come into my studio. So every session has to adapt to the dog, not the other way around.

5. Every dog has a personality. How do you bring that out in a single image?

I think a dog's personality naturally shows up in the final photos. One thing I always do is let the owners choose their favorite images, because they're the ones who truly know their dog and how they want to remember them.

Some people love calm and elegant portraits, while others connect more with funny or playful moments. Every dog is different, and that emotional connection is what gives meaning to the photo.

6. If someone is visiting Costa Rica and loves animals, how can they truly experience the local pet and animal culture? Any places, activities, or moments they shouldn't miss?

Right now, in May 2026, there still aren't many places in Costa Rica where people can freely interact with dogs in public spaces. There are a few dog parks in central areas and places like Oxígeno Mall, which is one of the most pet-friendly spots in the country.

Besides that, there are also farms and countryside restaurants where people can spend time around animals in a more natural environment.

And when it comes to wildlife, Costa Rica is incredible. There are so many places where you can go birdwatching or see animals in nature, and that's a huge part of the country's identity.

7. What has been your most meaningful or emotional photoshoot so far?

One of the most emotional photoshoots I've ever done was with a dog named Mandarina, or Tina. I found out about her through a video where her owner shared that she was suffering from Shar-Pei fever and didn't have much time left.

As soon as I saw the video, I contacted her owner and offered them a photoshoot as a gift, so they could have beautiful memories from Tina's final days.

That session reminded me that pet photography is about much more than just taking pretty pictures. Sometimes it's about preserving love, memories, and a connection people never want to forget.

8. For dog lovers who want better photos of their pets, what are 2–3 simple tips they can start using today?

My biggest recommendation is basic training. If a dog can follow two simple commands—"sit" and "stay"—you can already get amazing photos.

It's not really about expensive cameras or perfect locations. A calm dog that understands basic commands makes the whole experience easier and less stressful for everyone.

9. What role do dogs play in your life personally?

Dogs are honestly part of my entire personality. They're everywhere in my life—from my Instagram username and the content I create, to my sense of humor and even my clothes, because no matter how much I try, there's always at least a little bit of dog hair on me somewhere.

They've shaped so much of my daily life and the way I connect with people. For me, dogs are much more than pets—they become part of who you are.