Doctor quits medicine career to open dog photography studio in Fareham's West Street

DOG lover Sam Sayner has such a passion for pooches that she quit her job as a doctor in order to set up her dream business.
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Sam, from Fratton, has opened Top Dog Photography Studio in West Street, Fareham.

The studio is the result of four years hard work, after the 28-year-old discovered that she enjoyed taking pet pictures when she rescued her dog – Jessie a border collie-German shepherd cross.

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Sam, who had always had a keen interest in photography, found she loved taking photos of Jessie so much that she decided to quit her job as a hospital doctor to start her own business.

Sam Sayner with her dog, Jessie at her studio in Fareham on 17 December 

Picture: Habibur RahmanSam Sayner with her dog, Jessie at her studio in Fareham on 17 December 

Picture: Habibur Rahman
Sam Sayner with her dog, Jessie at her studio in Fareham on 17 December Picture: Habibur Rahman

She said: ‘Before I was doing a bit of everything photography wise, and before that I was a doctor in a hospital but I wanted to do something creative.

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‘Photography had always been my hobby, I had done friends’ weddings and other events, but hadn’t really found my niche.

‘I was working from home a lot and had the opportunity to get a dog – that’s when everything changed.

Sam Sayner with her dog, Jessie at her studio in Fareham on 17 December
Picture: Habibur RahmanSam Sayner with her dog, Jessie at her studio in Fareham on 17 December
Picture: Habibur Rahman
Sam Sayner with her dog, Jessie at her studio in Fareham on 17 December Picture: Habibur Rahman
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‘I didn’t know that there were so many people who are so crazy about their dogs until I became one of them.

‘That’s when I started to wonder if I could make money from it, that was my dream.’

Sam had trained for five years to become a hospital doctor – but says she doesn’t regret a moment as it taught her hard work and discipline.

She said: ‘I knew it was not for me but when you start these things you are so young.

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‘When I was doing my training I didn’t think I would ever be doing something like this today.

‘Some people may see it as a waste but I would not be where I am today without doing that.

‘In that career you have to grow up quickly and deal with lots of tricky situations. It has made me the person I am today.'

Sam quit medicine in 2016 and set up her photography business, eventually setting up a studio in Warsash, before moving into her new premises in West Street in December.

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The studio was formerly the Boutique Haberdashery and when that business moved a few doors down, Sam saw an opportunity to take on a unique premises.

She said: ‘It is quite intimate, I try to keep it as comfortable as possible and make sure the dogs have a good time. You don’t need a big space to work in, that's why the shop in West Street was perfect, the dogs feel at home. We take our time, they come in and have a sniff, relax and then we go from there.’

Sessions cost £35. The studio is closed due to coronavirus restrictions, but to book a session or to show your support by buying a gift voucher go to topdogphoto.co.uk

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