Meet The Malaysian Pet Photographer Who's Giving Rescue Animals A Shot At A Better Life
We went behind the lens with Amanda to learn more about Pawever Memories.
"They may only be with us for a short time, but we are their whole life."
This sentiment lies at the heart of Amanda Tan's work.
For her, pet photography isn't just about capturing a cute shot — it's about preserving a pet's love, quirks, and personality in a way that lasts forever.
As the founder of Pawever Memories, a pet photography studio in Petaling Jaya, Amanda knows just how precious those memories can be.
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
"After losing my dogs, I regretted not having more photos with them," she admitted
"I know many pet owners have felt the same, wishing they had more memories to hold onto — that's the heart behind Pawever Memories.
"Our goal is to create a stress-free experience where pet parents can truly enjoy the moment with their pets. We want pet photography to be more than just a photoshoot — it's a chance to make lasting memories with their beloved companions," the 27-year-old shared with SAYS.
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Some sessions are lighthearted and fun, while others are bittersweet.
One that really stuck with Amanda was with Bailey, a senior dog whose owner, Jessica, knew their time together was limited.
"You could see the love Bailey had for his owner, Jessica, in the way he looked at her — his eyes full of trust and his smile absolutely perfect," Amanda recalled.
"That moment really stayed with me because it wasn't about the perfect pose or setting. It was about the love they shared and how deeply they cherished each other."
Sadly, Bailey passed away peacefully shortly after the session.
"While it's heartbreaking, I'm so grateful to have been able to capture that experience for Bailey and Jessica. It reminded me of why I do what I do: to preserve those fleeting, precious moments that mean everything."
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
No two pets are the same, and Amanda has learned to roll with their unique personalities.
"The key to capturing a pet's personality is just letting them be themselves!"
"I take the time to observe how they move, what catches their attention, and what makes them feel comfortable," she explained.
"Some pets are naturally curious, while others might need a little more time to warm up, and that's totally okay — I go at their pace."
For the hyper ones, she embraces the chaos. "Some of the best shots happen when pets are just having fun."
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
And for the stubborn ones? Well, sometimes you just have to get creative — like Toby, the golden retriever who flat-out refused to step onto the backdrop.
"We tried everything — from telling him how handsome he was to his mum bribing him with a delicious steamed chicken leg — but Toby just wasn't interested. He refused to step onto the backdrop no matter what we did! In the end, after lots of sweet-talking and a little extra effort, we had to gently carry him onto the backdrop ourselves.
"Funny enough, once we showed him a sneak peek of how handsome he looked in the photos, it was like a switch flipped. The rest of the session went so smoothly, and the photos turned out absolutely gorgeous. Toby may have started stubbornly, but he definitely ended like a star!" she shared.
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Beyond the studio, Amanda is passionate about animal welfare. For the past six years, she has been a volunteer photographer for My Pets Haven, capturing heartwarming portraits to help rescue animals find homes.
She's also worked with organisations like Woof My Roof, Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better, and the Animal Kindness Coalition.
Her love for animals led to Pawever Gives Back, an initiative that partners with different animal welfare groups every two months to support TNRM efforts, cover rescue medical bills, and provide essential supplies.
"In the past eight months, we've donated over RM2,000, and we hope to keep growing this initiative to empower more groups making a difference for the voiceless," Amanda shared.
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
For Amanda, the best part of her work is seeing pet owners' reactions when they see their final photos
"My favourite reaction is when pet owners smile, laugh or even get teary-eyed because the photos perfectly capture their pet's personality. Hearing them say, 'That's SO them!' or 'This is a rare expression to get on picture' is the best compliment I could ask for," Amanda shared.
"Whether it's a goofy smile, soulful eyes, or a playful tilt of the head, seeing them deeply moved by the images reminds me why I love what I do."
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Image via Pawever Memories (Provided to SAYS)
Whether it's a golden retriever, a hedgehog, or a curious little kitten, every pet that steps in front of Amanda's lens is treated with patience, love, and a whole lot of treats.
And with every click of the camera, she makes sure pet owners have memories they'll cherish forever.
Amanda offers three types of pet photo sessions: minimal studio, natural outdoors, and cosy at-home shoots. Pricing starts at RM600, with customisable packages available to suit different needs.
Follow Pawever Memories to find out more.
Want to make a difference? Here's how you can help stray animals today:
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