From paws to pros: Pete’s journey from pet projects to big brand campaigns

Meet Pete Samran, a talented lifestyle and studio photographer from Thailand whose passion for photography began in childhood and never let up. What started as a lifelong love has grown into a full-time creative career filled with stunning work and big-brand collaborations.

We were lucky to have Pete introduced to Creatively Squared through a friend. His first project with us, capturing kids for a milk powder brand, was an instant hit. To say he nailed the brief (and working with kids) would be an understatement.

But Pete truly came into his own when we met his adorable Schnauzer, Bamii, and discovered his knack for pet photography. His love for animals, paired with his playful creativity, made him a natural behind the lens, and a fast favourite with both our team and pet brands.

Pete has since become one of our go-to creators for his charming, high-quality content. His attention to detail, reliability and distinctive style have earned him repeat work from brands like Sheba, Cesar, Whiskas, Anessa, Alpro and many more.

Whether he’s shooting polished studio campaigns or quirky UGC (yes, he once filmed a cat being walked down the street on a leash for a brand), Pete brings versatility, heart and craft to everything he touches. He’s a true all-rounder and we love how he pours passion into every project, no matter the niche or brief.

Let’s take a closer look at Pete’s creative journey and how he continues to raise the bar with every shoot.

Let’s chat with Pete

Hello creators, I’m Pete from Thailand. I began my photography career from a passion I had since childhood. I used to take photos of everything around me with my mobile phone. That interest gradually grew stronger, and I eventually decided to pursue it seriously by studying photography at a university. After graduating, I became a professional photographer.

I enjoy working across all genres—I’d say I’m a Jack of all trades. Personally, I’m passionate about photography itself, not just one particular style. Every type of photo has its own unique beauty, and I love exploring that through different approaches and perspectives.

I’m especially drawn to the use of colour in my work—not just bright tones, but carefully chosen color combinations that complement each other. I love using colour and light together to enhance the storytelling within an image. For me, it's about bringing all the elements—composition, color, lighting, and feeling—together to create a single, cohesive visual.

Journey with Creatively Squared

I found out about Creatively Squared through a friend who encouraged me to give it a try. I thought it was an interesting opportunity—being able to communicate online and start creating right away. It also gave me the chance to work on a variety of projects and collaborate with leading brands.

One of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on was for Sheba, where I had to produce 30 still images and 30 video clips. The biggest challenge was working with animals—especially cats who tend to be wary and easily startled in unfamiliar environments. Managing their behavior while staying on schedule was incredibly difficult.

I had to be extra patient, ensuring the cats weren’t stressed while still capturing all the required shots. Balancing time, creativity, and the cats’ comfort made this project one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had.

“I had trouble sourcing specific breeds and talent for a pet food brand, but he just made it work. That experience made me want to give him opportunities beyond pet content, because I knew he could bring that same finesse to other categories.

So when I finally got the chance to book him for a beauty brand (ANESSA—unfortunately not shareable!), I was genuinely excited. Even though his porty didn’t include the exact type of beauty shots we usually go for, I trusted he could pull it off and he did.”- Lorraine Sandel, Account Manager

Tools of the trade

I have my camera, tripod and flash light. For post-production work, I use Photoshop, Capture One and DaVinci Resolve.

I really enjoy working in a studio setting, particularly my home studio. Being able to set up everything myself—especially the lighting and props—gives me full creative control. Unlike sunlight and weather conditions, studio lighting allows for consistency, precision, and the freedom to shape the mood exactly the way I envision it.

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Pete’s creative process

Every project, I have a team that supports me, and depending on the complexity of the project, I scale the team size accordingly.

I meticulously plan every shoot to ensure we have clear objectives and a focused workflow. Without proper planning, the process can quickly become chaotic and jeopardize the entire project.

Whenever I want to get into the creative zone, I usually immerse myself in a wide range of visual inspirations — from various forms of artwork and photography to films and music videos. Everything is filled with ideas that spark my creativity and help me overcome any creative block.

Finding inspiration

Whenever I need inspiration, I simply visit @sweetciain on Instagram.

Top creative tip

Blend beauty with originality while always keeping the project brief in mind.

Lastly, what’s next for you?

I want to learn more about using AI.

Thank you Pete for being a wonderful member of the Creatively Squared creator team. We appreciate you and your hard work in every campaign.

Follow Pete on Instagram @p.platchaya to see more of his creative work with brands. Bonus: Be overloaded with cuteness and follow his dog’s Instagram too at @babii.bami

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