Dog Photoshoot Ideas for Holidays and Special Occasions

Chantell Schulz • September 13, 2025

Dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family. That means birthdays, holidays, and milestones are the perfect excuse to book a photoshoot that celebrates your pup in style. Whether you’re dreaming of festive Christmas portraits, a playful Halloween setup, or a simple birthday celebration for your dog, the right photoshoot ideas can help you capture memories you’ll treasure forever.


If you’ve been searching for dog photoshoot ideas for holidays or special occasions, you’re in the right place. Here are some creative (and dog-friendly) ways to make your pup the star of any celebration.

🎃 Halloween Dog Photoshoot Ideas

A Halloween dog photoshoot is all about creativity and fun. Whether you love costumes or prefer a seasonal vibe, fall gives you so many options.


Ideas for a Halloween dog photoshoot:

  • Pumpkins and fall leaves for a timeless seasonal look.
  • A ghost dog costume (using a safe, lightweight sheet).
  • Dog-friendly costumes like superheroes, pumpkins, or bumblebees.
  • A rustic fall field or pumpkin patch as your backdrop.

👉 Safety tip: Skip candles in jack-o’-lanterns — LED lights or uncarved pumpkins are just as cute and 100% safe for pups.

🎄 Christmas Dog Photoshoot Ideas

Christmas is one of the most popular times of year for dog photoshoots...and for good reason. A snowy backdrop, twinkling lights, and festive props make for magical photos that are perfect for holiday cards or framed keepsakes.


Ideas for a Christmas dog photoshoot:

  • Cozy shots with your pup wrapped in blankets.
  • Sitting by a Christmas tree with gift boxes.
  • Snow play photos in a winter wonderland.
  • Santa hats, festive scarves, or reindeer antlers for an extra cute touch.

👉 Pro tip: Keep props simple and dog-friendly. A cozy setup or natural snowy background can be just as stunning as an elaborate holiday theme.

💘 Valentine’s Day Dog Photoshoot Ideas

A Valentine’s Day dog photoshoot is the ultimate way to celebrate puppy love. Think hearts, flowers, and all things sweet.


Ideas for a Valentine’s Day dog photoshoot:

  • A pink or red color palette with heart-shaped props.
  • Your pup surrounded by safe, dog-friendly flowers.
  • Simple portraits with a Valentine’s banner or garland.
  • Snuggly blanket shots that radiate love.

These photos make for perfect gifts, cards, or just a fun way to mark the holiday with your furbaby.

🎂 Birthday and Gotcha Day Dog Photoshoot Ideas

Your dog’s birthday photoshoot (or Gotcha Day celebration) is the perfect way to celebrate another year of love, loyalty, and tail wags.


Ideas for a dog birthday photoshoot:

  • A dog-friendly cake or pupcake smash.
  • Balloons, birthday banners, or confetti for a festive look.
  • A crown or bandana that says “Birthday Pup.”
  • Action shots of your dog zooming around with their favorite toy.

These photos are not only adorable but also capture the milestones that fly by too quickly.

🍂 Seasonal Dog Photoshoot Ideas

Even outside of holidays, every season offers unique opportunities for a seasonal dog photoshoot.

  • Spring: Cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and soft natural light.
  • Summer: Lakes, wildflowers, golden fields, or an evening sunset.
  • Fall: Warm tones, crunchy leaves, and cozy vibes.
  • Winter: Snowy portraits with scarves, jackets, or a cozy cabin feel.

Every season has its own magic — and your pup deserves to be captured in it.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, a birthday, or just because, a holiday dog photoshoot is one of the best ways to celebrate your furbaby. With the right props, setting, and photographer, you’ll walk away with photos that are full of joy, personality, and timeless memories.


If you’re looking for dog photography in Calgary that captures your pup’s personality during the holidays or any special occasion, I’d love to help. Let’s create photos that celebrate every season of your dog’s life.


📸 Ready to book your dog’s next photoshoot? Contact me here to plan your session.

What Your Dog’s Personality Tells Me as a Photographer

By Chantell Schulz • January 14, 2026
Every dog walks into a photoshoot with their own personality and that matters far more than how well they sit, stay, or look at the camera. Before I ever lift my camera, I’m paying attention to who your dog is. Their body language, their energy, how they move through the space, it all matters. That’s what shapes the entire session. Here are some of the personalities I see most often and what they tell me as a dog photographer.
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Missed Holiday Photos? Here’s Why It’s Still Worth Talking About

By Chantell Schulz • December 19, 2025
Christmas is almost here. The tree is probably already up, the calendar is full, and the season feels like it’s slipping through your fingers. If you’re thinking, “I should’ve booked photos earlier,” you’re not alone and you didn’t miss your chance to care. This post isn’t about squeezing in another to‑do. It’s about reframing why photos matter, even when the season is almost over.

The Perfect Gift Idea for Dog Parents

By Chantell Schulz • December 11, 2025
If you’re hunting for a thoughtful, unique gift idea in Calgary, especially for a dog parent a Renavia Photography gift card is the one that never misses. Whether you want to gift a full prepaid dog photoshoot or choose a custom dollar amount , it’s a present that feels personal, meaningful, and unforgettable. Instead of guessing sizes or buying another toy, give them something they’ll actually be excited about: beautiful photos of their furbaby to cherish forever.

How to Prepare for a Puppy Photoshoot

By Chantell Schulz • December 4, 2025
A puppy photoshoot is the perfect way to capture your furbaby’s cutest stage with their tiny paws, clumsy sits, floppy ears, and all their personality. As a Calgary dog photographer, I’ve worked with puppies of every energy level, from shy little beans to full-on chaos gremlins. Here are 5 simple steps to help you prepare and make the most out of your puppy photoshoot.

Winter Dog Photoshoots in Calgary: 5 Things You Need to Know

By Chantell Schulz • November 27, 2025
Planning a winter dog photoshoot in Calgary? Here are 5 expert tips to keep your furbaby safe, happy, and camera-ready for magical snowy photos.

Full Session vs Mini Session: Which Dog Photoshoot Is Right for You?

By Chantell Schulz • November 20, 2025
If you’re trying to decide between a full dog photography session and a mini session , here are the five biggest differences to help you choose the perfect fit for your furbaby.
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How to Prepare Your Dog for a Photoshoot (5 Easy Tips)

By Chantell Schulz • November 13, 2025
Looking for professional dog photos in Calgary? Renavia Photography shares easy tips to prep your dog, from basic commands to high-value treats.

Can My Dog Stay on Leash During a Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • November 6, 2025
When you picture your dog’s photoshoot, you might imagine them running leash-free, fur flying, pure joy in motion. Here’s the truth: most of the dogs I photograph stay on leash the entire time, and you’d never even know it from the final photos. Here’s why that leash is actually the secret to those relaxed, natural images you love:

How to Photograph Multiple Dogs

By Chantell Schulz • October 30, 2025
Photographing one dog is an adventure, but adding a sibling (or two) can make things… interesting. Whether you’ve got a duo or a pack of playful pups, capturing them together takes a mix of patience, strategy, and just the right amount of chaos. As a Calgary dog photographer, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep multi-dog sessions running smoothly and looking effortless.

How to Photograph Big Dogs with Confidence

By Chantell Schulz • October 23, 2025
When most people picture a professional dog photoshoot, they imagine a big dog charging through tall grass or posing proudly against a mountain backdrop and honestly, they’re not wrong. However, there’s an art to photographing large breeds that goes beyond their size. As an Alberta dog photographer, I’ve met my fair share of gentle giants, from goofy Great Danes to soulful Shepherds, and every one of them has its own kind of magic. Big dogs bring presence, personality, and sometimes a little chaos (in the best way!). Here’s how I make sure every large dog looks as majestic, confident, and lovable as they truly are.