How to Prepare Your Dog for a Photoshoot

September 6, 2025

Booking a professional photoshoot for your dog is exciting, but it can also come with a little bit of worry.
“What if my dog won’t sit still?”
“What if they’re too shy around new people?”
Or maybe… “What if my dog turns into a zoomie tornado the second we start?”
First things first: your dog does not have to be perfectly trained to have amazing photos taken. Every pup, from the calm cuddlers to the goofy wigglebutts, can shine in front of the camera with the right approach.
Here are my best tips to help you (and your dog!) feel ready for picture day:

1. Get the Wiggles Out (But Don’t Exhaust Them)

A short walk or light playtime before the session helps burn off extra energy. You want your dog relaxed, but not so tired that they lose their sparkle.

2. Bring the Right Treats & Toys

High-value treats (think cheese, hot dogs, or their absolute favourite snack) are a must. A squeaky toy or ball can also help grab attention and capture those joyful expressions.

3. Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible

Dogs thrive on routine. Stick to their usual meal and potty schedule so they’re comfortable and at ease during the session.

4. Grooming & Touch-Ups

A fresh brush goes a long way! If your dog is prone to eye gunk, drool, or muddy paws, pack a small towel and wipes. Nothing fancy needed, just enough to keep them camera-ready.

5. Don’t Stress About Their Behavior

 This one’s huge: your dog does not have to sit, stay, or pose perfectly. During my sessions, I work with their personality, whether that’s a shy lean, a goofy tongue-out grin, or a curious head tilt. In fact, those quirks are often what make the photos extra special.

6. Trust the Process

Remember, this is about capturing your dog’s unique personality. If they’re shy, we’ll go slow. If they’re energetic, we’ll embrace the movement. The result? Photos that reflect who they really are, the way you know and love them.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your dog’s photoshoot doesn’t mean training them to be a model; it’s about making sure they’re comfortable, happy, and ready to be themselves. Whether your pup is timid, silly, or full of endless energy, we’ll capture their one-of-a-kind spirit.
Thinking about booking a session?Click here to plan your dog’s next adventure!

Dog photographer Calgary, Calgary dog photographer, Calgary dog photoshoot, Dog photoshoot Calgary

What Should You Wear to a Dog Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • April 9, 2026
Booking a photoshoot for your dog is exciting… until you hit one unexpected question: What am I supposed to wear? Most people overthink this part. They worry about picking the perfect outfit, matching their dog, or somehow “getting it wrong....” but the truth is, what you wear doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the better your photos will turn out because at the end of the day, these photos aren’t about your outfit...they’re about your dog.

Photographing Dogs With Illnesses: Why These Moments Matter More Than Ever

By Chantell Schulz • April 2, 2026
When your dog is diagnosed with an illness, everything changes. The routines you once took for granted feel heavier. The small moments start to matter more and suddenly, time feels like something you wish you could hold onto just a little tighter. It’s not something any dog parent ever prepares for but it’s in these moments that time means everything and every memory means twice as much as before.
Calgary dog photographer, Calgary dog photos, Dog photographer Calgary. Dog photos Calgary

Do I Need to Train My Dog Before a Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • March 26, 2026
If you’ve ever thought about booking photos for your dog, chances are this question has crossed your mind: Do they need to be trained first? Maybe they don’t sit on command, get distracted every two seconds, are a little too excited… or a little too nervous. Suddenly, getting photos feels like something you have to prepare for. Here’s the truth: your dog doesn’t need to be trained to be photographed beautifully.
Dog photography Calgary, Calgary dog photos. Calgary dog photoshoot, Alberta dog photographer

The Story Behind Renavia Photography

By Chantell Schulz • March 18, 2026
If you’ve ever wondered how Renavia Photography came to life… it didn’t start with a camera...It started with a dog.
Calgary dog photographer, Calgary dog photos, Alberta dog photographer, Dog photos Calary

Why Black Dogs Are Hard to Photograph (And How I Make Them Shine)

By Chantell Schulz • March 11, 2026
Black dogs are stunning in person. Their coats can be glossy, rich, and full of texture. When it comes to photos, many owners notice something frustrating… their dog can end up looking like a dark blur with no detail. If you’ve ever taken a photo of your black dog and thought, “Why can’t I see their face?” you’re definitely not alone. Here’s why black dogs are harder to photograph and how I bring out all their beautiful details.

5 Common Pet Photography Mistakes (And How I Avoid Them)

By Chantell Schulz • March 6, 2026
Photographing dogs might look simple, but anyone who has tried it knows it can be surprisingly challenging. Dogs move quickly, get distracted easily, and don’t always cooperate with the plan. Over time, I’ve noticed a few common mistakes that many pet photographers make when photographing dogs. Avoiding these has made a huge difference in the way I approach my sessions and the photos I deliver.
Calgary dog photos, Calgary dog photoshoot, Alberta dog photographer, Alberta dog photography

When Is the Right Time to Book a Dog Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • February 26, 2026
If You’ve Been Saying “I’ll Do It Later,” This is for you: “I’ll do it later.” It sounds responsible...It sounds practical...It sounds like there’s time, but when it comes to your dog, later is the four words most people regret.  If you’ve been thinking about booking a dog photoshoot in Calgary but keep putting it off, this is for you.
Indoor Dog Photoshoot Calgary | Dog Photoshoot Calgary | Indoor Dog Photos Calgary

Indoor Dog Photoshoots in Calgary

By Chantell Schulz • February 18, 2026
If you live in Calgary, you know exactly what I mean when I say… second winter is back. This week alone brought freezing temperatures, icy sidewalks, and that “I thought we were done with this?” feeling. While outdoor sessions are beautiful, they’re not always realistic when winter decides to make an encore appearance. That’s where indoor dog photoshoots come in. Here are five reasons they might be the perfect fit for you and your furbaby.
Calgary dog photography highlighting unique canine personalities

Valentine’s Day Photos with Your Dog

By Chantell Schulz • February 11, 2026
Valentine’s Day is usually all hearts, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. There’s nothing wrong with that, but when you love a dog, Valentine’s Day becomes something a little different. It becomes a day to celebrate a love that doesn’t ask for much…but gives so much in return. Your dog doesn’t care about red roses or boxed chocolates. They care about time with you, affection on their terms, and the moments you share together. What's important is the real stuff that shows up in photos and memories years from now.

Why Bare Winter Landscapes Make Stunning Dog Photos

By Chantell Schulz • February 4, 2026
Winter dog photoshoots are often associated with snowy trees and white wonderlands, but some of the most striking dog photos happen before the snow falls or after it melts. Bare winter landscapes offer a clean, moody, and timeless backdrop that allows your dog’s personality to truly shine. If you’ve ever wondered whether winter dog photography without snow is worth it, the answer is a confident yes.