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!

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.

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.

Winter Dog Photoshoots: Why Winter Is Perfect for Dog Photos

By Chantell Schulz • January 28, 2026
Winter dog photoshoots don’t get nearly enough love and they’re something more and more dog owners are starting to search for as snow season arrives. When most people think about booking photos for their dog, they wait for green grass, warm weather, and golden sunsets. Totally fair, but winter deserves a moment, because snow season creates some of the most unique, clean, and emotional images of the entire year. If you’re on the fence about a winter session, here’s what actually happens during one and why we only have a short window left to capture it.

Things Your Dog Will Do During a Photoshoot

By Chantell Schulz • January 21, 2026
If you’ve ever thought, “My dog could never sit still for photos,” you’re not alone. As a Calgary dog photographer , I hear this all the time and I promise you, it’s never a dealbreaker. Dogs don’t need to be perfectly trained to have beautiful photos. In fact, the things you’re worried about are often what make the images the most meaningful. Here’s what your dog will almost definitely do during a photoshoot:

What Your Dog’s Personality Tells Me as a Photographer

By Chantell Schulz • January 21, 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. 

Missed Holiday Photos? Here’s Why It’s Still Worth Talking About

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

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

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.