My Favourite Locations in Calgary for Dog Photography

Chantell Schulz • May 15, 2025

When it comes to capturing your furbaby's personality, location matters just as much as timing and lighting. As a Calgary dog photographer, I've found the best spots that offer stunning backdrops and dog-friendly vibes. Whether your pup is a city explorer, nature-lover, or a bit of both, Calgary is the perfect place for your dog's photoshoot experience.

1. Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek is one of my go-to locations because of how much variety it offers in one place. From winding forest trails to open meadows, wooden bridges, and peaceful water spots—it’s a dream setting for capturing your dog’s personality. The park shifts beautifully with the seasons, offering vibrant greens in summer, rich autumn tones, and soft snowy scenes in winter.

Perfect for: Adventurous Dogs who love to explore and don't mind getting their paws wet.
Reactive Dog Friendly? YES

2. Carburn Park

Nestled beside the Bow River, Carburn Park offers a mix of scenic trails, reflective ponds, and dense greenery that creates a calm, storybook feel. In the fall, the golden leaves make the whole area glow, but it’s a solid choice in any season. There's plenty of visual variety—from tree-covered paths to wide-open spaces—for capturing both playful and peaceful moments. It’s a popular park though, so be prepared for some background hustle and bustle.
 
Perfect for: Dogs who are confident and love to explore despite a bit of noise or activity.
Reactive Dog Friendly? NO

3. St. Patrick's Island Park

Looking for a blend of sleek cityscapes and natural beauty? St. Patrick’s Island nails that mix. With modern bridges, river pathways, and curated green spaces, it offers a clean, contemporary backdrop without losing that touch of nature. The architecture adds a cool, urban edge to your photos, while the river and skyline bring in those sweeping, cinematic views. It’s usually bustling, so it’s best suited for pups who are comfortable around people and distractions.
 
Perfect for: Dogs who are curious and confident who thrive on new sights and sounds.
Reactive Dog Friendly? NO

4. North Glenmore Park

North Glenmore has that perfect mix of open space and tucked-away trails. With sweeping views over the reservoir, tall grasses, and the occasional grove of trees, it offers tons of variety for your dog’s session. Whether your pup wants to zoom across a field or take a breather in a shaded spot, there’s room to do it all. It's also one of the more spacious parks, which makes it easier to keep distance from distractions when needed.
 
Perfect for: Dogs who enjoy a mix of wide-open play and peaceful, quiet spots.
Reactive Dog Friendly? YES

5. Your Own Backyard Or Neighbourhood

There’s something special about capturing your dog in a place they know and love. Offering sessions right in your backyard or along your favorite walking path means your pup feels comfortable and relaxed, which often brings out the sweetest, most authentic moments. Plus, no travel stress means more tail wags and genuine smiles!
 
Perfect for: Dogs who prefer familiar surroundings and aren't super social with new places or people.
Reactive Dog Friendly? YES

Choosing The Right Location

Your dog’s comfort is my top priority when choosing the perfect location for their photoshoot. When you book a session with me, I’ll send a personalized questionnaire to get to know your furbaby better. Their personality, energy level, and any sensitivities help guide the decision on where we’ll capture their best moments.

How to Prepare Your Dog for a Photoshoot

By Chantell Schulz • 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:

Why Fall Is the Best Season for Dog Photography in Alberta

By Chantell Schulz • August 28, 2025
When the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s something magical about autumn in Alberta. It’s also the perfect time to book your dog photography session. From cozy sweaters to colourful backdrops, fall gives you everything you need for unforgettable photos of your furbaby. As an Alberta dog photographer , I’ve seen how this season brings out the best in both dogs and their humans and here’s why:

Dog Photography in Calgary – Fall Minis at Fish Creek Park 2025

By Chantell Schulz • August 21, 2025
Fall in Calgary is one of the most magical times of the year — golden leaves, crisp air, and the perfect backdrop for timeless photos. By popular demand, Fall Mini Sessions are returning to Fish Creek Park — a short and sweet way to capture stunning seasonal portraits of your furbaby (and you, if you’d like to join in). These limited-time Calgary fall photoshoots are perfect if you’ve been wanting updated portraits of your pup in a gorgeous outdoor setting, but don’t want to commit to a full session.

Should I Get Professional Photos of My Dog?

By Chantell Schulz • August 13, 2025
Your dog isn’t just a pet...they’re family. While smartphones can capture everyday moments, professional photography offers something more: the chance to truly capture your dog’s personality, energy, and spirit in a way that lasts a lifetime. If you’ve ever wondered whether a professional photo session is worth it, here are five reasons to consider it.

Best Season For Pet Photography?

By Chantell Schulz • August 7, 2025
If you’re thinking about booking a dog photoshoot but aren’t sure when to do it, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get is: “What season is best for dog photos?” The truth? Every season brings out something unique in your dog’s personality, and the right one depends on the vibe you’re going for. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s right for your furbaby:

Dog Friendly Places To Visit

By Chantell Schulz • July 31, 2025
As a proud dog mom, I’m always asking: “Can I bring my dog?” And if the answer is no, I’m usually not that interested. If you're the same way, this blog is your go-to list of dog-friendly chain stores and restaurants in Alberta , the places where you don’t have to leave your pup at home or in the car. Whether you're running errands or planning a patio date, here’s where dogs are welcome too.

What If My Dog Doesn’t Sit Still?

By Chantell Schulz • July 24, 2025
Let’s be real...most dogs aren’t exactly known for sitting still. Yet, time after time, I hear the same worry from loving dog moms: “I’d love to book a session, but my dog’s way too hyper.”  “She never listens outside the house.”  “He won’t sit for more than a second!” Sound familiar? If this is you, take a breath. You’re not alone, and no, your furbaby does not need to be perfectly behaved to get stunning photos.

What No One Tells You About Senior Dogs

By Chantell Schulz • July 16, 2025
The quiet, beautiful chapter they never prepare you for. There’s a moment...sometimes small, sometimes impossible to ignore... when you realize your dog is slowing down. Maybe they don’t jump into the car like they used to, maybe their zoomies have turned into slow tail wags, or perhaps it’s the white fur creeping across their muzzle. No one prepares you for this part of it: The senior dog chapter. It’s quieter, gentler, sometimes frustrating, always emotional, and yet, it might be the most deeply connected season you’ll ever share.

What I Notice About Your Dog That You Might Not See

By Chantell Schulz • July 10, 2025
As a dog photographer, I get to meet pups from every walk of life: the bold and bouncy, the shy and gentle, the stubborn goofballs, and the soulful old souls. Every time, without fail, I catch something that even the most devoted dog moms don’t always see: The way their pup leans just a little closer when they’re unsure. The soft squint in their eyes when they’re happy. The proud little puff of their chest when they feel confident. That split-second moment when they look at you like you’re their whole world. These aren’t things you can pose or plan, but I live for them.

Why Does My Dog Act So Different at Home vs. in Public?

By Chantell Schulz • July 2, 2025
At home, your dog is relaxed. Playful. Maybe a little goofy. You know their quirks, their routines, and the way they light up your life without even trying. But outside? Things shift. They might get overwhelmed. Overexcited or suddenly unsure of everything. If you’ve ever thought, “This isn’t the dog I know…” You’re not alone. And more importantly, your dog isn’t doing anything wrong.