The Story Behind Renavia Photography

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.

It All Began With Peanuts

I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember...honestly, since I could walk. Some of my earliest memories are filled with dog snuggles, training in 4h, learning tricks, going for walks, and lots more. Our first family dog, Peanuts, wasn’t just a pet… he was part of everything. He was there in the background of childhood moments that, at the time, felt small...but looking back now, meant everything and that’s where it started.


It's not where photography started but the understanding that dogs aren’t “just dogs.” They’re a part of your life story.

This was me and Peanuts.

Where Photography Entered the Picture

I didn’t pick up a camera because I thought I’d turn it into a business one day. I started in Grade 7 as a hobby.


At the time, it was just curiosity, learning, experimenting, figuring things out as I went, but something about it stuck. I loved being able to freeze a moment...something that would’ve otherwise passed by without a second thought.

Still, back then, photography and dogs were two separate parts of my life.

I had no idea they would eventually be combined.

This was my first photo of our family dog Shyloh with my new DSLR I had bought.

The Moment It All Came Together

About two years ago, everything clicked. Dogs had always been at the center of my world. Photography had always been something I loved and I realized…why not combine the two?


That’s when I started dog photography and I haven’t looked back since. The truth is, photographing dogs isn’t just about getting a “nice photo.”....it’s about capturing who they are. The little expressions, the personality, the things you don’t even realize you’ll miss one day....that’s what matters and that's what I get to capture.

The Name “Renavia” (And How It Actually Happened)

The name Renavia has a story of its own, and it’s probably not what you’d expect. I knew I wanted something personal, and my middle name, Renae, felt like the right place to start...but on its own, it didn’t feel complete. So, like most people do when they’re stuck, I looked around the room and that’s when I saw a Nivea lotion bottle. For some reason, it just worked for me. Renae and Nivea turned into “Renavea,” and while I loved the idea, I wanted the spelling to feel simpler and easier to read. Changing the “e” to an “i” gave me “Renavia,” and that was it. No big strategy, just something that felt right in the moment. Also my name  first name "Chantell" is hard for people to spell correctly so we had to choose something else haha.

My very first logo design. It's rough I know...

What Renavia Photography Means Today

Today, Renavia Photography is about more than just photos, it's about celebrating your dog for who they are, their personality and flaws, everything that makes them well them. I'm not big on presets and slapping a photo together as fast as possible. I edit each photo like an art piece and treat it as such. No mass production here, just lots of care into each and every photo. Just like your dog deserves to be remembered.

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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.
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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.
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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.