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.

Professional dog portrait photography in Calgary, Alberta, showcasing artistic composition, detailed

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By Chantell Schulz • September 30, 2026
When you think about a professional dog photography session, you probably picture the part where I show up with my camera and start taking photos of your dog....but that is actually only a tiny part of the process. There is a lot that happens before I ever press the shutter button. From watching the weather to checking golden hour times to learning about your dog’s personality, I put a lot of thought into what will make the session not only look beautiful, but feel good for your dog, too.

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Dog sitting outdoors during a professional dog photography session

Why Dog Photography Is About More Than Having a Fancy Camera

By Chantell Schulz • September 16, 2026
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Finished artistic dog portrait from a professional Calgary dog photography session

What Happens to the Photos After Your Dog’s Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • September 9, 2026
Have you ever wondered what actually happens to your photos after your dog’s photography session is over? You’ve spent an hour running around with your dog, laughing at their silly expressions, trying to get their attention, and capturing all those little moments. Then the session ends and I head home with hundreds(sometimes thousands) of images. But that’s only the beginning. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes before you receive your final gallery.

Fall Mini Session Are Back!

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How I Choose Locations for Dog Photography

By Chantell Schulz • August 27, 2026
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What Happens If My Dog Won’t Cooperate During Their Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • August 19, 2026
One of the biggest worries I hear from dog owners is, “What if my dog doesn’t cooperate?” Maybe they don’t have the best recall. Maybe they can’t sit still for more than two seconds. Maybe they’re easily distracted by squirrels, people, or literally anything happening around them. The good news? Your dog does not need to be perfectly trained for a photography session.

Fall Dog Photography Sessions

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