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.

How I Photograph Families (Without the Stress)

By Chantell Schulz • July 29, 2026
Family photos with your dog are some of the most meaningful images you'll ever have. While they may look effortless, there's a lot happening behind the scenes to make sure everyone looks their best...including your pup. Here are a few ways I create beautiful family portraits while keeping the session relaxed and enjoyable.

5 Common Summer Editing Mistakes (And How I Avoid Them)

By Chantell Schulz • July 22, 2026
Summer is one of my favourite seasons for dog photography. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and long evenings create beautiful backdrops, but they can also make editing a little more challenging. It's easy to get carried away trying to make colours pop, only to end up with images that don't look natural. Here are five common summer editing mistakes I see and how I avoid them.

Why I Photograph Dogs During Golden Hour

By Chantell Schulz • July 16, 2026
If you've ever wondered why I recommend evening sessions, the answer is simple: golden hour helps me create beautiful photos of your dog. Golden hour is the period just before sunset when the light becomes softer, warmer, and more flattering. Unlike the harsh midday sun, it creates a natural glow that helps your dog look their best.

How to Keep Your Dog Cool During Calgary's Hot Summer Days

By Chantell Schulz • July 9, 2026
Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy Calgary's parks, trails, and green spaces with your dog. But as temperatures rise, it's important to take extra precautions to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable. Dogs can overheat much faster than people, so a little planning can go a long way.

How To Photograph Multiple Dogs

By Chantell Schulz • June 24, 2026
Having multiple dogs means more personalities, more memories, and a whole lot more love. But one question I get often is: “Can you actually get all of my dogs looking at the camera at the same time?” The answer? Absolutely. Photographing multiple dogs takes patience, preparation, and a little bit of strategy, but capturing your whole pack together is one of my favourite parts of a session.

Why Grad Season Is the Perfect Time to Treat Yourself to a Photo Session

By Chantell Schulz • June 17, 2026
Graduation season is here! It's a time filled with excitement, change, and the feeling that one chapter is ending while another is just beginning. For many dog moms and grads, there’s one special face that has been there through it all: their dog. The late nights studying, the stressful moments, the exciting wins, and all the everyday memories in between, your dog has been part of this chapter too. So why not celebrate this milestone with the one who has been by your side?

Why Dog Dads Deserve to Be Celebrated Too

By Chantell Schulz • June 10, 2026
When people think of Father's Day, they usually think of dads and their children, but there's another group of dads who deserve some recognition too: dog dads. They're the ones waking up early for walks, carrying extra treats in their pockets, and somehow ending up with hundreds of photos of their dog on their phone. Whether they admit it or not, dog dads play a huge role in their pup's life. This Father's Day, let's celebrate the dog dads who show up every day for their four-legged best friends.

10 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog in Calgary This Summer

By Chantell Schulz • June 3, 2026
Summer in Calgary never seems to last long enough, which makes it the perfect time to get outside and enjoy every sunny day with your dog. Whether your pup loves exploring new places or simply spending time with you, here are 10 fun ways to make the most of the season together.

How to Tell if Your Dog Would Enjoy a Photoshoot

By Chantell Schulz • May 28, 2026
A lot of dog parents assume their dog wouldn’t enjoy a professional photoshoot. Maybe they’re super energetic, maybe they never sit still, or maybe they get distracted easily or seem “too much.” The truth is, most dogs actually end up having way more fun during a session than their owners expect. If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog would enjoy a photoshoot, here are a few signs they probably would.

How to Prepare for a Spring Dog Photography Session

By Chantell Schulz • May 20, 2026
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year for dog photography sessions. The snow melts away, the grass turns green again, and everything starts feeling fresh and alive. Of course, spring also brings muddy paws, shedding season, and unpredictable Alberta weather, which means a little preparation can go a long way before your session. Here are a few simple ways to help your spring dog photography session go as smoothly as possible .