Things Your Dog Will Do During a Photoshoot

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:

1. They Will Ignore You

You’ll say their name and they’ll look at a leaf.


Totally normal. During my dog photography sessions in Alberta, I expect distraction. It’s part of working outdoors with real dogs. Those moments of curiosity often create the most natural, expressive photos that actually feel like your dog.

2. They Will Sit… Until They Don’t

Your dog might sit beautifully…for two seconds. Then they’re up, shifting, wiggling, or moving on.


That movement adds life to photos. Perfect posture isn’t the goal...authentic expression is. Whether your dog is energetic, shy, or somewhere in between, I work with their personality rather than against it.

3. They Will Try to Eat Something Questionable

Grass. Sticks. Snow. Mystery items.


It happens in almost every dog photoshoot. These moments often turn into joyful, tongue out candid shots that dog parents end up loving the most. (Safety always comes first, of course.)

4. They Will Judge You

The side-eye. The sass. The “why are we doing this?” face.



These expressions are iconic. Some of the most framed photos I deliver are the ones where a dog’s personality shines through in a single look.

5. They Will Surprise You

The shy dog stands tall. The wild one gives a quiet, soulful stare. The nervous dog settles in and gains confidence.


This is my favourite part of every session. Creating a relaxed environment allows dogs to show sides of themselves their owners don’t always get to see and that’s where the magic happens.

Why This Is Exactly How It Should Be

Your dog doesn’t need to be “well behaved” to book a session. They don’t need to sit perfectly, stay still, or perform.


As a Calgary dog photographer, my job is to read your dog’s body language, adapt to their energy, and capture them exactly as they are: quirks and all. Those imperfections are what make the photos feel real.

Ready to Book Your Dog’s Photoshoot?

If you’ve been putting off photos because you’re worried your dog is too much, this is your sign. Your dog’s personality whether it's chaotic, sassy, curios, and everything else...it's all worth remembering.


Book your Calgary dog photography session with Renavia Photography today and let’s capture images that feel like your furbaby, not a posed version of them. Book Your Session Here!

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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

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Finished artistic dog portrait from a professional Calgary dog photography session

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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.

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