What Happens During a Dog Photoshoot? (From Start to Finish)

Chantell Schulz • April 23, 2026

Booking a dog photoshoot can feel a little intimidating especially if you’re not sure what to expect.

Will your dog behave? Do they need to be trained? What if they don’t sit still?


Here’s exactly what happens during a session with me, so you can walk in feeling confident (and actually enjoy it).

1. Before the Session: Getting to Know Your Dog

Before we even meet, I send over a quick questionnaire to learn all about your furbaby.

Things like:

  • Their personality (shy, energetic, curious)
  • Any quirks or triggers
  • Any tricks they know



This helps me plan the session around your dog and not force your dog into something they’re not.

2. Arrival: Letting Your Dog Set the Pace

When we meet, there’s no pressure right away.

Your dog gets time to:

  • Sniff around
  • Check me out
  • Get comfortable in the environment

I don’t jump straight into photos. Building trust first is what makes everything else easier.

3. The Session: No Pressure, No “Perfect” Required

This is where most people are surprised…Your dog does not need to sit perfectly or stay still the entire time.

I guide you through everything:

  • Where to stand
  • How to hold the leash
  • When to step in (and when to relax)

We take breaks, we move around, and we work with your dog’s energy...not against it.

Some of the best photos come from in-between moments, not posed ones.

4. Real Moments Over Perfect Poses

I’m not here to create a version of your dog that doesn’t exist.

I’m here to capture:

  • Their little expressions
  • The way they look at you
  • Their personality exactly as it is

Whether your dog is confident, goofy, or a little unsure… that’s what makes their photo.

5. After the Session: The Editing Process

After your session, I go through and carefully select the best images so you don’t have to sort through hundreds of photos.

You’ll receive a curated collection of the strongest moments from your session, where you can choose your favourite images.


Once you’ve made your selections, each chosen image is:

  • Professionally edited
  • Refined to highlight your dog naturally
  • Delivered in both colour and black & white

Your final images are ready within 2–3 weeks beautiful, polished, and yours to keep furever.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a “perfect” dog to have beautiful photos.

You just need a dog who’s loved and a photographer who knows how to work with them.

If you’ve been putting off photos because you’re worried your dog won’t cooperate… this is your sign.

Let’s plan your dog’s next adventure 

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