What Makes a Great Location for Dog Photography?

Chantell Schulz • August 6, 2026

Choosing the right location can make a big difference in your dog's photos. While every park has something unique to offer, there are a few things I always look for before recommending a spot. My goal is to find a location that not only looks beautiful but also helps your dog feel comfortable throughout the session.

Beautiful Light

One of the first things I look for is a location that offers both open areas and plenty of shade. This gives me flexibility throughout your session, whether we want soft, even light under the trees or a more open backdrop with the evening sun. Having a variety of lighting options means I can adapt to the conditions and create beautiful images no matter where we are in the park.

Clean Backgrounds

A beautiful photo isn't just about your dog, it's also about what's behind them. I look for locations with clean, uncluttered backgrounds so your dog remains the main focus. Trees, tall grasses, and open spaces often create a timeless look without distracting from your pup.

A Good Fit for Your Dog

Not every dog enjoys the same environment. Some are happiest exploring a quiet trail, while others don't mind being around people or other dogs. I always consider your dog's personality when choosing a location so they can feel as relaxed as possible during the session.

Safety Comes First

Your dog's safety is always my top priority. I choose locations with plenty of space to explore while avoiding areas that could be unsafe or overly busy. Most dogs also stay on leash during the session, and I'll remove it during editing, so there's never any pressure for your dog to be off leash.

Trust the Process

You don't have to stress about finding the perfect location, that's part of my job. I'll help choose a spot that suits your dog, offers beautiful light, and creates the best possible backdrop for timeless portraits. At the end of the day, it's your dog's personality that makes the photo truly special.

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 .