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.

Calgary dog photographer capturing a dog's natural personality during a Halloween photoshoot.

Why I Don't Force Costume Photos

By Chantell Schulz • November 4, 2026
Discover why I don't force dogs to wear costumes during Halloween photoshoots. Every dog deserves a stress-free experience that celebrates their unique personality, comfort, and individuality.
Professional dog portrait photography in Calgary, Alberta, showcasing artistic composition, detailed

Beyond the Lens: The Art of Professional Dog Photography

By Chantell Schulz • October 15, 2026
Discover the artistry behind professional dog photography, from thoughtful composition and lighting to leash removal, detailed retouching, and multi-dog portrait editing in Calgary.
Winter dog photography in Calgary with a dog enjoying a snowy outdoor session.

When Is the Best Time to Book Winter Dog Photos in Calgary?

By Chantell Schulz • October 8, 2026
Learn when to book winter dog photos in Calgary, from snowy conditions to the best timing for a beautiful winter session.

What I Wish More Dog Owners Knew About Dog Photography

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.

What a Dog’s Body Language Tells Me During a Photoshoot

By Chantell Schulz • September 24, 2026
When I'm photographing a dog, I'm paying attention to much more than whether they're looking at my camera. Throughout a session, I'm constantly watching their body language. It gives me little clues about how they're feeling, what has caught their attention, what they're comfortable with, and when I need to change my approach. Every dog communicates differently, and learning to recognize those small changes helps me create a session that works with the dog rather than against them.
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
When you’re getting into photography, it’s easy to think that better gear automatically means better photographs. A newer camera, a sharper lens, faster autofocus. While good equipment definitely has its advantages, dog photography has taught me that your camera can only do so much. You can have an expensive camera and lens, but if you don't know how to work with the dog in front of you, the gear isn't going to magically create the photograph.
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!

By Chantell Schulz • September 2, 2026
Fall is almost here, which means my Calgary Fall Mini Sessions are back! Once a year, I offer my popular fall dog photography sessions in Calgary, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture beautiful photos of your dog surrounded by colourful autumn leaves. This year, we’re heading back to Fish Creek Park, one of my favourite locations for fall photos.

How I Choose Locations for Dog Photography

By Chantell Schulz • August 27, 2026
When you look at a beautiful park, you might see trees, grass and a pretty trail. When I look at it, I’m thinking about light, backgrounds, composition and where I can position your dog. Choosing a location for a dog photography session is about much more than finding somewhere that looks pretty. There are a few things I look for when I’m scouting a location.

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.