What's the Best Age for Dog Photos?

Chantell Schulz • June 19, 2025

Short answer? Every age is the perfect age. Long answer? Let’s break it down. Whether your pup is still all paws and zoomies, in their confident prime, or starting to slow down, each chapter tells a different story. Every single one is worth capturing.

Puppies (8 weeks to 1 year)

Let’s be honest...they don’t stay tiny for long. Those oversized ears, goofy stumbles, and teethy grins disappear fast.
A puppy photoshoot freezes that fleeting chaos and turns it into lifelong memories.

Great for:

  • New dog moms
  • Breeders sending pups to forever homes
  • Puppy's "gotchya day" or first birthday

Adult Dogs (1 to 7 years)

This is when dogs are themselves, full of personality, usually more comfortable in their routines, and often easiest to photograph. They still have energy, but their focus (even if limited!) can give us more flexibility with posing and location.

Great for:

  • Celebrating milestones
  • Dog moms who want those "classic" portraits
  • Active outdoor adventures or styled sessions

Seniors (7+ years)

There’s something incredibly soulful about senior dog portraits. The grey whiskers, wise eyes, and unspoken bond —they hit differently. Sessions with seniors tend to be slower-paced, more cuddly, and deeply meaningful.

Great for:

  • Legacy photos before goodbye
  • Honourary birthday shoot (double digits!)
  • Capturing a lifetime of love

So when should you book?

There’s no right time...just your time. Some of my clients photograph their pups every few years. Others reach out when something shifts: a diagnosis, a new baby, a big move, or a moment of "I just don’t want to forget this." If your dog is here and loved? That’s your sign. 

Ready to capture

furever memories?

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Ready to capture furever memories?

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Ready to capture furever memories?

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How I Turn ANY Home Into a Studio (Without You Lifting a Finger)

By Chantell Schulz • April 16, 2026
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home to get beautiful photos of your dog. In fact, most of the homes I photograph in are completely normal, lived in, a little cluttered, and full of the things that make your dog feel safe. That’s exactly what makes indoor sessions so special. If you’ve ever thought, “My house isn’t nice enough for photos”… this is for you.
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What Should You Wear to a Dog Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • April 9, 2026
Booking a photoshoot for your dog is exciting… until you hit one unexpected question: What am I supposed to wear? Most people overthink this part. They worry about picking the perfect outfit, matching their dog, or somehow “getting it wrong....” but the truth is, what you wear doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the better your photos will turn out because at the end of the day, these photos aren’t about your outfit...they’re about your dog.

Photographing Dogs With Illnesses: Why These Moments Matter More Than Ever

By Chantell Schulz • April 2, 2026
When your dog is diagnosed with an illness, everything changes. The routines you once took for granted feel heavier. The small moments start to matter more and suddenly, time feels like something you wish you could hold onto just a little tighter. It’s not something any dog parent ever prepares for but it’s in these moments that time means everything and every memory means twice as much as before.
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Do I Need to Train My Dog Before a Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • March 26, 2026
If you’ve ever thought about booking photos for your dog, chances are this question has crossed your mind: Do they need to be trained first? Maybe they don’t sit on command, get distracted every two seconds, are a little too excited… or a little too nervous. Suddenly, getting photos feels like something you have to prepare for. Here’s the truth: your dog doesn’t need to be trained to be photographed beautifully.
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The Story Behind Renavia Photography

By 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.
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Why Black Dogs Are Hard to Photograph (And How I Make Them Shine)

By Chantell Schulz • March 11, 2026
Black dogs are stunning in person. Their coats can be glossy, rich, and full of texture. When it comes to photos, many owners notice something frustrating… their dog can end up looking like a dark blur with no detail. If you’ve ever taken a photo of your black dog and thought, “Why can’t I see their face?” you’re definitely not alone. Here’s why black dogs are harder to photograph and how I bring out all their beautiful details.

5 Common Pet Photography Mistakes (And How I Avoid Them)

By Chantell Schulz • March 6, 2026
Photographing dogs might look simple, but anyone who has tried it knows it can be surprisingly challenging. Dogs move quickly, get distracted easily, and don’t always cooperate with the plan. Over time, I’ve noticed a few common mistakes that many pet photographers make when photographing dogs. Avoiding these has made a huge difference in the way I approach my sessions and the photos I deliver.
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When Is the Right Time to Book a Dog Photoshoot?

By Chantell Schulz • February 26, 2026
If You’ve Been Saying “I’ll Do It Later,” This is for you: “I’ll do it later.” It sounds responsible...It sounds practical...It sounds like there’s time, but when it comes to your dog, later is the four words most people regret.  If you’ve been thinking about booking a dog photoshoot in Calgary but keep putting it off, this is for you.
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Indoor Dog Photoshoots in Calgary

By Chantell Schulz • February 18, 2026
If you live in Calgary, you know exactly what I mean when I say… second winter is back. This week alone brought freezing temperatures, icy sidewalks, and that “I thought we were done with this?” feeling. While outdoor sessions are beautiful, they’re not always realistic when winter decides to make an encore appearance. That’s where indoor dog photoshoots come in. Here are five reasons they might be the perfect fit for you and your furbaby.
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Valentine’s Day Photos with Your Dog

By Chantell Schulz • February 11, 2026
Valentine’s Day is usually all hearts, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. There’s nothing wrong with that, but when you love a dog, Valentine’s Day becomes something a little different. It becomes a day to celebrate a love that doesn’t ask for much…but gives so much in return. Your dog doesn’t care about red roses or boxed chocolates. They care about time with you, affection on their terms, and the moments you share together. What's important is the real stuff that shows up in photos and memories years from now.