What Should You Wear to a Dog Photoshoot?

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.

Keep It Simple (Less Really Is More)

When it comes to choosing your outfit, simple always wins. Neutral tones like beige, white, black, cream, and soft earth tones photograph beautifully without pulling attention away from your dog.


Busy patterns, bright neon colours, and large logos tend to distract from what actually matters. Instead of enhancing the image, they compete with it.


The goal isn’t to stand out, it’s to support the overall image so your dog naturally becomes the focus.

Dress for Your Dog’s Colour

One of the easiest ways to elevate your photos is by thinking about contrast.


If you have a darker dog, lighter clothing helps separate you visually and keeps everything from blending together. If your dog has lighter fur, slightly darker tones can create that same balance.


This doesn’t mean you need to perfectly coordinate. It just means being mindful of how your outfit and your dog’s coat interact in a photo.

Don’t Try to Match Your Dog

It might feel tempting to match your dog’s colour or accessories, but this can actually have the opposite effect. When everything is the same tone, it all blends together and your dog loses that visual spotlight.


Instead, aim for complementary colours. Think tones that work well together without being identical. This keeps your dog as the centre of attention while still creating a cohesive look.

Choose Comfort Over Perfection

During your session, you won’t just be standing still. You might be crouching, walking, adjusting a leash, or moving with your dog. If your outfit feels restrictive or uncomfortable, it will show in your body language.


The best photos come when you feel relaxed and natural. So choose something you can move in, something you feel confident in, and something that doesn’t require constant adjusting.

Keep the Focus Where It Matters

It’s easy to feel like you need to show up perfectly styled, but your role in these photos is different. You’re there to support your dog, not take the spotlight.


Simple, well-chosen outfits naturally guide the viewer’s eye exactly where it should go...on your dog’s expression, their personality, and the little details that make them who they are. That’s what you’ll care about most when you look back on these images.

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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 .
By Chantell Schulz May 14, 2026
May long weekend always feels like the unofficial start of summer… until Calgary weather decides otherwise. One minute it’s sunny and warm, the next it’s raining sideways and everyone’s digging winter jackets back out. But honestly? Your dog doesn’t care if the plans are fancy. They just care about spending time with you. So if the forecast is looking questionable this weekend, here are a few dog-friendly ideas for both the sunny moments and the rainy ones.
By Chantell Schulz May 8, 2026
Still searching for a Mother’s Day gift that actually feels meaningful?  If the dog mom in your life treats her furbaby like family, a dog photography session is something she’ll remember long after flowers have wilted and chocolates are gone. The best part? You don’t need weeks of planning to make it happen.
Calgary dog photographer, calgary dog photography, dog photographer calgary, pet photographer
By Chantell Schulz May 1, 2026
After what always feels like the longest winter here in Calgary, the shift is finally happening. The snow melts, the air softens, and suddenly everything feels a little lighter again. If you’re anything like most dog moms, this is when you start thinking about getting outside more: longer walks, golden evening light, muddy paws, and those happy post-winter zoomies. It also happens to be one of the best times of year for photos.
Dog photography calgary, calgary dog photographer, calgary dog photos, doh photoshoot calgary
By 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).