Why I Don't Force Costume Photos

Chantell Schulz • November 4, 2026

Every year around Halloween, I get the same question: “Do you do costume photos?”


My answer is: it depends on your dog.


I'm always down to try it if your dog seems happy and genuinely enjoying themselves in the costume. Relaxed body, wagging tail, still being their goofy self? Let's go for it. But the second I see they're stressed or not happy, the costume comes off and we won't be taking photos with it. No pushing through, no “just one more shot.”


That's not a judgment on anyone who loves a dog in a costume. I get it, they're cute, but your dog's comfort comes first in my sessions, and that includes costumes.

Your Dog Gets the Final Say

Here's the thing most people don't realize: a dog tolerating a costume isn't the same as a dog enjoying it.


When a dog is uncomfortable, it shows: freezing in place, ears pinned back, lip licking, whale eye, or trying to shake the whole thing off. My background in animal behaviour means I'm watching for those signals all session long, and I take them seriously.


If your dog is happy in their costume, we'll have fun with it. If they're not, the costume comes off and we carry on with the session. Either way, your dog decides...not me, and not the theme.

Force-Free Means Force-Free

My entire approach is built around one idea: I don't force your dog to do anything.


I don't force poses, I don't force them to sit still for an hour, and I don't force them to wear something they're unhappy in. If I pushed through a costume photo with a stressed dog, the “force-free” part would just be a slogan.

What You'll Get Instead

Photos of your dog as they actually are. Running, sniffing, playing, being a dog, and yes, sometimes in a costume, if that's something they genuinely love.


If your dog already struts around happily in their favourite bandana or Halloween outfit, that's part of who they are and I'm happy to capture it. But I won't dress them up in something new and expect them to just deal with it.

The Short Version

If your dog loves dressing up, let's try it. If they don't, we'll capture them exactly as they are: goofy, joyful, muddy paws and all. Either way, your dog decides.


Let's fetch some photos!

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