Why I Photograph Dogs During Golden Hour

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.

Softer Light Creates More Beautiful Photos

Bright afternoon sunlight can create strong shadows, overly bright highlights, and uneven lighting. During golden hour, the light is much softer and more even, allowing me to capture beautiful details and natural colors without harsh shadows distracting from your dog.


The result is images that feel clean, timeless, and focused on what matters most: your dog.

It's More Comfortable for Your Dog

Your dog's comfort is always one of my top priorities.


During Calgary's warmer months, afternoons can be quite hot, especially for dogs with thick coats. By scheduling sessions later in the day, temperatures are often cooler and more comfortable. This helps keep your dog happier, more relaxed, and ready to enjoy the experience.


A comfortable dog always photographs better than one who is tired from the heat.

That Beautiful Golden Glow

One of the things I love most about golden hour is the warm glow it creates. The lower sun adds depth and warmth to images, helping create the look you see throughout my portfolio.


It's subtle, natural, and gives photos that extra touch of magic without feeling overly edited or artificial.

Why I Choose Golden Hour

When planning a session, I consider more than just the location. I also think about the lighting, the weather, and your dog's comfort. That's why I photograph most outdoor sessions during golden hour whenever possible.


It allows me to create beautiful images while giving your dog a more enjoyable experience. In the end, that's a win for everyone.

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.

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 .

Dog-Friendly Things To Do In Calgary This May Long Weekend

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.

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Dog Moms

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.