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Dog Photography Tips for Students: A Visit to Sir Winston Churchill Secondary

Dog Photography Tips for Students: A Visit to Sir Winston Churchill Secondary

Dogs

Last month, I was invited to Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in St. Catharines to share some dog photography tips for students in the school’s graphic design and photography courses. We had a handful of terrific dogs from Therapy Tails Niagara join us as models—offering the students a unique chance to put their skills to the test with some very lovable subjects.

Therapy dog posing outdoors during a lesson on dog photography tips for students at a St. Catharines high school

Dog Photography Tips for Students: Working with Dogs in Busy Environments

We started the day with a conversation about the fundamentals of working with dogs during a photo session. Dogs, as we all know, don’t take direction the same way people do—so I walked the students through a few simple techniques to help make the most of their time behind the lens:

  • How to approach a dog: Always calmly and with respect—especially when working with therapy dogs or those who may be nervous.

  • Reading body language: Understanding the difference between relaxed and overwhelmed behaviour is key to knowing when (and when not) to keep shooting.

  • Getting their attention: We talked about using sounds, treats, movement, and vocal tone to help bring out those alert ears and bright expressions.

  • Working through distractions: Since we were shooting outdoors on school grounds, there was no shortage of movement, noise, and activity. I offered suggestions for keeping the dogs focused while still being patient and flexible.

These dog photography tips for students focused on real-world techniques—useful whether you’re working on a class project or just photographing your own pup at home.

Chihuahua standing in the garden at Sir Winston Churchill in St. Catharines

Scouting the Best Locations Around the School

Once we covered the basics, we walked the school grounds together and discussed which areas would make the most effective photo backdrops. We explored the front, sides, and more tucked-away corners of the property, looking at things like light quality, background texture, and composition.

It was great to hear what the students noticed as we compared locations—and I could tell they were beginning to see the environment in a different way, which is half the battle when it comes to location-based photography.

Tessa the Therapy Tails model at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary

A Collaborative and Rewarding Afternoon

What stood out most to me was how engaged a lot of the students were. They asked thoughtful questions, and dove into the challenge with gusto. I spent most of the time chatting with the students and answering questions, but I did manage to capture a few images of our gorgeous models in the various locations we discovered.

A huge thank you to Therapy Tails Niagara and their volunteer teams for making this kind of experience possible—and to the staff at Sir Winston for the invitation. It was a pleasure to be part of something that blends creativity, compassion, and real-world experience for the next generation of photographers, be they hobbyists or aspiring to go “pro”!

Interested in a beautiful Studio or Location session with your own dog?

Give yourself the gift of memories with your best friend. Please get in touch if you’d like to explore the options!

Inquire here

Celebrate Your Senior Dog

Celebrate Your Senior Dog

Dogs

Don’t Wait: Why Now is the Perfect Time for a Photo Session with Your Senior Dog

I can’t tell you how often I hear:

“I should do it while she’s still feeling good, I’m just so busy.”

“We wanted to do it in fall and then he got sick.”

“We thought we’d wait, but she’s really showing her age now.”

I get it. Life is full and our time with our dogs can be unpredictable. But here’s a gentle nudge from someone who’s been there.

If your dog is getting older, or starting to slow down, or just doesn’t have the bounce they used to—now is the time to capture their spirit. Right now, while they’re still themselves.

senior yellow lab playing with dog mom

It isn’t just about photos—it’s about connection.

A session with me isn’t a stiff, awkward ordeal. It’s a relaxed, custom experience – something that feels like time well spent with your best friend. It’s a way to celebrate your bond and honour everything they mean to you.

And yes, you should be in the photos too, be present with your pup. Cuddling. Smiling. A handshake. A kiss placed just right. Because years from now, those are the images that are going to make you smile. That connection – the look you share, the way they lean into you – it’s what makes your relationship uniquely yours.

Especially if your dog is palliative or aging…

I offer gentle, respectful sessions designed specifically for older or palliative dogs. These are slow-paced, low-stress experiences with lots of breaks, treats, and patience. Think of it as quality time with your best friend and with beautiful images to remember it by.

And I promise: it doesn’t have to feel sad. These sessions are often full of quiet joy. There’s something deeply meaningful about pressing pause and really being present with your dog, soaking in their perfection… and imperfections.

Don’t worry if your dog isn’t “perfect.”

I’ve worked with dogs who are reactive, nervous, leash-bound, squirrel-obsessed—you name it. Your dog doesn’t need to be an off-leash obedience champion. That’s not the goal. My job is to work with your dog, just as they are, and create images that show off their personality and spirit. Whether that means using a long lens from a distance, working in a location when others aren’t around, or bringing them into my studio in St. Catharines for a calm, controlled setting – I’ve got you.

This isn’t your average cookie-cutter photoshoot. We plan your session around your dog’s comfort, your preferences, and the story you want to tell.

As a senior dog photographer serving Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville, I’m here to help you create something beautiful and meaningful—whether in-studio or on location. Let’s talk about what a session could look like for you and your pup. No pressure. Just a friendly chat about how we can celebrate your dog, no matter where they are in their journey.

Because your best friend deserves to be remembered—not just as a blur of memories on your phone, but in photos that truly reflect the essence of who they are.

And you deserve that too.

Want to talk about a session for your older dog? Get in touch here.

    Pet First Aid: My Journey to Becoming a Certified Pet First Aider

    Pet First Aid: My Journey to Becoming a Certified Pet First Aider

    News

    Last Sunday, I became a certified Pet First Aider! As a dog photographer in Niagara, I work closely with dogs every day, so it’s important for me to be prepared in case something happens—whether at a photo session, at home with Indy and Lucca, or even a dog at the scene of an accident. I completed an intensive full-day canine emergency first aid course that gave me the knowledge to handle dog related emergencies, no matter where I am. Here’s a little glimpse into what I learned and why I believe it’s essential for dog lovers like us to be prepared, even in small ways.

    Why I Took Canine First Aid Training 

    The course, (offered through St. Catharines’ Unleashed Niagara and led by the extremely knowledgeable Bridget Nicholls – contact info below), gave me the skills to offer first aid in the event of a dog emergency. While I hope I’ll never need to use these skills (my stomach isn’t the strongest!), it’s reassuring to know I have some of the tools that could make a difference to the outcome of a situation. Now I feel better prepared to deal with unexpected situations, at home and at work.

    My Top 7 Takeaways from the Canine First Aid Course 

    1. Assessing the Scene and the Dog

    One of the first things I learned was the importance of evaluating the situation. To stop and take in the entire scene before doing anything else, there may be clues or hazards to be aware of at the scene. Ask permission to help before you jump in with someone else’s dog (that’s a legal consideration). Then conducting a “nose to tail” survey of a dog and checking their vital stats are critical steps before administering first aid. Luckily, the training included some handy mnemonic devices to help remember these processes.

    2. Making a Makeshift Muzzle 

    A muzzle can be an important tool during an emergency. Even our own dogs can become frightened and bite when they’re in pain. I learned how to create a makeshift muzzle to protect myself while offering help, ensuring the dog’s safety as well as my own.

    3. The Value of Knowing My Dog’s Baseline Vitals 

    I learned what normal vital signs for a dog are and how to check them. Having a record of Indy and Lucca’s vital statistics when they’re calm and relaxed at home could be incredibly helpful for my vet in an emergency. It’s something I hadn’t considered before, but it actually makes good sense.

    4. Preparing Our Dogs for First Aid Through Training

    Conditioning your dog to accept touch (feet included!), a muzzle, or a crate before it becomes a medical necessity can make a world of difference… for you, your dog, and any care giver. Imagine how much easier it would be for your vet, groomer or doggysitter, if your dog was trained to accept care!

    5. Wrapping a Wound and Stopping Bleeding 

    I learned how to properly wrap a wound, which could be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with bleeding. Knowing how to handle these situations can keep the dog stable until you can get to the vet.

    6. Responding to an Unresponsive Dog

    What would you do if you found a dog that wasn’t responsive? Now I know the steps to assess – and the order in which to take them – including how to perform CPR. Though it’s definitely a scary thing to do and not at all like what you see on TV. 

    7. Performing CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver on Dogs

    Learning the right technique was one of the more challenging but obviously essential parts of the training. My go-to 100 beats-per-minute song for CPR? “Stayin’ Alive!” (It’s catchy and keeps the rhythm – and I can hum it in my head.) I also learned the proper way to perform the Heimlich maneuver on both small and large dogs.

    My patient

    Bridget conditioning Stevie to touch

    My canine first aid certificate

    Will I Remember Everything? Probably Not… 

    Let’s be real—there’s a lot to remember. Thankfully, the course provided a handy 130-page spiral-bound book with tons of detailed info, and my own notes, just in case. Plus, now I know exactly what to stock in my canine first aid kits (yes, plural—one for home and one for travel).

    Want to Learn Pet First Aid Too? 

    Courses are specifically tailored to provide First Aid by species. If you’re interested in learning these life-saving skills, I highly recommend following Bridget Nicholls on social media @AnimalIdeaswithBridget or Unleashed Niagara for information about the courses. You can even host a class with at least five participants.

    Bridget Nicholls,
    PhD Candidate, Department of Sociology & Criminology
    Project Coordinator, Animal & Interpersonal Abuse Research Group
    University of Windsor
    Associate Fellow, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics

    Where’s the DOG?! What to do when your pup disappears

    Where’s the DOG?! What to do when your pup disappears

    News

    Last Week was a crazy roller coaster of emotions.

    I kid you not, it was awful. I spent a large portion of the week helping in the hunt for a friend’s 13-year old, Border Terrier, Lucy, in Dunnville. She went missing on Tuesday afternoon – maybe you saw some of the posts on Facebook.

    With new windows being installed, Lucy got her nose out of joint and went on an unexpected walkabout. My friend didn’t clock that she’d pulled a Houdini until the early evening.

    When we learned in the morning that she was missing, a group of Niagara-based friends (who also happen to be dog lovers) kicked into high gear. We combed the area, cut back undergrowth and pulled away vines from hydro poles and other bushes on the perimeter of her property. In that sweltering heat we were in jeans,  rain boots, and long sleeve shirts and doused in bug spray,  trying to get into the brush and down in the ditches to see if Lucy was hiding there, or worse, hurt. At one point, someone pointed out that I was standing in the midst of poison ivy and stinging nettles, mamma mia! It was brutal.

    Despite the above, plus a failed drone attempt, and our inability to find tracker dogs, we didn’t give up. Finally, on Friday, just as we were planning a big search party, Lucy came home on her own!

    This ordeal made me realize how unprepared many of us are for such situations. So, here’s a checklist to use as a resource, in the event your dog (god forbid) ever goes missing:

    Pre-emptive actions:

    Microchip Your Pet: Ensure your dog is microchipped and the information is up-to-date.

    Keep a Clear Photo Ready: Have a recent, clear photo of your dog showing its full face and body without any people in it. This will be crucial for posters and social media.

    Secure Your Dog During Home Repairs: If there’s work being done at your home, keep your dogs secured to prevent them from bolting.

    Use a GPS Tracker: In rural areas, at a cottage or if you like to hike with your dog, a GPS tracker can be a lifesaver. AirTags are also an option in more populated areas. Just remember that AirTags are bluetooth trackers, not live GPS and only only compatible with Apple products. The tag has to connect to a nearby iDevice to show location. Here’s a link to an interesting article that goes through the pros and cons of both.

    When you realize your dog is missing:

    Organize a Search Party Immediately: Do not wait! The quicker you act, the better your chances of finding your dog. Usually dogs are found in a range of 5 square kms from their home. Start right away before they can get far.

    Create and Distribute Flyers: Use your clear photo (see above) for flyers. Here’s a google doc flyer template. Keep to the basics and ask people to check around their property. (to use the template, make a copy of the file and start editing, or download in a different format). Print at least 50 -100 and give your flyer to anyone who’ll take it.

    Post Flyers in Plastic Sleeves: To protect them from rain, slide flyers upside down into plastic sleeves before stapling them to poles.

    Give your flyer to anyone who’ll take it: postal workers, municipal workers, delivery men, kids in the neighbourhood, grocery stores, pet stores etc. Have tape handy to post in shops and a staple gun to get them up at intersections. Put it in mailboxes around your area.

    Inform Local Authorities: Let vets, the Humane Society, and SPCA know immediately, check in daily with Humane Society/SPCA.

    Use Social Media: Have a point person to manage posts to Lost and Found groups on Facebook, and to keep checking comments for any info.

    Seek Local Resources: Ask about available dog trackers, drone operators, and other resources.

    Stay Positive: Dogs are resilient and resourceful, do not give up your you pup.

    Take Care of Yourself: Remember to eat and rest, even if you don’t feel like it. You need your strength to stay focused and positive.

    To sum it up – be prepared!

    Having a pet go missing is a gut-wrenching experience, but being prepared can make a big difference. Keep this checklist handy and remember to act quickly, stay organized, and keep the faith. Your best friend is counting on you.

    We got lucky with Lucy, I hope that you never have to go through this experience. And a quick note, she was fine, her ears were a little torn up and her paws were a bit sore, but other than that she was A-OK.

    Cheers and wags,

    Karen

    Thanks to my awesome newsletter VIPs, I have a couple of additional tips for you!

    From Krista M: Also post a large version of the flyer with a photo in front of your house. Many people who find a dog will walk or drive around the immediate area looking for someone who is searching for a dog, or someone who knows the dog.

    From Rosemary C: I would also suggest to contact places that you visit with your pet. E.g. pet food stores (yes, Bruce walks to Two pet food stores and knows how to drag me there), parks, friends’ homes. Anywhere they get treats.

     

    Top 10 Barrel Room Session Posers

    Top 10 Barrel Room Session Posers

    Dogs

    Dang these dawgs are cute!

    I’m still working on my 10th Anniversary top 10 series and it wouldn’t be complete with out my Barrel Room Sessions. The Muddy Paws Wine Festival began back in 2015! I started with the Barrel Room Sessions in 2016 and never looked back. I absolutely love being in the barrel room capturing these distinctive portraits for wine loving dog lovers!

    Unfortunately there was no 2020 or 2021 event, but the break gave the organizers time to refresh the event and include more wineries!

    8 years later, the pawty is now called the Muddy Paws Wine Trail and consists of great wine and food, doggie games and live music that’ll have your toes tapping and your dog’s tail wagging. We’re now at Featherstone Winery, Sue-Ann Staff Esate Winery and Westcott Vineyards.

    I have to say, it was tough to stop at 10! There were so many other amazing pups that I’d have loved to include. But you have to have a cut off, and mine is… eleven. LOL!

    Barrel Room sessions are über popular with wine lovers who also happen to have a love affair with their dogs. Decorating your walls with your best friend is next level bragging rights! Don’t miss out, there are limited places for 2024 Barrel Room Sessions.

    I want a barrel room session!

    2016 Dexter

    2017 Ariel

    2018: Triggs

    Collage of 2021 Winery Dogs of Ontario

    2018: Logan

    Embark challenge submissions

    2019: Rye

    various dog images in Toronto and NOTL

    2019: Toffee

    2022: Sherlock

    2022: Gunther

    2023: Clooney

    2023: Cooper the Sheepadoodle

    BONUS 2023: Indy and Lucca

    There you have it, a selection of 11 of my favourite Barrel Room captures over the years.

    I hope you enjoyed the compilation. There’s still more to come including a wacky look at outtakes! Stay tuned, and please sign up for my newsletter if you’d like all the dirt, the minute it’s dug up cool

    Interested in a Barrel Room Session of your own, check it out here ›.

    Let’s create something that makes your wine loving, dog-lover friends green with envy!