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.

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.

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!

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.

2016 Dexter

2017 Ariel

2018: Logan

2019: Rye

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

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!

From loss to inspiration

Sam led me to Indy and to pet photography. I had tons of phone shots of her, and I even printed a bunch of them out at a big box store after she was gone – they’ve yellowed and faded now. It killed me that I rarely had broken out my camera to capture “proper” photos of her, but I never imagined she wouldn’t be there. I have no special portraits of my best girl.

A couple of months after she was gone, the house felt too quiet, and was still filled with sadness. I started looking at rescue web sites for another calm, adult female. Well, the joke was on me. Sam’s comedic timing was always good…she sent me Indy instead.

A new purpose

Indy needed me, and I needed him. He needed to build his confidence and required a whole new level of energy from me. I had to learn much more about dog behaviour to help him with his demons. He was a personality-packed, troubled, one-year-old. I had to focus all my attention on him, and I did. While he wormed his way into my heart, I felt compelled to break out the camera and capture his antics. He became my muse, and I started to up my photography game.

Preserving precious memories

Eventually, I photographed other dogs, and it felt like I was connecting with the essence of each of their souls. It was too late for me to have the portraits of Sam that I wanted, but I wondered if this could be something I could do for others… as a way to preserve that special quality of a beloved best friend.

Celebrating our heart dogs

This is why I’m so passionate about what I do. I wish I had big, beautiful portraits of the dog that stole my heart on my walls, making my heart sing every time I look at them. I’ve long since forgotten the man who broke my heart, but Sam will be with me forever.

I’d like to help you celebrate your heart dog. When you’re ready, let’s celebrate their inimitable spirit together and create memories that make your heart sing. Take a peek through my website and see the many ways we can capture this for you. Then book a discovery call and I can answer any questions you have.