The most common message I get before a session is some version of “I’m not sure my dog will behave.”
Sometimes it’s a reactive dog. Sometimes it’s a puppy with zero attention span.
Sometimes it’s a 10-year-old who can’t walk far and has never really liked strangers.
In over 1,000 sessions across Canberra, I have not met a dog I couldn’t photograph.
This is what a session actually looks like, from start to finish.
What Happens on the Day of a Dog Photography Session in Canberra?
Every session starts the same way. I meet your dog before I do anything else.
I let them come to me. I don’t rush it. I spend time with them, let them sniff me out, get used to me being around. By the time we start walking and I’ve got my camera out, your dog usually isn’t paying attention to me anymore. That’s exactly where I want them.
From there, I work through the shots I want to get. I always have a list in my head going in, based on the conversations we have at the consultation and the planning call talking through how you want to enjoy the photographs. But I’m shooting the whole time we’re moving, not just when everything is perfectly set up. A lot of the photos my clients love most come from the moments we’re just walking between spots.
Sessions run about an hour, sometimes a bit less depending on your dog. Your dog sets the pace. If they need a break, we take a break.
“Ina made the entire experience feel effortless from start to finish. The photoshoot itself was incredibly easy and relaxed… She has a real gift for working with animals and capturing their personality in a way that feels natural and joyful.”
Kim Vella, February 2026
Where Do Dog Photography Sessions in Canberra Take Place?
All my sessions are outdoors, in my studio in Jerrabomberra, or at your home if it’s a cat. Most clients come to me for the outdoor sessions.
I photograph across Canberra and the surrounding areas, including Yarralumla, Lake Burley Griffin, Weston, and locations through Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden, and Queanbeyan. If you have somewhere specific that matters to you, a park you walk every morning, a spot near your home, let me know. I’m happy to explore.
I’ll suggest a location based on where you are and what your dog is like. Lake Burley Griffin in the late afternoon is a favourite for a reason: the light, the open space, the water in the background, and it’s got that iconic Canberra look. But it’s not always the right fit for every dog.
We’ll talk through location options at the consultation appointment.
“Ina was great in knowing the locations to get the best photos for our dogs.”
Anthony Sullian, February 2026
What if My Dog Is Reactive, Anxious, or Won’t Sit Still?
This is the question I get most often. And I get it, because I’d be asking it too if I was booking in a session with a dog photographer.
Here’s the honest answer: I’ve worked with every type of dog. The ones that won’t stop moving, the ones who bark at everything on a lead, the anxious dogs who need a much slower warm-up, the older dogs who can’t cover much ground, the puppies who just won’t stay still. I’ve worked with dogs who were sick. Dogs who were 14 years old and had a very specific pace. Dogs who’d never been great with strangers.
There’s always a way.
My approach doesn’t change much from dog to dog. I let them lead. I meet them where they are. I don’t put them in positions they’re uncomfortable with and I don’t try to force anything. If something isn’t working, we try something else.
Daniela booked a session for Kianah, her nearly-10-year-old, who wasn’t warm to people outside her pack. Here’s what she wrote after:
“I was a little worried as Kianah our nearly 10 year old fur baby is not very warm to a lot of people unless they’re part of our ‘pack’ but Ina was absolutely amazing, she took her time, was patient and absolutely worked so well with Kianah and her personality. She made sure that she spent time with Kianah prior to taking the photos, to get to know her and let Kianah feel comfortable with her. It didn’t take very long for Kianah to realise that she could definitely trust Ina and nudged up to her with approval.”
Daniela Lozov, May 2024
If your dog has specific needs or behaviours I should know about before we start, tell me when you book your consultation. Not because it might stop us, because it helps me plan.
What Should I Bring and How Do I Prepare My Dog?
Bring treats. Whatever your dog responds to most, that’s what I want you to have in your pocket. I’ll use them throughout the session to get attention when I need it.
If they have a toy that reliably gets a reaction, bring that too. But treats are the main one.
Bring their lead even if we’re going somewhere off-lead. I’ll sometimes ask you to use it so I can get a specific composition, and if it’s in the shot, I can edit it out.
If you can manage it, give your dog a good walk the evening before. A dog who’s had a decent run the day before is a much calmer dog on session day. Not exhausted, just settled.
For what you wear: comfortable clothes in neutral or muted tones tend to work well. If you have a black dog, don’t wear black as the dog will blend in. Most of the time sticking with solid colours and subtle patterns is best. Don’t stress too much about it. The clients who overthink their outfit always look perfectly fine in the photos.
When you book in you’ll get sent a full session prep guide covering timing, what to expect, and what to wear.
What Happens After the Session? How Do I Get My Photos?
At the end of your session, before we leave, we book your ordering appointment.
One to two weeks after your session, we meet at the studio and I show you your photos for the first time. We go through the photos together and talk about what you want to do with the images, what would work in your home, what size, what format. Most clients invest in wall art. Some add albums or prints. I’ll help you figure out what makes sense.
The artworks are produced by a professional lab. I wouldn’t put anything on a client’s wall that I wouldn’t put on my own. All are backed by a 30-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
“She made us all feel so comfortable during our session and was so patient with our doggo and capturing what we were after. Could not be more grateful for the beautiful images we have received!”
Michelle Vilardi, April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Photography in Canberra
How much does a dog photography session in Canberra cost?
My session fee is $1,190, which includes $1,000 print credit towards prints and artwork. Most clients like to use this towards wall art, an album, or a portrait box. Most clients invest between $2,000 and $5,000 in their final artwork and prints. Some spend more, some spend less. We’ll talk through the full investment at the consultation. You can see the different artwork options at here.
Can I bring more than one dog?
Yes, I do multi-dog sessions regularly. Just let me know when you book your consult.
Do you photograph cats or other pets?
Most of my sessions are dogs, but I do photograph other pets. Get in touch and we’ll talk through what would work.
What time of year is best for a dog photography session in Canberra?
Canberra has good light year-round. Autumn and spring are the easiest, the temperature is comfortable for dogs and the light is soft. Summer sessions work well early in the morning before it gets hot. Winter can be beautiful if you’re okay with a cold start. Most sessions are done an hour or two before sunset as that’s when you get the best light.
How far in advance do I need to book?
A few weeks is usually enough. Popular times fill earlier, particularly spring and autumn. If you have a specific date in mind, it’s worth getting in touch sooner. Every session starts with a consultation, either in my studio in Jerrabomberra (just outside the Canberra border) or via Zoom. Most people like to come in person so we can meet, and you’re welcome to bring your pet too. That way you can also see the different artwork options in person.
Do you travel outside Canberra?
Yes. I photograph mostly around Canberra and the surrounding regions including Queanbeyan, Yass, and Bungendore, but I can travel further. Ask me when you book.
Why I Started Doing This
I started Ina J Photography because of my dog, Mac.
Mac was so special to me. Even though he was my second dog, he had the biggest impact and the biggest personality. When he was diagnosed with heart failure in 2017, the vet gave him six months to a year. But he fought for two years, and it was hard. He passed away in 2019.
Before he passed away, I was looking for someone to take professional photos of him. At the time, I couldn’t find an outdoor pet photographer in Canberra. I found a studio pet photographer but it just didn’t give me the experience I wanted. So I became one.
That’s still why I do this. Because these photos matter, and I know exactly how much. I’m going through this exact situation again with one of my dogs, James, recently diagnosed with cancer.
If you’re ready to book your session, I’d love to hear from you. You can book in for a consultation here:
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