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Studio vs Outdoor Portrait Sessions

Sunday, September 21, 2025 | By: Kim Yanick Portraits

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When you're planning a photography session for your dog (and maybe your family too), one of the first big questions is: indoors or outdoors?

There’s no wrong answer—it all depends on your pup’s personality, your style, and how you want to enjoy the photos after. Let’s walk through what makes each session type special, and which one might be the perfect fit for you and your furry sidekick.

Studio Sessions: Classic, Clean, and Dramatic

Studio sessions are all about focus—on your pet, your bond, and those timeless details.

I typically use a neutral backdrop (black, brown, or grey) with simple, clean lighting. The vibe is calm and classic. Your dog becomes the star of the show—every little eyebrow twitch, whisker, and soulful stare stands out.

This is especially great for people who want images that feel elegant, fine art-inspired, or just super crisp and intentional.

 Pros of Studio Sessions:

Weather-proof (no reschedules for rain or snow!)
Controlled lighting and setting
Focused portraits with no distractions
Great for small to medium dogs who are relaxed indoors

Best for:

Hero wall pieces that make your pup look like royalty
Framed trios that tell a mini story
Dogs who are calm, confident, or used to indoor environments

 

 

 

Outdoor Sessions: Natural, Playful, and Story-Driven

If you want movement, personality, and those painterly vibes—outdoor is where it’s at.

We can shoot in forests, fields, beaches (or anywhere special to you). These sessions are ideal for dogs who love to explore or who need a bit more space to decompress. If your dog is reactive, shy, or doesn’t love enclosed spaces, nature gives us room to spread out, relax, and use longer lenses so they don’t feel crowded.

No flashes. No stress. Just fresh air and a playdate disguised as a photo session.

Pros of Outdoor Sessions:

Natural light = dreamy, painterly look
Lots of space to move, sniff, and be a dog
Perfect for active, goofy, or sensitive pups
Every session is different depending on the season and location

Best for:

Albums that tell the story of your pup’s adventure
Gallery walls full of laughter, motion, and connection
Dogs who are full of beans, or need space to feel safe

 

 

Can't Decide? Do Both!

Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to choose. Some of my favourite sessions (like Jasper’s!) are split into two—studio for that classic portrait, and outdoors for the tail-wagging fun. You get the best of both worlds and two different looks that blend beautifully in albums or a mixed wall display.

 So… What’s Right for You?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

You want...    Go for...
A dramatic, clean portrait of your dog     Studio
Natural, storytelling images     Outdoor
A quiet space with no distractions     Studio
A relaxing, flexible experience     Outdoor
To show off your dog’s coat and eyes     Studio
To capture them being silly and playful     Outdoor
 

 

Still not sure? That’s exactly what the planning call is for! We’ll chat about your dog’s personality, where you’ll display your artwork, and which vibe suits your story best.

 

Want to start planning your session?
Let’s design something perfect for your pup—and for you. 

Outdoor Photography Sessions
Location, Location, Location

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