One of the best things about being a pet photographer in Canberra is getting to see just how much this city changes through the seasons and how much dogs absolutely love it! Whether it’s zoomies in autumn leaves, splashing around in summer, or soaking up the spring sunshine, there’s always an adventure waiting. Here’s how you and your pup can make the most of every season.
Summer
Canberra summers can be brutal, especially these last few months where we've had such hot days, so it’s all about timing your outings to keep your pup cool and happy. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for walks. There’s less heat, softer light, and usually fewer people around, which is great if your dog prefers quieter spots. If they love the water, summer is perfect for a splash session. And don’t forget the basics: fresh water, shade, and avoiding hot pavement that can burn their paws. Check the ground before you go out, if it's too hot for you barefoot, it's going to be even hotter for your pup.
From a photography perspective, I think that summer sunsets are magic. That golden glow at the end of the day? It's just so stunning and it's perfect for capturing warm, dreamy shots of your dog whether it's a portrait or whether they're in action.
Autumn
If I had to pick a favourite season to photograph dogs, Autumn would definitely be number one. This is the perfect season for long, scenic walks where your dog can run through the fallen colourful leaves and the temperature is usually more comfortable for our furry friends. Many dogs become more energetic in autumn, making it a great time for outdoor play and longer adventures.
It’s also the perfect season to get stunning professional portraits of your dogs, the vibrant yellows, oranges and reds create a stunning backdrop, and the softer light at golden hour makes every pup look amazing. Plus, who doesn’t love watching a dog dive headfirst into a pile of leaves? Personally, I love it!! Imagine a candid portrait of your dog playing in the leaves.
Winter
Some dogs love the colder weather, becoming extra playful, while others prefer to stay indoors snuggling with you. Either way, winter is a great time to slow down and enjoy the peace of quiet trails and also staying indoors for extra snuggles.
For those who don’t mind braving the cold, foggy and frosty morning walks can be incredibly beautiful. Obviously this is not for everyone, so if you're game to brave out the cold frosty morning to get some amazing photos, I'm game too. After an outdoor walk, warming up with a visit to a dog-friendly café is a great way to end the outing. On particularly cold days, indoor activities like training games, puzzle toys, and extra snuggle time make winter a season of bonding.
Otherwise, for those that hate the cold, studio sessions are a great alternative where you can still enjoy a portrait experience and get stunning studio portraits of your dog. At my studio in Jerrabomberra (just outside of Canberra), I have a variety of backdrops available for studio sessions.
Spring
Canberra bursts into life in spring, with colourful flowers blooming across the city and parks filled with fresh green grass. This is my second favourite season. The warmer temperatures make it the perfect season for more frequent outings, longer walks, and playful afternoons at the park.
Spring is also a fantastic time to explore dog-friendly gardens and trails where wildflowers are in full bloom. Plus we also have Floriade’s Dogs’ Day Out which is a much-anticipated event where pups can enjoy the festival for one special day. I usually will have a stall, so if you do come on that day, make sure to come and say hi.
With all the bright colours and fresh air, this season is ideal for capturing joyful, vibrant photos of your dog in nature.
Capture Your Dog’s Adventures in Every Season!
Each season brings unique experiences and memories with your pup. If you want to celebrate your dog in a special way, I'm currently working on a book project, Tails of Canberra Vol. 2 and it is now open for applications!
This book will feature local dogs in beautiful locations across Canberra, highlighting the city’s stunning landscapes through the seasons and 50% of the registration fee will be donated to a local rescue, Completely Rescue, so you are helping a good cause and you get to have beautiful portraits of your dog.
Spots are limited, so get in touch to secure your place and showcase your pup’s story in this special edition!
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