Critter Collections by J Shantz Photography
Edmonton & St Albert's award winning pet photographer.
I’m Jill!
The greater Edmonton areas full time pet photographer. I have been a professional photographer for over 26 years. In that time I have won some awards, taken some great photographs and met some amazing people along the way.
My sessions are fun and relaxed and I love helping my clients dream up their perfect portraits. In 2008 I started making the move to specializing in Pet Portraiture.
Some may think it is a recipe for insanity but I LOVE it! Call me crazy.
If I could wish 1 thing it would be that every pet lover around had an amazing portrait of their beloved cat or dog! Pets are family. Our time with them is limited but they bring us so much.
Pets are photographed on location or in my St Albert residential studio studio. I like to keep things relaxed and calm. I do this by keeping the number of people involved in a session to myself and the owners. And by choosing a location that is comfortable for your pet. This way I can capture your pets true personality.
I was a member of the Professional Photographers of Canada since my days as a NAIT Photography student in 1998. It was a great learning opportunity working toward accreditation and a Masters in the Photographic Arts.
Since 2007, I have made a point of giving back to the community, specifically the animal rescue community. I have hosted events for local rescue agencies, I donate to groups raising money for rescue in the form of silent auction donations and I am a huge advocate for adoption. Most recently, I have completes a book project, Tails of St Albert and raised money and awareness for animal rescue. This project raised just under $4000 for less fortunate companion animals. I also volunteer 2 mornings a week with Second Chance Animal Rescue at their Morinville facility. Supporting local animal rescue holds a special place in my heart as I myself have 2 rescue dogs. Charlie and Molly(RIP) have captured my heart like no others and I want others like them to have amazing lives with love and support.
Thank you for contacting us!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Where do sessions happen?
-
Sessions can take place in a variety of settings, including our studio, your backyard, urban spaces, or a scenic park. Locations are carefully chosen to suit you and your pet’s unique needs. Some dogs thrive in quiet, low-key environments due to reactivity, while others are comfortable being photographed just about anywhere. Together, we’ll determine the perfect location during your pre-shoot consultation.
The Greater Edmonton area offers countless stunning backdrops for your session. However, we avoid dog parks—they’re often full of distractions that make it difficult for your pet to relax and shine.
- My dog can not be off leash, can we still do the portrait session outside?
-
Absolutely! Most of the dogs I photograph outdoors are on a leash—I firmly believe in a safety-first approach. Leashes are seamlessly removed in Photoshop, so your images will look natural and leash-free. For the best results, I recommend using a flat collar instead of a harness and bringing a long lead. If you don’t have one, no worries, I can provide one for your session.
As a strong advocate for force-free training, I do not support the use of prong collars or shock collars. Please leave these at home and come prepared to celebrate your pet in a positive, stress-free environment.
- My dog is not really trained and a little nutty, can you still photograph them?
-
Absolutely! Every session is as unique as the dog being photographed, and each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Whether your dog is full of energy, shy, reactive, or somewhere in between, I will work tirelessly to find the best way to capture their personality and spirit.
While a solid sit-and-stay can be helpful, it’s by no means a requirement for a successful session. I adapt to your dog’s needs and behavior, using patience, creativity, and experience to bring out their best side. Whether they’re running, playing, lounging, or even a little hesitant, my goal is to create images that celebrate their individuality and the special bond you share.
- What payment options do you accept?
-
I accept online payment via E-transfer, Visa, MasterCard.
- When is the best time for an outdoor session?
-
We can schedule your session almost any time of day, depending on the location. However, the last two hours before sunset—often called the “golden hour”—is the most ideal time for outdoor photography. During this magical window, the light is soft, warm, and flattering, creating stunning images. Keep in mind, this time of day is highly sought after and tends to book up quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
Here in Alberta, the timing of golden hour varies significantly with the seasons—it might be as early as 2:30 PM in the winter or as late as 9:00 PM in the summer.
Summer and autumn are especially busy times for sessions. To secure your preferred date, it’s a good idea to book at least a month in advance during these peak seasons.
- Do you have a cancellation policy?
-
Rescheduling a session is no problem if the need arises! I kindly ask that you provide as much notice as possible. Weather is one of the most common reasons for postponing, and here in Alberta, it can be unpredictable. Sometimes, we may need to reschedule just hours before a session. I’ll make the call if the weather isn’t cooperating.
In fact, I’ve had sessions where everything seemed fine, only for a sudden downpour to force us to reschedule once we arrived. Stuff happens—it’s part of working with nature!
Please remember that session fees are non-refundable. However, this doesn’t mean your fee is forfeited. It will simply be transferred to the next scheduled date, ensuring you still get the session you’ve planned for.
- I want to be in the portrait with my dog, what should I wear?
-
The first step in choosing what to wear for your session is deciding whether you prefer a formal or casual look. From there, select a color palette that works well together if more than one person is being photographed. You don’t need to match exactly, but a coordinated palette creates clean, timeless images.
If it’s just you, pick your favorite outfit, something that makes you feel confident and amazing. Keep patterns to a minimum and opt for solid colors whenever possible, as they photograph beautifully. Avoid wearing the same color as your dog, especially if they’re black or a darker shade, as this can make them blend into the image.
Feel free to send me photos of your outfit ideas beforehand, and we can discuss the best options to ensure your session looks incredible!