In my last blog post I wrote about The Beaches as a great location for dog photography.    

Today I’ll feature a photo session from another one of my favourite places for dog photography in Toronto, Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens. It's rustic gates, old stone walls and beds of bright flowers create a charming atmosphere for pet photography.

One thing that’s great about the gardens is that you can get a wide variety of photos in a relatively small space.  This allows for maximum use of time in our 1 or 1 ½ hour session. 

Features of Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens

There are areas where we can get photos in a very natural setting.  There are also areas  that feature formal flower gardens with roses, herbs and multi-tiered beds. These flower gardens change with the seasons.  Think of spring tulips, summer roses and fall chrysanthemums.

Inside the park, there is a stone retaining wall with stone balconies and steps that provide wonderful architectural interest for dog photography.

Candid photos with your dogs

Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens is also great for candid moments such as families laughing and playing with their dogs. I will usually take advantage of the wide open spaces to photograph these playful moments. The tranquility and beauty of the gardens will enhance both the connection between family members and the bond with their pets.

If you would like to capture your dogs capture dogs running the pathways in the park work so well for these shots.

Posed dog and family photos

I like to use the natural elements like the garden’s colourful blooms as well as benches, arches, and trellises to frame more posed portrait shots. For family shots, the elegant pergolas and stone staircases can frame group portraits beautifully, adding a timeless touch to the images.

Lighting can be magical in Alexander Muir memorial Gardens, especially during golden hour when the soft, warm sunlight bathes the gardens in a golden glow. This helps create intimate and natural-looking portraits, especially for families interacting with their pets.

What to wear for your dog and family photo session

I usually recommend neutral-toned clothing so outfits harmonize with the garden’s colours, whether it’s the lush greenery of summer or the warm hues of fall.

Highlights of a dog and family session

Prince, a charming miniature poodle came with his doting Mom for a photo session in the Fall.  He was such a cute and easy dog model to photograph. So well behaved, we could remove his leash and he would just stay put.  That’s a treat for a dog photographer - no leashes to remove in photo editing! 

( But don’t worry if your dog must stay on leash. Most of my dog clients are on leash for their photo session. Leash removal is part of the service I provide to all my clients).

Prince was beautifully groomed to really fit his namesake. Don't you think he looks princely? 

Here are some highlights of his session

I'd love the opportunity to photograph your dog at this beautiful location!

However, I always take the time to discuss your vision for the session. Together, we’ll choose the perfect location that aligns with your preferences, ensuring the photos capture exactly what you’re hoping for.

So if you have a great location for your pet and family photo shoot, please let me know.

I am always on the look out for new and interesting spots.

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