A Year in the Life


There are some sessions that stay with you long after the photos are delivered, this was one of them.


This wasn’t just a single photoshoot. It was a full year of documenting two deeply loved dogs through every season here in Alberta. From the quiet stillness of winter to the rich colors of fall, this project was all about capturing not just how Neeko and Bentley look, but who they are.

Rescue-dog-bentley-playing-red-deer-alberta-pet-photographer-summer-portrait-session
Rescue-dog-neeko-playing-red-deer-alberta-pet-photographer-summer-portrait-session

What started as a simple summer session quickly turned into something much more meaningful.


After photographing Neeko and Bentley for the first time, their owner Val had a beautiful idea: instead of capturing just one moment in time, we would document their lives across all four seasons! The places they love, the things they enjoy, and the little details that make them who they are.


And just like that, this became a much loved, year-long project.

A golden retriever mix sits on green grass, gazing upward in soft natural light.
A fluffy Alaskan Malamute stands on a lush green forest path, gazing upward alert.

Summer – Exploring Mode: On


Summer was where it all started, and honestly, it suited them perfectly. Summer is where everything opens up. The endless greens, the forest, the space to just wander—it has this almost fairytale-like quality to it. It’s one of those seasons where you don’t have to try too hard. You can just let dogs explore, and the images naturally come together.

Neeko and Bentley were completely in their element here. Lots of wandering, lots of sniffing, and just enjoying being outside together.

A fluffy white dog runs joyfully through golden grass fields at sunset with trees in the background.
A dog sits on a grassy hill bathed in warm golden sunset light with trees in the background.

Fall – Rich, Colourful, and a Little Bit Unreal

Fall has its own kind of magic, and it just might be my favourite. The oranges, reds, and yellows create this layered, almost otherworldly feel. Everywhere you look, there’s colour, and it adds so much depth to the images.


Neeko and Bentley fit right into it. It’s also one of the most colourful seasons to photograph with cooler weather, beautiful light, and everyone is comfortable and relaxed.

A rescue dog sits alert in an autumn forest with birch trees and golden foliage in the background.
A fluffy black and white dog gazes curiously at an orange butterfly in an autumn forest with golden foliage.

Winter – Quiet, Soft, and a Little Bit Magical


Winter might be chilly, but it has this calm, almost magical feeling to it. The snow creates a clean, simple backdrop, and the light is soft and diffused in a way you don’t get any other time of year. Everything feels a little quieter, a little slower. Which worked perfectly for Neeko. She took her time, did her thing, and we just followed along. Bentley made sure it didn’t stay too quiet, adding his big personality and fun smile that kept things fun and natural.

White dog wearing red plaid harness standing in snow at sunset with golden bokeh trees in background.
A fluffy dog wearing a teal harness and gray coat stands in snow at sunset with blurred trees in background.

Spring – Making Our Own Version of It


Spring in Alberta… is not always the dream. It’s mud, melting snow, patches of ice—basically a lot of “in-between.” So instead of fighting it, we created our own version of spring in the studio.

This gave us that fresh, light, slightly playful feel without the mess. Neeko and Bentley settled right into it, and it ended up being such a fun way to switch things up while still keeping that seasonal variety.

A happy dog wearing a yellow raincoat sits beside a yellow umbrella and rain boots filled with flowers on a blue background.
A fluffy dog sits between yellow rain boots with flowers and a yellow umbrella on a blue background.

A Year with Neeko & Bentley


What made this project so fun wasn’t just the changing seasons, it was seeing how Neeko and Bentley moved through each one. Some days were slower, some were more playful, but nothing was forced. It was just walks, exploring, and letting them be themselves. And that’s really what it comes down to.


Different seasons, different settings, but the same personalities throughout. Neeko and Bentley made it easy… but most dogs do, as soon as you let them just be themselves.

White dog standing on snow in a winter forest with golden sunset light filtering through pine trees.

Thinking About Something Like This?


One of the best parts about photographing Neeko and Bentley throughout the year was seeing how different each season felt, and how much that can change the look of your photos.


If you love rich, warm tones, fall is always a beautiful choice.

If you’re drawn to soft light and a more minimal, peaceful feel, winter might surprise you, in the best way.

If you want something light and fresh, spring (even if we have to get a little creative with it) can be such a fun option.

And if you’re all about open space, greenery, and that relaxed, adventurous feel, summer is hard to beat.


Every season has its own personality, just like every dog does.


And honestly, never be afraid of winter. It might be cold, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and underrated times to create something really special.

Two dogs sitting together in snowy forest path with golden sunset light filtering through pine trees in winter.
Two fluffy dogs walking away on a leaf-covered forest path during golden hour sunset.
Two happy dogs pose with yellow rain boots, a yellow umbrella, and colorful flowers on a blue background.
Two dogs, a dark husky mix and a white Labrador, sit together on green grass in a lush forest setting.