Jill's BLOG

Welcome to the Critter Collections by J Shantz Photography blog!
Hi, I’m Jill! I’m so glad you’re here. This is the spot where I’ll share what’s new at Critter Collections, including special offers, highlights from recent pet sessions, and helpful tips to get the most out of your own photo experience; whether you're in front of my lens or behind your own.

With over 25 years of experience and a heart for animals (especially the senior and scruffy ones), I create warm, personality-filled portraits that celebrate the pets we love like family.

If you’re a pet lover in the Greater Edmonton area looking for inspiration, guidance, or just a dose of cuteness, you’re in the right place.

Woman sitting on a wooden path in an autumn forest with a large dog beside her.

Another Before and After Moment

March 2, 2026

As we slowly make our way toward spring; and into the busy season for outdoor photo sessions, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some before-and-after moments.As you know, I’m all about safety first. I always try to choose the quietest locations possible for photo sessions, and I strongly encourage keeping your dog on leash. The last thing you want is to be enjoying those special moments only to have your dog take off after a squirrel or another dog. And if your dog is ...

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Brown and white dog wearing a collar against a blurred green background.

Featuring some of my rescue friends

February 23, 2026

If you’ve been following my social media or my blog, you already know that I spend time at Second Chance Animal Rescue in Morinville walking dogs a couple of times a week. Every now and then, I take some of my favourite long-term residents out for a portrait session, hoping to shine a little extra light on them.My last post featured Chapo and Zane, and I’m happy to say they were both adopted before Christmas. Previous posts included Bowser and Maggie, who were also lucky enough to ...

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A Labrador Retriever stands by a calm lake with autumn trees in the background.

Another blast of winter

February 17, 2026

Well, that’s the end of false spring. Today is snowy, windy, and cold. With the next few days expected to be even colder across the greater Edmonton area, I’m feeling grateful for my studio… and a little defeated by the wrath of Mother Nature.Looking back feels especially comforting right now, so here’s a glimpse at a couple of sessions from last fall. Beautiful warm colours and late day light. These two beautiful dogs were my walking buddies at the rescue and just two ...

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Dog under gray blanket with a rubber duck on a white background.

Don't upload your pro photos into Ai programs.

February 6, 2026

I have made multiple attempts at writing this post over the last five months. In just the past week, I’ve started it and restarted it three times. I was having trouble not sounding like I was on a rant. I also know that the majority of the world doesn’t like to read. You really realize this as an entrepreneur. It’s the bane of every self-employed person I speak with.So I’m going to keep this as short as possible and try not to curse.Here it is, short and sweet: your ...

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Person kneeling and smiling beside a happy dog in a park with autumn trees in the background.

Happy New Year, it is 2026!

January 15, 2026

Happy New Year! I know, I’m a little late to the party now that we’re already well into January.2025 was a whirlwind. It wasn’t a terrible year, but it wasn’t a great one either. It was a year filled with very mixed emotions. So many of you experienced the loss of your beloved pets, and I know many of you are still navigating the ebbs and flows that grief brings into our lives. If anyone understands, it’s me. It has been 465 days since we said goodbye to Molly. ...

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A brindle colored Pit Bull poses for the camera in Edmonton's top dog photography studio. It wears a bow tie and looks off to the left.
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St Albert, Alberta, Canada
St Albert, Alberta, Canada
St Albert, Alberta, Canada