Dog Photography at the Wetlands Park in Riverstone – William & Apa

If you know me, you know I have a soft spot for photographing dogs — and this session with William and his black Lab, Apa, was an absolute favorite. We met at the Wetlands Park in Riverstone, one of my go-to outdoor spots in Sugar Land for dog photography sessions, and the light couldn’t have been more perfect.

The Perfect Spot for a Dog Photoshoot

The Wetlands Park offers everything I love for pet sessions — open space, gorgeous greenery, walking trails, and a calm pond that reflects the light beautifully. It’s also one of those locations where you can get a ton of different backdrops within a short walk (perfect when your four-legged model has limited patience for posing!).

We started with some classic portraits of William and Apa together — the kind that every dog parent should have. From there, we let Apa’s personality take over. She’s sweet, goofy, and clearly adored by her dad. Some of my favorite shots from the session are the silly ones — like William holding Apa like a giant baby, which honestly sums up their relationship perfectly.

Photographing a Black Lab (or other Dark Colored Dogs)— Lighting is Everything

If you’ve ever tried taking photos of a black dog, you know how tricky it can be. Too much light, and you lose all that gorgeous contrast. Too little, and their features disappear into shadow.

For black dog photography, the key is balancing soft, even light — and that’s where shooting at golden hour really helps. The light at Riverstone that evening was beautifully diffused, helping bring out Apa’s shiny coat and those expressive brown eyes.

Of course, professional photo editing software also makes a big difference. A bit of fine-tuning helps enhance the details in the fur and keep the natural tones true to life without overexposing or flattening the image.

A Mix of Classic and Fun

What I love most about this session is that it truly reflects William and Apa’s bond — a mix of timeless portraits and playful moments that tell a full story. You can see how connected they are in every photo, from the calm sitting poses to the laughter-filled candids.

If you’re considering dog photography in Sugar Land, the Wetlands Park is one of the most versatile spots — perfect for dogs who love to explore and be outdoors (and maybe chase a few squirrels while we shoot).

Interested to learn more? I'm always happy to chat about your ideal pet photography session!