About Her

Unleashing nature's beauty,

one pet at a time.

Hi there! I'm Avril Leach, a photographer specializing in outdoor dog and pet portraits that focus on landscapes. I live in Lethbridge, Alberta, and started my photography business (True North Pack Photography) in 2024. My photography began as a way to preserve our pack's memories traveling the landscapes from the west coast to the prairies, and since then, I’ve branched out to my true passion – dogs and pets – under True North Pack Photography.


We have two mutts at home – Luna and Atlas – and two cats named Lucifer and Salem. I love animals, so it only seemed natural to start photographing them! My goal is to capture pets and their emotions in a natural environment. Being able to be there for my clients who want some one-of-a-kind artwork for their walls, who have brought home a puppy and want those once-in-a-lifetime shots or – more importantly – require a last minute session after a devastating diagnosis. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than capturing special memories for you and your pets!


In 2024, I started volunteering my time with Community Animal Services, which provides care and housing to stray cats and dogs from the community and, acts as a resource hub for responsible pet ownership programs and services. I have been going to the shelter to volunteer walking and photographing dogs and find that it’s an incredibly rewarding, and at times emotionally challenging, experience. There’s nothing better than knowing that an animal found a forever home thanks to a photo I took!


I want to thank you for taking the time to get to know me at True North Pack Photography, and I sincerely look forward to the opportunity to create cherished memories for you and your pets. True North Pack Photography offers sessions in Lethbridge, Alberta and surrounding area (with a variety of local parks to choose from) for dogs and cats. My goal is to capture your pet’s personality, character and emotions so that you smile every time you catch a glimpse of your pet’s images!


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FAQ

  • "How do I book?"

    I can accept only a limited number of sessions per month so that I have time to devote to post-session work/retouching on the images and can ensure each client receives the best possible photos of their dog. 


    Please visit the booking link or email the studio via the contact page about availability to begin the booking process.

  • Do you take photographs of dogs and their family?

    Yes, of course. We always ask you for your preferences before our shoot. Our dog and human portraits are often not posed in the traditional sense. We look for candid moments of love and connection and catch them on the camera. If your dog is distracted by the photographer being there, we may suggest ways of naturally interacting with them to capture those moments. Sometimes clients may have a certain idea in mind for a pose or two and your photographer will do their absolute best to prompt your dog and family members to get the perfect shot.


    Extended family may be included for an additional cost of $50 (+30 minutes).

  • "My dog can't be off leash."

    No problem at all. Your dog's safety comes first. We will shoot with you interacting next to your dog and we will take care of the rest in the editing process! We also provide 16' or 30' leads upon request.

  • "My dog does not pose for long and is reactive. Can you still take pictures?"

    Absolutely. I not only take photos of dogs, I know each dog's needs are different. I have a reactive dog in our pack so I understand the difficulties related to that experience. If the need to have a quieter location away from crowds, please let me know. It may take some extra patience and a little more time, maybe a good walk beforehand, but we’ll get there. 


    As for wild, unruly puppies, let them play and get their unique personalities out, your pet portrait sessions are the farthest thing from any formal sit-stay, “studio” portraits. Let's make a plan that suits your dog in every way possible. Each dog is different and what works for one in a photoshoot, doesn’t work for another.

  • "My dog is ill and has little time left. Can you fit him into your shooting schedule?"

    Absolutely! Seniors and pets in failing-health are almost always fit into the schedule. I will do whatever I can to fit you into the schedule and take whatever time is needed to capture images that honor your dog’s life and his/her bond with you.
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