Dog Photography Tips & Posing Tricks
Capturing dogs’ unique personalities and expressions can be fun and challenging. With planning and the ability to adapt along the way – seeing as animals can be rather unpredictable at times – you can capture stunning portraits of dogs for their owners to cherish.
Get our tips for dog photography, and then remember – cuddles are a must at the end of the session!
How to Take Photos of Dogs
Dog photography can be a fun experience, but these studio sessions can also be a bit tricky due to the unpredictable nature and energy of our furry friends. To become a better dog photographer, there are a few steps you can take before and during the photo shoot. By following our tips, you can improve your dog photography skills and capture some amazing moments with the four-legged subjects.
Plan Your Shots, But Adapt Along the Way
Planning what kind of shots you’re hoping to gain from the photo shoot is always a good idea to ensure you capture the moments and expressions the owner hopes for. For that reason, it’s a good idea to discuss with the owner what they want to achieve from the session before the shoot. Are they looking for posed, portrait-style photographs, or do they prefer dynamic, high-energy shots? Knowing this information will help you plan accordingly.
For portrait-style pictures, it’s ideal to schedule the shoot when the dog feels a bit more sleepy or relaxed, such as after a nap. This will increase the chances of getting calm and posed shots. On the other hand, for action shots, it’s best to capture the dog when they are most energetic and ready to play. You can prepare them for this by engaging in some playtime before the shoot.
While planning is crucial, it’s also important to be flexible and adapt along the way – and perhaps most importantly, be patient. Dogs can be unpredictable, so being open to spontaneous moments can lead to some wonderful candid shots that might be better than anything you had planned or imagined.
Remember to communicate with the owner throughout the shoot to ensure their vision is being met while also allowing for creative freedom and improvisation. In the end, a balance of planning and adaptability will result in a successful and enjoyable dog photoshoot experience for all parties involved.
Use Natural Light
When photographing dogs, using natural light can be the best way to go. Flashes can startle the dog or cause red-eye in the photos, so opting for natural, continuous light is a safer and more flattering choice.
Keep in mind that:
- Bright, diffused light is ideal for creating beautiful portraits of dogs.
- In darker environments, consider increasing your ISO to capture fast action shots without sacrificing image quality.
- Overcast days provide even, diffused lighting that is perfect for outdoor photo sessions.
Figure Out Where the Dog Is Comfortable
When planning a dog photo shoot, it is essential to figure out where the dog is most comfortable to capture their true personality and get the best possible results. Some dogs can be very sensitive to new environments, people, and things such as strange photography equipment, so it is important to talk to the owner beforehand about the dog’s personality and how well it deals with unknown territory.
Whether it is in their own backyard, a favorite park, or even inside their own home, choosing a familiar and safe location will help the dog feel at ease and allow their true personality to shine through in the photos.
Use Props to Get the Dog’s Attention
Using props such as treats or toys can be a highly effective way of gaining a dog’s attention during the photography session. By offering a tasty treat or a favorite toy, you can easily redirect their focus towards you and the camera. This can help in capturing those perfect shots where the dog is looking directly at the camera with a focused expression.
Remember to reward the dog for their good behavior and patience during the session to reinforce positive associations with the props and the photography experience.
Fast Shutter Speeds for High-Energy Dogs
When photographing high-energy dogs, having a camera with fast shutter speeds is essential to freeze their fast movements and capture sharp, detailed images. Pets can be unpredictable and constantly on the move, making it challenging to get the perfect shot. However, using a camera with fast shutter speeds allows you to capture the action in crisp detail without any motion blur.
While some cameras may offer a pet mode, it’s often not sufficient for capturing the best shots. Utilizing manual mode on a DSLR or mirrorless camera, or using a specialized app, will give you more control over your settings and ensure you get the perfect shot.
Additionally, utilizing features like animal-based face detection can help you focus on your pet’s eyes for a more engaging and impactful photo. Shooting in burst mode can also be beneficial, allowing you to capture a series of shots in quick succession and giving you plenty of options to choose from when selecting the best image.
Photograph From Multiple Perspectives
When it comes to capturing the perfect photograph of a dog, don’t be afraid to photograph from multiple perspectives – or to get down on the dog’s level. Lying on the ground and seeing the world from a dog’s perspective can lead to some of the most unique and captivating shots.
By shooting from below, you can showcase their personalities and expressions in a way that isn’t always possible from above. The results can be well worth it. Just keep a lens cloth close for when those inevitable nose smudges occur!
Have Patience
When it comes to dog photography, one of the most important things to remember is to have patience. Dogs may not always cooperate during a photoshoot, but instead of feeling frustrated, try to enjoy the playfulness and spontaneity that come with photographing a dog.
Some people may feel self-conscious in front of a camera, but with a dog, you have a subject that is (most of the time) straightforward and full of energy. So, have patience and trust that the good shots will come. Embrace the fun and excitement of capturing a dog’s personality on camera.
When you’re ready to get started, snag your free trial of GotPhoto to make your workflow and sales process more efficient.
