Most dog owners love to see and take pictures of their dogs. We need to journal our dog’s journey through life visually.
Most dogs are pretty camera-friendly for some reason, known only to them. They don’t know what you’re doing but know it must be important. After all, you are focused on them.
To get great pictures, use these dog photo tricks.
Because we don’t know the secrets professional photographers use, some of our pictures are so-so, but we keep them.
By remembering a few simple tips, you will fondly cherish more of your pictorial challenges to document your dog’s life and capture its character.
Today, with digital cameras and smartphones, it’s much easier than years ago when we had to remember to have film on hand and develop it.
Now, get some fresh batteries and a spare memory card. Most of us have the necessary software to edit—a slight cropping here, a little more lighting there—and presto, we have a great shot.
You can use these simple tricks to help with searching for the best ways to capture stunning pet photos.
Dog photo tricks: Keep your camera handy
Keep your camera handy and ready to go.
You never know when you’ll need it.
Be patient. As we all know, dogs have a short attention span.
You may enjoy the goings-on, but don’t be surprised if they get bored and walk off. Find something they like to keep them involved.
Wait until they are napping to get some cute, sleepy shots.
Many puppies yawn and stretch when they first wake up. Capture that!
Use natural light
Natural light is always better than using a flash. When possible, take advantage of natural lighting.
Try to get more natural light into the room. Move your subject near a window or take the shots outside.
Using natural light helps prevent the pet or red-eye, which is common in many pet photos.
Get on the floor
Photos taken at eye level are more interesting than top shots.
More of your dog and less background make for a better image.
Now you see their world from their perspective!
Dog photo tricks: Play with your dog first
Tire your subject out. A little exercise takes some of the wind out of their sails.
This is especially true before attempting to photograph puppies or active dogs.
They make better models when they aren’t so fidgety.
Use an assistant
Have an assistant. It’s much easier to get your dog to focus when someone else is helping to get their attention by making noises, waving a treat, or squeaking a toy while you concentrate on the shot.
Change your focus
Full headshots are great, but pictures focused on special features and details, such as a crooked ear, a mottled nose, or beautiful eyes, make the photo a little more interesting.
Remember, it doesn’t always have to be a picture of their full face. A dog’s character is more than just its face.
Try a few different angles. You can do paw shots and profiles, or if their tail or markings are unique, take a shot of them. Details are out of the ordinary and will make your photo unique.
Fill the frame.
As a rule, asymmetrical photos are more interesting than those with the subject right smack dab in the middle.
Hold steady
Stop shaking. Hold that camera steady.
Rest it on something or someone if need be.
If your photos are “studio” shots, invest in a tripod.
Dog photo tricks: Drop the pose
Candid shots are often the most fascinating. Allow them to go about their business and capture the moment when they are off guard and not posing.
Surprise them! Don’t give them a chance to pose. The expressions caught on surprised pictures are usually priceless.
Action shots are a bit harder since you don’t want them to be blurry.
Most cameras have an action or sport setting. Remember to change the setting when your dog is playing, jumping, or running.
To lock in an action shot, the button on most digital cameras can be pressed halfway down to “lock in” the action. Then, press all the way down to expose it.
Watch your backgrounds
Watch your backgrounds. Sometimes, it’s hard to distinguish a dark dog from a dark background, but other times, it works great.
Zoom in for close-ups. The zoom lens is a great way to get those candid shots without distracting your subject.
Use props. They may have a favorite ball or stuffed toy—get it in the pictures. Years from now, you’ll fondly remember how much they loved that item.
Play around with your camera. You’ll be surprised at what you can do with it and a little bit of imagination.
Bottom line on dog photo tricks
Have fun!
Use these dog photo tricks to take lots of pictures. If they aren’t perfect, so what? You can edit them with a little cropping, red-eye fixing, or highlighting.
The most important thing is that you are creating a diverse and unusual chronicle of precious memories of the times you shared with your best friend.
Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.