Dog Photography – How to Capture Your Dogs in Photos

27/09/09

Capturing great photos of your dog can be a daunting project. Some dogs ham it up for the camera while others shy away. Even if your dog is photogenic and enjoys striking a pose, it is not exactly easy to take a stunning photo. You want to capture your dog's personality, and there are ways to maximize your success rate. Just follow these rules to ensure you can improve your photography skills and generate breathtaking images of your dog.

Get Down

To get the most out of your photos, you will need to get down onto the same level as your dog. Sometimes that will mean lying on the floor or sitting on the floor or kneeling down, all depending on the height of your dog. If you have multiple dogs, choose a height that is in between the height of both dogs. Getting on their level is the best way to capture interesting looks, angles and to best portray your dog. It is best to avoid taking too many shots where you are looking down on your dog. Consider taking photos from all angles and all heights. Another fun trick is to place the camera on the ground and take pictures of your dog as they walk towards the camera. You will be amazed at the awesome photos you can capture.

Zoom In

Do not be afraid to zoom in on your dog. You can focus on specific body parts, or zoom in to ensure your dog fills up the entire frame of the photo. It is better to have a zoomed in shot, rather than a shot where your dog is difficult to see. Try capturing a paw, a nose, an ear – you get the point. Think about what makes your pet unique and choose shots that will show off those attributes.

Lighting Matters

Natural light is best for photography and when taking pictures of dogs it is best to avoid using the flash on your camera. The flash can make eyes look spooky, red, or glowing – and the flash can make some dogs scared. It is best to use good lighting and avoid low lighting or dark shots. Remember – lighting makes the photograph. Do experiment though with varying lighting to see what works best and best suits your dog.

Have Fun Taking Your Shots

When you are having fun, so is your dog. It is imperative that you make this photo session fun and not a serious task. Play with your dog, feed dog treats, laugh, smile, and engage your dog; then, you are guaranteed to have unique and wonderful photos of your dog. Action shots are another way to spice up your photographs.

Call a Friend

When in doubt, call a friend and have them take pictures of you and your dog. Consider having your friend zoom-in on your dog as you play with them and encourage action shots. Your friend can help to make the photo session more play than work, and your friend may have some unique ideas about angles, shots, and situations.

Whatever your camera, you can get the best shots of your four legged fur ball by following the tips outlined above. Most of all have a good time and keep it fun!

If you decide to leave the photography to the professionals, Charlotte Reeves Photography will provide the most beautiful, candid photos of your dog imaginable. Take a look at the website here: www.CharlotteReeves.com.au

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