We all love our dogs, and that means we tend to take lots of pictures of them (for better or for worse). And with these tips your next photo shoot will be a success.
As pet parents, we tend to love taking pictures of our furry companions. The problem is that sometimes our dogs are less than cooperative when it comes to sitting still and letting us get the perfect shot.
And even when we think we know what we are doing, our pups usually find a way to change our mind. This is especially true when we end up with pictures that show only half of our dog’s head or just a blurry bit of fuzz.
Even the best of photographer can struggle when it comes to taking pictures of dogs. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great tips and tricks out there to help you get perfect shots of your furry friend.
In fact, we have rounded up a few, and we think these will make your next photo shoot a real success. So, get your camera ready and plan for your next greeting card, Instagram post, or wallpaper on your phone.
Location, location, location
Just like when we are discussing real estate, location is important. And as Dogster points out, choosing the right place is important to getting a great picture.
Among the things you want to pay attention to are things like unwanted clutter and junk that ruin what could be the perfect shot, what the light is doing, and even the overall environment. You want pictures that pop for all the right reasons, and that means making sure everything is the way you want it before ever trying to take your pups picture.
Never wait for a pose
Your dog is not a person (even if we treat them that way). That means we shouldn’t be waiting for the perfect pose. Just start snapping pictures. Try different angles and when you see a shot, take it. The more we take, the more likely we are to get some great pictures.
Even our dogs who can handle sitting still for longer than a few seconds can often “ruin” a picture by shaking, moving their head just so, or even yawning as we snap the shot. So take a bunch of pictures, don’t wait for the perfect pose, and remember we love those freestyle pictures that remind us that our pups have a personality.
Have fun
Especially if you are legitimately doing a photo shoot of sorts, it is important to have fun with your dog. Our dogs react to our personality, which means if we have fun they will too. And that can have a positive impact on the pictures you take.
You may find that the best pictures come when you are playing with your pup and still snapping your camera. At the same time, these are the pictures that will show the connection you have with your dog, and that is lovely.
Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is just as important when we take pictures of our dogs, as it is when we are taking our own pictures. And considering flashes will usually give our dogs that creepy red-eye look that makes them rather demonic looking, that’s the last thing we want to see. Nothing ruins a picture quicker than red eyes on a perfect pose.
Angle
So you are taking all of these pictures, but are you changing things up? It’s important to change up the angle at which you are taking your shots because it will give you different depths and dimension, while also giving you a chance at the perfect picture.
Go for motion
While we love a great portrait shot like the next person, we also love seeing action shots. And with our pups we love seeing them in motion. So go for some motion shots and see what happens. You might find that the coolest pictures come from your dog jumping to catch something in the air, or running towards you. (Just remember that while you want your pup to be moving, your camera needs to be as still as possible.)
Have patience
Finally, it is important to have patience. Just like with young children, our pups can get restless or be fidgety. If you are patient you will find that even when it seems like your dog will never settle down, they actually will and you could just capture the perfect moment.
Do you have any special tips or tricks you use when taking pictures of your pup? Is there something you do different to get the best images?