Top Tips for Making Great Dog Photos – Part 1

Everyone loves a great photograph of their canine companion. And for those of us who have a thing for dogs, any picture that shows a dog’s unique personality or physical trait is a treat to look at. Some photographs can even seem to offer a moving glimpse into the animal’s soul. We’ve all seen plenty of those “bad” pet photos, though. A friend shares an image of Fluffy who looks more like a scary alien being from another galaxy than a furry friend reposed on the couch! Oh…yes…she’s cute.

So how can we create the conditions to make more of the good photos and reduce the scary ones? Beyond the basic components of any good photograph – proper exposure, focus, etc. – there are a few methods that can help lead to good results. Following, and in a future post, are my tips for making great photos of your dog.  They are in no particular order, nor are they absolutely the only tips that could be on the list.  These are just some of the things to take into consideration when you want to capture that great shot of the one and only Fluffy!

Tip #1 – PATIENCE! Actually, tips 1-10 could be “patience”.  It is rare that an exceptional image is born the instant the camera moves from coffee table to eye.  Most good photographs are made after at least a little planning and set up.  Even great photo journalistic images, while appearing to be spontaneous, were made after considerable planning to ensure the photographer was in the right place at the right time with the right light.   We shouldn’t expect, therefore, that we will create masterpieces of Fluffy with one push of the shutter button.  If you want to capture Fluffy’s personality and uniqueness, plan on spending some time doing so.  Expect to spend 30 or 60 minutes to get the shot.  Give the effort some time and you will see nice results.

Tip #2 – Take A Hike! Over the last few years, thanks to Cesar Milan and others, we have come to recognize the connection between dog behavior and exercise.  Dogs need to walk, and even the most incorrigible canine can improve his/her behavior with regular exercise.  Including a walk in your photo session planning will help make Fluffy a willing subject.  A tired model is a good model!  Go out and wander for 20 or 30 minutes, and then give Fluffy time to relax post-walk (so that his/her huge tongue doesn’t become the prime feature of the photo!!).

Tip#3 – Make It Fun. We all know how strongly our dogs react to our own energy.  If we are worried, our dogs are anxious with us.  Angry, their ears are peeled back.  Sad, they will come near and offer a paw.  A good photo shoot with a dog has to be fun.  Fluffy should see the camera come out of the bag and know that the next few minutes are going to be filled with good energy and praise and treats and laughter.  Even when Fluffy is walking away or sticking his/her butt toward the camera.  Use your energy to create a mood that will create good photographs.  And when you experience that inevitable “I’m never going to get this photograph” feeling: STOP.  Take a break.  Put the camera down.  And then come back to it when you can make it fun.

Jada - click to see larger image

Tip #4 – The Eyes Have It. “The eyes are the window to the soul” is the saying.  When we look at a photograph our eyes naturally go to the place in the picture that is in focus.  Good photographers use this to their advantage and will deliberately focus their lens on the item or items in the picture that they your eye to dwell on.  Focusing on a dog’s eye or eyes will help the viewer feel a connection with the dog, and many will feel as if they “get to know” the animal as a result.  Whereas the human face is relatively flat, a dog’s features are much more dimensional, and it can be easy to focus on a snout or an ear and distract the viewer from the eyes.  Many point-and-shoot cameras now offer the ability to choose the point of focus.  Do your best to put that green square on the eyes!

Tip #5 – Watch The Background. As you’re composing your photograph keep an eye on what else is going on in the frame.  Does Fluffy have a tree growing out of his/her head?  Is there a window that will catch the reflection of your flash?  Is there a lot of clutter in the picture?  To the degree you can control it, don’t give your viewers something else to look at in the photo, and don’t distract their brains with extraneous information (like the tree growing out of the head).  Often, managing the background is simply a matter of changing viewpoints – a few feet left or right and the problem is solved.  But you can also be more aggressive in solving the problem – drape some fabric over the bookshelf in the living room, or hang a sheet off the basketball hoop outside.  Favor a solid color over a Tommy Bahama pattern.  A clean, simple background will naturally keep the focus where you want it – on Fluffy!

Watch for more tips in our next post.  Have some thoughts of your own?  Feel free to share the things that have made your pet photos successful!