Photographing Your Dog Like a Pro!
Dogs are fantastic pieces of art but can be demanding photo models. You crouch down and get ready to capture a great photo of your beloved furry friend, and suddenly they are out of the frame or look away. To make your dog comfortable in front of the camera, maintain positions, or continue to look wonderful, training is necessary.
Preparatory training
Crouch down and exercise with your dog
First, train your dog in something she/he enjoy while you squat down in front of her/him. Like Sit Pretty, Spin or Give me Paw. Then, bring out your mobile phone/camera before praising and rewarding your dog while she/he perform the behavior.
Step-by-step camera exercises
Add raising the mobile phone/camera to your face before praising and rewarding. If your dog becomes unsure when you place the camera in front of your face, use the display of your camera and look at it instead.
Use countdown to keep your dog focused
Practice a countdown. Ask your dog to perform a behavior, pick up the mobile phone/camera, count from 2, 1, and reward. Progress to counting from 3, 2, 1 before rewarding. Then, count from 4, 3, 2, 1, and so on. This way, you teach your dog to hold the position until you take the picture!
Use shutter sounds to build stamina
If your camera has a clicking shutter sound, you can associate it with a reward for increased endurance. If your dog is afraid of the sound, this can also help resolve the situation.
How to get your dog's attention on camera
To get your dog to look into the camera, place or hold a treat just above the camera lens.
Take great profile pictures of your dog
If you want to take a nice profile shot of your dog, place an external reward (out of the frame) and have your dog wait for a "go ahead" signal before taking it. A treat in a bowl places on a chair or a rock will do the trick. Alternatively, hang a toy in a tree or bush.
What to avoid when photographing dogs
- Avoid being too still, sneaking up to your dog, or leaning over. Even the most confident dogs may look away.
- Do not arrange pictures with children or other dogs if your dog isn't comfortable with it. Also, do not ask your dog to pose on unstable obstacles or high heights if she/he isn't completely confident with the task.
- Avoid dangerous environments or having your dog off-leash just for the sake of getting a cool picture if it could pose a risk.
Serving your dog model
Prepare your dog for a successful photo shoot
Make sure your dog has been walked, is fed, and has burned off some energy. But leave enough for the photo session.
Tidying up your dog before a photo shoot
Spruce up your friend! Comb through the fur and wipe away drool around the mouth, clean out any gunk from the corners of the eyes.
Reward your dog frequently during the photo shoot
Bring along some tasty treats and reward your dog frequently.
Don't forget to pause during the photo session
Take breaks now and then so that your dog can keep up and rest now and again.
End the photo session on a positive note
End your photo session before your dog finds it too boring and tiresome. Make it a fun and enjoyable moment!
Creating works of art
Choose an environment your dog thrives in
Choose a lovely environment that your dog enjoys and is free from distractions. Perhaps in a meadow, a forest, or a cozy room where both of you feel comfortable.
Optimize the background for better images
Adjust the background. Ensure that what surrounds your dog doesn't steal the attention. A laundry pile, a pole, or a passerby can ruin the photo. Choose a background that highlights your dog.
Customize the color scheme for striking images
It can be impactful to photograph a white dog against a snowdrift. However, if you want to highlight your dog, make sure the background does not blend in with your dog's color.
Use props for interesting photos
Props can be fun! Bring along a toy, a chew bone, a beautiful pumpkin, or a bouquet of flowers.
Choose the right camera angle for good proportions
Position the camera at your dog's height or slightly below. Sit, lie down, or squat. It gives your dog nice proportions.
Photograph the whole dog for the right proportions
Take full-body shots with the camera in horizontal mode to avoid distorting the proportions.
Get your dog to tilt his head for a charming picture
Attention sounds (kiss/squeak) can make your dog tilt her/his head.
Strike a proud pose with an enticing reward
If you wave a treat or toy in front of the lens, it can make your dog alert and look into the camera.
Use rewards to capture focus
If your dog can stay and wait for a "go ahead" signal, throw a reward and capture a nice forward focus. Or take the shoot as your dog leaps towards the treat.
Adorn your dog with respect
If you want to dress up your dog, a scarf or bandana may be enough. If you dress your dog up with accessories she/he isn't accustomed to, it will be difficult to get her/him to look and feel comfortable. Respect your dog as more than just a photo object.
The photographer's tips
Adjust sharpness and light for the best image
Avoid overexposure (too bright) or underexposure (too dark) by focusing the sharpness on the dog.
Create atmospheric images with backlighting
If you position yourself so that your dog is backlit (the sun/lamp shining behind the dog towards the camera), you often get a bright image that look cool.
Take great photos with natural light
Work with natural light. The softest light is in the morning and evening.
Avoid shadows for clearer images
Watch out for shadows that obscure you dog. A cloudy day is a good day for photography as it eliminates shadows.
Stop using flash for better pictures
Skip the flash! It can make your dog's eyes appear green in the photo, and many dogs dislike the flash.
Capture action shots of your dog in motion
Action shots require finesse. Dogs in motion are magically beautiful to capture in photos. Experiment with the shutter speed or take rapid shots in burst mode. You can also pan the image, which means you focus on the dog, stand stable with your legs apart, and follow the dog's movement as you take the picture. Try different techniques to find what makes your camera perform at its best when your dog is in motion.
Have patience and fun with your dog
The most important ingredient for capturing a beautiful dog picture is patience! Dogs are dogs and don't quite understand the point of smiling and posing in front of the camera. Take your time! Don't aim to take that picture that will adorn the living room wall the first time you try.
And don't forget to have fun! The more fun you have together, the more your dog will want to pose in front of the camera. It's important to know how to interpret your dog's behavior during a photo shoot, so read about dog language - learn how to interpret and speak dog language.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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