How to Get a Great Photo of Your Dog

Sometimes it is difficult to get a great photo of your dog. Many dogs are curious about the camera, or they want to come kiss you when you squat down to take the picture. Even if you have a cooperative canine model, getting the right lighting and background can be a challenge. There are a few basic things that pet photographers do to make it possible to get a great photo of your dog.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Camera
• Dog
• Dog toys
• Dog treats
• An assistant is always nice
• Props (dog beds, flowers, umbrella, etc.)

Suitable for framing-Get a Great Photo of Your Dog

1. Be sure your dog is clean. Brush him out and wipe off his face. This will insure that he does not have kibble crumbs in his whiskers or eye "boogers."
2. Set up the background. Place props in the area that you plan to take the picture in if you are going to use them. Remove anything in the background that may take away from the picture or cause a distraction.
3. Notice the lighting and the shadows in the area. You do not want have shadows obscuring the shot. You also do not want too much glare. An overcast day is usually the best lighting for outdoor pet pictures.
4. Be familiar with your camera's options and settings. If your digital camera has the option for continuous shooting, you may wish to use this setting. You may also want to try taking the picture with and without flash, many cameras will take the photo in natural light and with flash.
5. Bring your dog to the area that the picture will be taken. If he is obedience trained, you can ask for a sit stay or a down stay. If he knows a trick such as wave or cover your eyes, you may want to ask for these behaviors as well.
6. Get down to the dog's eye level. Kneel or lay down on the floor. Take the photo at close range--within a few feet of the dog.
7. If you have a dog toy, try squeaking it to get your dog to perk his ears or tip his head. Another way to get a good "intense" look is to have an assistant stand behind the dog and out of the frame, and throw an object over the dog's head toward you. Click quick, the dog may chase it. You can also get some good pictures of your dog playing with toys if you are going for a natural look.
8. Reward your dog for staying in place or exhibiting a desired behavior with treats and praise.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn about the camera you are using
• Have fun with your dog while taking the pictures, happy dogs photograph better
• Try to avoid flash when possible, try to lighten pictures with a photo editing program if necessary