Help for Dog Photography
Photography is an enjoyable way to capture the many adorable moments of our dogs' lives. You don't have to hire a professional photographer to have high-quality pictures of your dog. Even if you have little or no background in photography, you can take compelling pictures of pets by following a few basic dog photography tips and techniques.
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Natural Light
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Generally, the best light to use when photographing your dog is natural light. If possible, take the dog outside for the photography session. If the dog will not cooperate outdoors, take the photos in a well-lighted room near a large window.
Experiment
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Without overtiring the dog, experiment with different poses, angles, themes and compositions. Take as many pictures as you can, to increase your chances of capturing that one magical moment.
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Macro
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The macro setting on a digital camera is useful for getting close to the subject and sharpening the photo. Use this setting when photographing your dog; close shots can result in stunning photos of your pet.
Go to the Subject
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When taking a picture of your dog, always photograph the pet on its level unless you are aiming for a photo of the dog looking up at you. Do not make the dog come to you or stay in a certain pose. Instead, go to the pet and take the picture from its level.
Keep the Dog Comfortable
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Cameras can be distracting for dogs and cause them to behave uncharacteristically. Work on keeping the dog as comfortable as possible and consider having a second person present to distract the dog while you are taking pictures.
Action Shots
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Action shots are ideal for owners wanting to show off the athleticism and personality of their dog. When taking action shots, allow the dog to play in a natural manner. Think of action shots as high-quality candid photos; the naturalness of the shot generally makes for an interesting and individual photo.
Have Patience
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Taking photos of your dog requires patience. With all the commotion, many dogs become excited and frisky. However, if you wait awhile, the dog will typically calm down and let you take photos.
Flash
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Using a flash can alarm the dog, distort its shading and coloring, and cause red eye. Generally, use a flash only if the dog has a black coat. In that circumstance, the flash will be useful for highlighting the shading and texture of the coat.
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References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
