How to Take Great Photos of Your Dog
I’m guessing you found this page because you are really interested in becoming a master at dog photography. I’m going to share with you some photography tips on your path to success behind the lens. My first word was light and photography has been apart of my entire life. From being one of the main photographers for the Disc Golf Pro Tour, my love for nature photography and the outdoors, photojournalism and my LOVE for dogs… this is a topic that I truly take to heart.
Find the Right Environment
The best way to get great photos of your dog is to find the right environment. It should be a space that they are comfortable with. It should be a space that is part of their routine. If you take them to the dog park frequently that is great place to capture natural moments. Maybe that comfortable place is your backyard, or on a walk around the neighborhood. The main thing is you want them to loosen up and really get in their element and being comfortable is key.
Practice with Them
They say that practice makes perfect. When you have your camera out more, your dog is sure to get used to the camera. I have owned two dogs in my professional photography life and the one thing I noticed is that sometimes they are up for taking pictures and sometimes they are not. I try not to force it upon them when I’m taking pictures of them, and let things happen naturally. But one thing I have noticed about dogs in general is that it becomes a trained behavior, with or without a treat reward.
I was pleasantly surprised when I took my Cattle Dog, Eco, outside to walk around the yard. The flowers in our garden had just come into full bloom. I had my camera out, and I was not even thinking about taking photos of Eco, I just wanted the flowers. But she saw my camera, she saw what I was shooting for and got in the garden and gave me this perfect little smile for the camera that I will never forget!
I don’t always get perfect moments like this with her, and the fact that it was her idea was a result of all the moments we practiced taking photographs together. Because I know sometimes she’s not up for taking pictures and puts up a fuss, so I try to make it fun, and I let it go when she’s not up for it because the moments that she is up it for it are so worth while!
Change Your Perspective
Try different angles, get down on their level, shoot from above or just catch a glimpse of them zooming by!
Be Ready for Anything
If there is one thing I have learned throughout my career, you need to keep taking pictures! You are bound to capture the unexpected if you just keep taking pictures. Sometimes its those in-between moments that really capture the essence, they are more candid and less posed. So capture more than what you need, I’m sure you will fall in love with the results. Plus when you are ready for anything, you are sure to really capture their personalities in a different light.
The Tech Stuff
The best camera that you could possibly have is the one that is in your hand. Whether that is your cell phone, or a DSLR (digital single lens reflex camera). Since I mostly work with a DSLR, I’m going to discuss that here, but I want you to know that some of the techniques, like shutter speed can be used on your smart phone too with the right application.
Lens Choice
This is such an individual stylistic preference. I love prime lenses, and you know what, I love my zoom lens too. I like to change it up all the time. I think that a prime 50mm lens is a great option to go with in pet photography, but so is a zoom lens like a 28-300mm. When I am not using my zoom lens, my legs are the zoom, and when I am using my zoom lens I can get in there and capture more details from a further distance away. I really love the look between both lenses and it is fun to just experiment with that.
Captured with the 28-300mm Canon Zoom Lens
Panning
This is more of an advanced photographic technique and is so fun to try! To best explain this, panning is when you match your subject running, riding or driving by you (they need to be in motion), but you are standing still and you capture your subject moving your camera at the same speed that your subject is moving at. The result looks like the background is blurry but your subject is in focus! Try it! I seriously recommend trying this. Photography is all about experimentation and when you have a break through on the creative side of things and… the photograph actually turns out, I’m sure you will be over the mood with excitement.
