Frenchie Tink

For many of us, our dogs are part of our family, and as such, are often the subject of our photographs. It’s not as easy photographing dogs, and we’re often disappointed with the results.

No matter whether you use a digital SLR or a compact camera, there are steps you can take to make sure you get the best possible photos of your furry friend.

1. Spend some time training your dog. It’s much easier to get a good photo if your dog will sit, stand, drop and stay when he’s told. You can use a squeaky toy to get a lovely alert expression on his face, but it doesn’t work at all if he hasn’t been taught to stay. Also, if he’s had some training, you’ll feel much more confident if you want him photographed without a collar and leash.  But, remember to keep it fun.  They should see that camera come out and think it is a game!
2. Have your dog groomed to perfection. If you’re going to spend the time taking photos of him, make sure he’s clean, his hair is trimmed and he looks his very best. Bring along a washcloth or some wipes to wash his muzzle just in case he drools a little.
3. Choose a nice location for the photos. A park or a patch of forest are both good options. The beach or river is another favorite place, but make sure your dog doesn’t go for a swim before you’re finished photographing him. Check the background and make sure there’s no objects in the way; you don’t want the appearance of trees growing out of your dog’s head.
4. Make sure you know how to use your camera. If the background is very bright, your dog will appear very dark in the photos. In this case, you can force your flash to work, and light up your dog too. You’ll get a much better photograph. Read your camera manual, and practice. Most cameras these days have some sort of zoom capacity.  Using a zoom length of at least 80mm will allow you to stay a reasonable distance from your dog, and avoid curious nose prints on your lens.
5. Get some help. It’s very difficult to stand away from your dog and take a photo, as well as tell him to stay, encourage an alert expression, and change the direction of his gaze. You’ll have much more fun in your photography session if there’s someone taking care of him while you’re at the other end of the camera.
6. Take lots of photos and be patient.  The real advantage of digital photography is that there’s no film being used, and it doesn’t cost anything to take hundreds of photos. Having said that, it’s still a good idea to wait and think before taking a shot. Take a couple of seconds to make sure the wind isn’t blowing fur across your dog’s face, he’s looking in the right direction, and the background is attractive.  When everything is just right, snap LOTS of photos.  You will have lots of good photos, and with a bit of luck a couple of great ones!
7. If possible, photograph your dog in the shade. This avoids dark shadows and harsh highlights, which can be difficult for your camera’s automatic exposure system to work with. It will also avoid photos where your dog is squinting. You’ll find the best light for photography is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
8. Squat or lie down so you’re at your dog’s level, rather than photograph him from above. Fill the frame with the part you want to photograph, whether it’s just his head or the whole body. Another good angle is to get down low and photograph upwards against the sky or some trees. It turns out great, but again, you may need to force your flash to fire to avoid your dog turning out dark in your photos.
9. Keep an eye on his head position. Although dogs don’t mind their noses appearing big in photos, you will get a more attractive portrait if he’s looking forty-five degrees to the side. Try it and you’ll agree, it’s much nicer than a photo that’s taken when he’s staring straight at the camera.
10. Don’t leave your photos in your camera: have your good ones printed, or even enlarged for your wall.  If you want to be more creative, try some of the great digital scrap booking software that’s available. Add backgrounds, text and decorations, and create a real work of art.

It does take practice to improve your photography, but if you follow these ten steps, you’ll have photos of your dog that will take pride of place on your wall.

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