5 Tips For Taking Great Photos Of Your Dog
Every dog owner will tell you that you can never have too many photos of your dog. But, they’ll also tell you that taking photos of a dog can be a little bit tricky at first. So, if you’re interested in moving on from blurry close ups of your dog seconds away from licking the camera towards beautiful frame-worthy shots of your beloved pooch, then these five tips will prove to be a lifesaver!
Get Down on your knees
When photographing your dog it’s important to get down on his level. This will change the camera angle and bring out more realistic, detailed shots. Of course, depending on the size of your dog, this might be easier said than done. If your pooch is quite small then consider putting your pup on a secure table, chair, or pedestal for portrait shots. Larger breeds are little easier to photograph as you can just kneel down to get yourself at the right angle. Once you’re at the right height, try to keep the camera level with the middle of your dog’s body or chest height to get the best angle.
Consider the lighting
It is no secret that lighting is key for taking photographs. A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to natural lighting for photographs is to shoot when the light is at its softest. Late afternoon or early morning light is generally the most flattering and will bring out the multiple colours of your dog’s coat.
Don’t forget about the backdrop
Nothing ruins a great shot quite like a poor backdrop. When you’re looking to set up your shoot, keep an eye out for objects in the background that could distract from your dog. A busy, cluttered backdrop will make it difficult to focus on the subject of the photo (i.e. your dog) so instead try to keep the backdrop simple, natural, and plain. Thanks to the usually clear and simple backdrop, the beach or a park are great places to shoot candid photos of your dog. Get a helper
If you’re trying to get some fabulous shots of your dog but are struggling to get him to stand still then try enlisting the help of a friend to entertain your dog while you take the picture. With your dog distracted and entertained you can focus fully on the camera and getting that all-important shot.
Keep it fun
You don’t want your dog to run for the hills ever time he sees your camera come out. In the beginning, keep photo shoots with your furball fun and playful. It’s important to get your dog used to the idea of having his picture taken before trying to pose him for portrait shots. You can put your dog at ease by giving him some toys to play with before you start shooting. Once your dog is occupied by the toys you can capture some great shots of your pup at play.