Capturing the essence of man’s best friend can be both rewarding and incredibly frustrating. The agony of spending an hour taking photos of your pets only to walk away unhappy with every snap you took is soul-crushing. I am here to tell you there is hope, whether you use a cell phone or a fancy DSLR (digital single lens reflex) taking decent pet photographs is achievable. Read on for tips that will help you be a better photographer.
I have been in the business of pet photography for the past 10+ years and have compiled the following guide to help you take better photos of your furry friends. Patience is key Dogs are full of energy and curiosity. Be patient and wait for the right moment to capture their natural expressions, whether it's a playful leap or a cute tilt of their head. Eye-level perspective Most people have a tendency to photograph their pets from above which distorts the dog's body and makes it feel generic and blah. Get down to the dog's eye level to create a more intimate connection in your photos. This angle offers a view of the world from your dog's perspective and gives the viewer a clearer picture of your dog's personality.
Lighting Utilize natural light to enhance your photos. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight provides a desirable warm or soft glow. Cloudy days are the best days for photography as you can shoot at any time during the day. Sunny days can produce harsh shadows when taking pictures with the sun directly overhead. If you find yourself in this situation, look for an evenly shaded location without a bright background.
Focus on the Eyes Focusing on the eyes ensures sharp focused photos. Photos of dogs can look odd when the focus is on their nose and the rest of their face is blurry unless the nose is the intended focus of the photo. The eyes can tell so much, as William Henry once said, “The eyes shout what the lips fear to say.” The eyes are the most visually expressive tool. Focusing on the eyes can create powerful portraits. Action Shots Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/250 of a second to freeze the dog's movements while playing catch or running around your yard. Set your ISO to 400 or higher. Your cell phone may not allow you to change these settings, but you can download camera apps such as the free version of Lightroom Mobile which offers a camera app that will allow you to change your settings in much the way a DSLR camera will. Candid Moments Not having to ask your dog to pose is a plus when it comes to candid photos. Photograph your pet when he is playing with a toy, staring out a window, while he is focused on sniffing the wind, or when he is greeting another person. Unscripted, unposed shots are some of the most heartwarming photos.
The background matters. Avoid distracting backgrounds, people, cars, and other ill-placed objects that can take the viewer's eyes away from the subject of the photo. A clean and simple background creates a more visually appealing composition. Close-ups Don’t be afraid to zoom in and capture the finer details of your dog's features, like their nose, ears, paws, or eyes. Close-up shots can be incredibly endearing and show off the unique characteristics of your dog.
Editing/Post-processing Elevate your photos with minor adjustments to contrast, color balance, and sharpness. Don’t fret if you are not a Photoshop whiz or find the price of photo editing tools to be out of reach. There are many free and simple apps that work quite well with a minimal learning curve. One of my favorites is an app called Snapseed which I like to use on my cell phone pictures. Props Utilizing props can bring out your dog's personality or tell a story. Use things like a favorite toy, blanket, bandana, or a dog bed.
Connect with your Dog Before picking up your camera spend a few minutes with the dog. This allows the dog a chance to acclimate to his surroundings especially if it's a place he is not used to, before sticking a camera in his face and asking for poses. If you are taking photos of someone else’s dog, this will allow time for the dog to get comfortable with you. Treats Don’t forget to pay your dog for being a top model! Feed them yummy treats to keep them motivated throughout the shoot and to encourage them to be cooperative. Toys can be useful also.
Remember, each dog is unique and the goal is to capture their individuality and spirit. Enjoy the process, be flexible, and let the dog's personality shine in your photographs.
By Louisa Redman