How to Take Digital Photos of Dogs

Anyone who has ever tried to snap a few pictures of their beloved family pets will know that they can be difficult to capture. Cats seem to know when a camera is pointing at them and often assume an ugly scowl or bolt off in an undetectable direction. Dogs tend to be happy to have their owner’s direct attention and assume clownish or entirely un-photogenic positions. Obviously pet photography has its many unique challenges.

Luckily there are many pet photography techniques available for those who want to capture their pets on film, or even those who want to begin a pet animal photography business. The most frequent subjects of formal portraits and photo sessions are dogs, and among the best pet photography tips for them include:

• Considering the perspective – anyone can stand at a distance and snap action shots of a dog, but a clever photographer will work hard to get an unusual perspective in their images. Some of the best professionals wait for the animal to be seated, and then they get lower than the dog. This means that lying on the ground might be required, but it also elicits a bemused or interested expression from the canine. This can be an invaluable item in a professional portfolio, especially when seeking new clients.

• Getting the right light – because not all dogs (or pets) will stand still, the lighting of the scene has to be adequate to faster shutter speeds. This is not always that easy to obtain, but should be a goal of the photographer. Scouting out good locations for a photo shoot, even within a pet’s home, can often make pet photography a bit easier and more successful. Additionally, if artificial lighting is required, this too can add a bit of “highlight” to an animal’s eyes or fur, and this too gives an added appeal to the final result.

• Looking for texture – remember that most dog and pet owners love to touch and stroke the animals. This is the primary reason to really try to capture any unique textures in their fur when taking a photograph.

If an individual is wondering exactly how to start a pet photography business, it will be important for them to have access to a good or strong portfolio of samples of their previous work. This should include examples of images like those above, because they will demonstrate some of the most desirable results available in pet photography. By Amy Renfrey