10 Tips to Better Pictures of your Dog
Laura Mares Photography | Pittsburgh Child and Family Photographer
Sharp Eyes
Focus on your dog's eyes. Tack sharp eyes are important for all portraits, including baby, child, and family portraits. “Eyes are the window to the soul.” Dogs eyes can be very expressive, try to capture their personality.
Fast shutter speed
Dogs move around, a faster shutter speed will help, but a faster speed also means less light enters the lens. To balance this you will need a lot of natural light. Outdoor pet photos with fast shutter speeds can create beautiful portraits, but indoors it is more difficult because of the low light conditions.
Change your perspective
Get down to your dog’s level. Photograph your dog the way he sees the world! Take pictures from different angles to create more interesting shots. Also try from above, below, in front, behind!
Catch a smile
Take your dog out for a quick run or tug on a toy with them. Have them chase you around or have a 5-minute play session. Active dogs are happy dogs! Happy dogs are more likely to flash a huge smile after settling down.
Get your dog’s attention
Call your dog’s name, make sounds, and talk to him to encourage a look at the camera. I reward our dog for being a good model after the shoot. I have not had success from treating during the photo session - I don’t like photographing him chewing.
Capture your dog’s Character
You know your dog better than anyone else. Successful portraits portray the character of the subject. If you have a lazy dog catch him yawning, if your dog is playful catch him performing his favorite trick.
Go to Your Dog
It is important that you dog feels comfortable, rather than forcing him to come to you, go to him.
Be Patient
Pet photography requires a lot of patience. No matter how excited your furry friend is, if you are patient enough, he will end up by relaxing and you will have the opportunity to get a decent shot.
Prepare to Shoot Special Occasions
Baths, dog-friend birthday parties, doggy watersides, doggy trampolines. You get the picture.
Your Children with Your Dog
Spend time envisioning the portrait and figure out the best case scenario for your children and your dog before involving them. It will be difficult, but don’t give up. It’s worth the effort to preserve this brief slice of time before they grow up.
Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
