How to Photograph Your Dog

By Kristie Leong M.D., published May 06, 2008
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If you have a dog you know how important it is to capture those special moments on film but dogs aren't always the most willing subjects when it comes to taking their picture. In fact, they can be downright uncooperative. This makes it necessary to resort to a few tricks to get a good picture of your canine friend. Here are some tips on how to get better photos of your dog:

How to photograph your dog: Be prepared

If you aren't ready to snap a photo at all times, you'll miss out on some awesome photo opportunities. Some of the best dog photos are taken in those moments when you catch them doing something extraordinary that you'd never be able to capture in a photo studio. If you want good dog photos, keep your camera fully loaded and close at hand for the next canine photo opportunity. Preparation is critical for capturing extraordinary dog images.

How to photograph your dog: Be sneaky

Some of the best dog photos happen when a dog is unaware he's being photographed. Look for opportunities when your dog is distracted such as when he's napping by the fireplace or chewing on a bone in the yard. Slowly sneak up on him without distracting him from his task and capture the moment on film. Use several different angles and perspectives. You can determine which ones you like best later.

How to photograph your dog: Be patient

If you want to get good photos of your dog, patience is critical. Follow your dog around and allow him to get used to seeing you with the camera. At first he'll be distracted by the fact you're following him but eventually he'll lose interest and begin to behave naturally. This is the time to capture the image. You may want to get low to the ground and try taking shots from different perspectives. Avoid calling your dog's name as this will both destroy the spontaneity of the moment and cause your dog to come to you, ruining a perfect photograph.

How to photograph your dog: Take lots of photos

If you have a digital camera, you have the freedom of taking as many photos as you want. Snap as many shots as you can when the opportunity presents itself, this increases your likelihood of ending up with a few really good photographs.

With a little patience, you can capture those special canine moments.

Credit: SXC

Copyright: SXC

Comments
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Super suggestions....my German shorthair is so cute, but quick too~~ can't seem to get her on camera well!

Posted on 05/11/2008 at 5:05:33 AM

 
Wonderful tips especially since my golden tends to lick the camera at first sight :-)

Posted on 05/08/2008 at 5:05:12 PM

 
We are fools for our dog. My son or I are always grabbing one of the cameras. The loud noise is a great idea for getting his attention. Thanks!

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 10:05:34 PM

 
Unique topic, excellent tips, great presentation-- as always!!! LOVE the photo... So sweet...... :)

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 10:05:32 PM

 
great tips here Doc!!

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 6:05:00 PM

 
Excellent article and picture!

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 1:05:46 PM

 
Very good tips and as always a nice article.

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 12:05:48 PM

 
Both of our dogs were/are such hams that they actually pose for us.

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 11:05:16 AM

 
These are wonderful tips! My dogs seem to hate to get their picture taken and I have to be so casual and sneaky about it!!! :)

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 11:05:59 AM

 
Thanks for the info! Great job on this Doc :)

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 10:05:18 AM

 
excellent tips!!!

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 9:05:25 AM

 
I have a lot of photos of my doggies and you're right, they are hard to capture and you have to be sneaky :D

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 7:05:17 AM

 
I love the photo you've included too :) Dogs are very tricky to photograph and the ones that capture their true personalities are gems. Super tips you've included here.

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 7:05:21 AM

 
Great tips!

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 7:05:50 AM

 
As a freelance photographer, I can attest that pets are as difficult to capture as kids! Ya gotta be sneaky! Great tips.

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 7:05:17 AM

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