Dogs reveal a lot about themselves through their expressions. From cute “puppy dog eyes” to an amused reaction to a noisy rubber chicken, their expressions provide compelling portraits.
Natural light provides the ideal lighting conditions for shooting dog photos. Try shooting during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset), to capture photographs with pleasing results. Harsh sunlight creates unwanted shadows which may make photos less than attractive.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the key components in photography, helping define subject and creating drama while offering multiple looks for each image taken.
Front lighting is the usual portrait setup and typically works well for most pets, however too-bright light can cause white fur to look frizzy and black hair too dark, creating unflattering shadows around their noses and creating unattractive shadows that cast unfavorable reflections in photos.
When possible, shoot outdoor photos on a cloudy day. Clouds’ natural diffusing effect helps soften shadows and lower contrast levels for more natural looking photographs without overexposing subjects.
Remove any objects or clutter that could distract your pets to save yourself time and effort in post-processing. Also ensure your pets feel safe during their session so that they can relax more naturally for photos.
Props
Props can add an extra level of creativity and interest to dog photos, showing off their individual personalities. Pet-appropriate props like costumes or toys may provide added familiarity and comfort that allows your pup to feel at ease in front of the camera.
homemade props such as signs with fun phrases or your pup’s name can add a personalized touch to photos, while repurposed furniture pieces such as chairs and benches can also make eye-catching props.
Natural props are an easy and non-posed way to capture an adorable photo of your pup without needing to pose them too much. A puppy’s favorite toy makes an ideal prop to capture their sense of scale; plus, many remain favorites into adulthood making them perfect for creating memorable baby photos!
Angles
Photographing dogs requires taking shots from various angles to keep your pictures more engaging. We often view dogs from above; to create more captivating photographs, try shooting from their perspective – for instance when laying down and sleeping or looking up at their owner.
Make sure to avoid flash during your shoot, as it can scare pets and cause red-eye in their eyes. Natural lighting is recommended; if it becomes too bright for comfort, use a diffuser to soften its intensity.
Removing distracting objects such as garbage bins and tires from your photos is also vital, allowing you to focus on capturing their personality through expressions. Be sure to include some closeups of their paws and tail, which is an adorable way to showcase their cuteness! Furthermore, exposure compensation allows you to adjust brightness of shots to make white fur look less dark when photographing.
Getting Your Dog’s Attention
Many of the same elements that make for successful portrait photography apply to pet photography as well, including proper lighting, backdrop use and basic camera settings. One key difference lies in your patience: Pets can often be unpredictable so it’s essential that both parties adhere to a plan that works.
Concentrate on capturing your pup’s essence by looking deeply into their eyes – they provide an indicator of how the animal feels and connects with people.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles: shoot from above (especially for larger dogs), below (especially with smaller breeds), to the side and even behind to create more interesting photos of your canine subject. Pets typically respond well to toys or treats; use these motivators during your shoot for optimal results. Keeping a camera handy at all times may prove useful too – you never know when an amazing photo opportunity arises with your animal friend!https://www.youtube.com/embed/eleIaQTXT_w