Enjoy A Blissful Dog Photo Shoot With These 5 Brilliant Tips
Taking pictures of the favorite peeps in your life is a given. There’s Emma’s dance recital, Luke’s 10th Bday, your last holiday beach outing, but we don’t see enough tips about taking amazing dog photo shoots of your favorite furry canine.
As I sit to write this I have my own doggy running into the room to see what I’m doing and poking me in the leg with his snout so I give him a pet. He truly is the biggest pet hog but when he stares at me I just melt. He’s so adorable and I can’t help but take my iPhone camera obsession and turn it onto him as well.
If you’ve been thinking about snapping some cute dog pictures of your beloved pooch then continue reading to get my easy pointers on how to collect wonderful shots of your pup and have fun doing a dog photo shoot.
1. Preparation is Key
Capture the catchlight! Most dogs’ eyes are dark and you want to make sure you see the sparkle in them. Our canines express so much with their gaze. Make it a focal point. Be sure they’re not blocked by fur by doing some trimming beforehand.
It’s always best to take the ‘happy dog’ approach. Get them comfortable and pet him or her a bunch before, or play with them a bit. Make sure it’s fun because dogs, like children, can get impatient. Another trick is to have a friend or older child with you so they can help keep your furry friend entertained and happy while you shoot.
A few more things to prepare:
- Have your iPhone charged. You don’t want to have contorted your body to get the perfect angle and miss that amazing picture opportunity because your iPhone dies.
- Make sure your pup has gone to the bathroom beforehand. Those doggies can get restless with a full bladder!
- If your dog knows ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ this will make it much easier when you’re ready to shoot some pics.
- Bring dog treats and toys to keep them entertained.
- Carry along some props – a hat, blanket, etc.
2. Venue
Like with so many other subjects, natural light is the way to go when it comes to cute dog pictures. It captures your dog’s eye color and fur really well and makes doggo pictures shine.
As you search for the perfect dog photo shoot venue check to see if it’s safe for your pooch and quiet enough so they won’t get distracted. The best way is to keep things natural and relaxed. Talk to your pup the whole time, especially if you’re in a less familiar venue
Check the Area
Once you’re outside and have picked the place, be aware of what will be in the background of your photo. Keep in mind the color of your dog’s fur and choose a spot that will contrast their color. For example if your dog is gray, shy away from blanched rocks. You’re looking to make your doggy’s image pop.
Also keep it simple so the background won’t distract from the most important part – your adorable pooch. Watch out for weird objects like tree branches and poles that can make it look like your dog is growing a strange limb, lol.
Lighting is Crucial
Flash photography inside usually takes away from showing your pup’s best look but it can work with the proper preparation if outdoors isn’t an option.
So if you have to take the photos indoors, get near a window or aim a lamp in your pups direction. Open the curtains and let plenty of light into the area where you’re taking the photos.
And don’t forget to turn your auto flash off! You definitely don’t want that weird ‘red eye’ that actually makes your pup look like they have possessed green eyes and give you cursed dog images.
3. Get (and Keep) Their Attention
First you have to get your doggy’s attention. What’s the best way to do that? Before you begin you should know a bit about your dog’s personality. What gets one canine super excited can barely keep the attention of another.
Then determine the kind of dog photo you’d like. A playful action shot or some sleeping dog images where your pup is looking chill. Start by motivating them by either playing with them to get more energetic shots or give them a treat and pet them plenty to get a more relaxed pose.
Have a squeaky toy handy so they look at you and the iPhone when you need it. You only get a few shots with this technique so make them count. After the toy effect wanes resort to some good old fashion treats to keep them alert and looking in your direction.
4. Poses and Props
Taking iPhone dog photo shoots of your pup should be fun. This is the time to capture your doggies in all their glory and goofiness. You want to see their true personalities in the photos you take.
A great mode to use with dogs is ‘Portrait’. It’s not only good for human faces but can get some amazing shots of your pooch too.
If you’re on ‘regular’ mode don’t be shy about getting close ups of your dog. You can capture some cute photos of your pooch’s nose and eyes. These classify as full length shots, taking up the whole frame of the camera.
Get the Right Angle
The fun doesn’t stop there! Get down at your pup’s level. Play with different angles as well. Perhaps a bird’s eye view from up above can be really cool. Hopping on a chair, step, or landing can help with this type of angle.
Another fun idea is using forced perspective. When your dog is laying down, position your iPhone in front of their furry face while including the rest of their body behind them. This interesting perspective will make it look like a big head with a small body and shows some creativity.
Wardrobe Please!
This is also when you can experiment with different props. For an adorable creative shot try covering part of your doggo’s face with a blanket so all you see is their snout. Other props can make for some cute pics like a smaller hat, shirt, bows, or a kid’s cape. The list is endless. You can see a couple of examples in the dog photo shoots with our adorable schnauzer (lucky for us he’s super chill with getting dressed up).
5. Capture the Moment
Expressing spontaneity in dog photography is wonderful as well. Your favorite canine doesn’t just have to stay still.
Try an action shot by running next to your pup while they chase after a ball or toy. Remember to use ‘Burst Mode’ in these situations so you can catch many moments in a sequence. Action shots like this will capture your pooch and the background will have a nice blurred effect.
If you have a newer iPhone then try taking short burst videos by keeping your finger pressed on the shutter button. And if your pup gets tired of the running you’ll have a chance to get cute dog photos of them panting, tongue and all. 😜
What Did You Say?
Another way to get a spontaneous shot is using trigger words. For example with our dog, the words ‘Treat’, ‘Going Running’ and ‘Birthday Cake’ make his ears perk up and his facial expression changes to total excitement. Experiment with some words that might have the same effect on your doggy. Sometimes I even make high pitched noises as he tilts his head and looks at me funny. Capturing that face is priceless!
Last But Not Least
Don’t forget that your furry canine doesn’t have the longest attention or longevity span for dog photo shoots. Use some of the ideas above sparingly and one at a time. Experiment and just have fun. Many times those are the pics that will be your favorites!
And at the end of your dog photo shoot, however long or short it was, sit down with your pooch. Hug your furry friend and show them a bit of lovin’. 🐶💗
Then turn the iPhone onto you both and take a well deserved dog taking selfie.
You made it! 😍
Bonus Dog Photo Fun
Check out my cute little dog photo shoot video to get some more pics and poses ideas for your pooch!
PS – With a whole slew of new dog photos on your phone you might find my free guide helpful – 6 Successful Ways To Organize Your iPhone Photos With Albums. In it you’ll learn simple but powerful steps to wrangle the photo monster that has taken over your photo gallery!
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