Say Cheese (or Maybe Bacon): Tips for Taking the Perfect Dog Photo
As a professional pet photographer, I’ve asked myself the same question as centuries of artists before me have, “How do you capture the beauty and essence of a dog?”
I recently saw an ancient stone carving of dogs, with an inscription indicating it was for a beloved pet laid to rest by a forlorn owner. Our bond with dogs and our desire to preserve their images is indeed timeless.
Though the essence of dogs has been captured throughout history in a variety of media, I rely on a simple and relatively modern form: the still photograph.
That’s not to say I shoot with film and develop in a dark room. My setup is entirely digital, and I don’t apologize for it. Some purists may gripe that it makes it too easy since you can see results instantly on the back of the camera, but removing the technical hassles just makes it easier to focus on the spirit of the animal I’m photographing.
Despite all the advances in digital photography, the process of creating the perfect photo of a dog is still difficult. It requires not only technical skill with the camera, but also location planning, proper use of lighting (both natural and artificial), and the ability to know your subject and capture that essence in a single photograph. Though I’ve taken many photos I’m extremely proud of, it’s still a moving target every time I pick up my camera.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the photos you take of your dog, whether with a phone or a DSLR camera, here are some tips that have guided me. I hope they can help you as well.
A photographer I once heard speak at a workshop said, “There are three things that make an amazing photograph: motion, emotion, and that little something extra.” I believe this is a true statement so let’s analyze it.
First, take the word “motion.” A photo of a dog in motion or with some part of him or her moving is usually more likely to evoke a response in the viewer. Movement allows you to see more of the dog’s true self, in my opinion. Static portraits may be great as well, allowing you to stare into a dog’s soul through the window of their eyes, but in general a photo with motion in it is more interesting.
Second, “emotion” means you can see what feelings the dog is experiencing. Luckily, dogs are generally much more expressive than, say, cats, so it’s not super difficult to take a photo of a dog looking happy, or proud of himself, or even sheepish. For me, it all comes down to the ears usually. Any photo with the ears not up and attentive (assuming their ears can do that) is automatically discarded. Another key feature is an open mouth, which is what I want every time. Mouth open, ears up, eye contact if possible, and as close to their height as I can get, which isn’t always possible.
Finally, there’s that little something extra. This is basically a mystery because it’s always something unexpected. I’ve had dogs flop down on the ground and start scratching their backs all of a sudden, which satisfies all three requirements assuming you can get their face in focus. Or maybe they suddenly let out an excited bark that shows their true doggie joy. Even a good shake can make for a great photo. The trick to capturing this mysterious X-factor is to have your camera pointed at them and be ready, with your settings dialed in, waiting for something to happen. It’s a bit the way wildlife photographers approach their craft, waiting patiently for something interesting to happen instead of taking a standard portrait.
I hope these tips help you create some great photos of your own dogs. And remember, if the process gets too frustrating, you can always hire a professional!