10 Tips for Great Dog Photos 

1. Good Lighting – Lighting is important.  Natural light is always best but avoid direct sunlight.  A cloudy but bright day is the best.  If indoors, try to take your photos by a large window that allows light into the room. 

2. Eye Contact –Work on your repertoire of funny noises and use all that are at your disposal.  While “meow” noises might work for one dog, whining might work for another.  Usually there is a “noise” that is going to get your dog’s attention – you just need to find out which one it is!  If you have a helper, place them directly behind you so that the dog’s attention doesn’t wander. 

3. Fill The Frame – If your dog is the main subject of your photograph than make sure that he is at the center of your photo. Cropping after the fact is fine but why not fill the whole frame with your subject initially? 

4. Get Down On Your Pet’s Level – Your photo will be better and less distorted if you simply crouch down and take the picture from the dog’s eye view.  Sure, you might get dirty knees but your photos will come out much better!   

5. Take It Easy – If you stress than your pet will stress.  If things aren’t going well and your frustration level is rising, you can bet that your dog KNOWS it.  This is going to lead a dog who is NOT willing to sit for a photograph. Take your time – if things aren’t going well, take a break. 

6.  Candid Shots – Surprise your dog and get that perfect candid of your pet doing what your particular pet does.  This will show their personality better than anything else.  Remember that taking a candid shot doesn’t mean that the other rules go out the window – just adjust them to fit the photo that you are looking for.   

7. Sit/Stay – Training can make a huge difference when you are trying to capture your pet’s image.  Work with your dog on his sits, downs and most importantly, stays.  Do this without a camera present and make it a fun training session with lots of treats.  If you have a planned photograph in mind, say on a particular surface, certain couch or table or place outdoors, work with him in that area using lots of positive praise and treats.   

8. Shoot, Shoot and Shoot Again–  If you don’t get the shot you want just keep on shooting.  Sometimes it takes many tries before the exact photo we are looking for appears on our camera.   

9. Learn To Zoom – Some of the best shots are close-ups of your pet’s face.  Experiment and try different angles and use that zoom! 

10. Patience – For all above rules remember that patience is the key.  Pet photography can be an exercise in patience but the results in the end are worth the struggle.