Dog Photography tips from professional photographer Edward M. Fielding.

Want to take great photographs of your dog but your pet seems to have a Gmind of their own which doesn’t include listening to your posing commands? Got a dog who just won’t sit still for your camera? Here are some tips to get great photographs of your dog.

10 Tips for capturing the best dog images

1. Keep it fun.  Associate your camera with a fun time like going for a hike or getting lots of treats.  A winning attitude will result in winning photos.

Dogs can sense your energy level and mood.  Don’t stress out.  Keep your photo sessions positive and fun.

2. Patience is required

Not every photo session is going to be great.  Have patience and wait for the right moment.  Don’t try to take pictures when your dog is full of extra energy or there are a lot of people around.  Take a walk before the photo session and work off some of that nervous energy.  Keep your session one on one so your pet isn’t distracted by a lot of people giving commands.

3. Shoot lots of photos but also plan out your shoots

For casual photos of your dog at play at the local dog park, take a lot of photos because most of them will be out of focus, blurred or just not the right timing.  Put your camera on sports mode for fast shutter speed and put it on burst mode to shoot a lot of rapid shots.

At the same time, plan out your shots at home.  Watch the lighting conditions and choose the best time of day to shoot your dog on the couch or in a favorite chair.

Later, edit, edit, edit. Only show the best shots and toss the rest.  Don’t bore your audience on social media with blurry, out of focus misses.  Just share the best few shots.  Less is more!

4. Treats, toys and squeakers

Treats will keep a well-trained dog in position as you compose the shot.  Toys and squeakers will get their attention right before the shutter is released.

The photo above was captured by hiding a treat in the camera, just out of nose reach.

5. Lighting is what makes a stunning shot stand out from a “ho-hum” shot

Photography is all about the lighting.  Wait for the best light of the day or create a studio set up to light your pet with beautiful light.

6. Capture your dog’s personality.  What makes Fido unique?

Try to create photographs that explore your pet’s unique personality, likes and favorite activities.

7. Get down on your dog’s level

As with kid photographs, don’t shoot down from the “Adult Perspective” all the time.  Try getting nose-to-nose and capture an image from your dog’s perspective.

8. Sneak around

Keep your camera handy and take pictures of your dog when he or she is unaware and be amazed by the sweet and funny moments you capture.

9. Eyes are often the key to the emotion of the photo.

Take a tip from fashion and portrait photographers – make sure eyes are in sharp focus.  Always focus on the eyes for breathtaking photographs.

10. Get creative!

Plan out unique shots and partner with your pet to create funny, sweet, cute and adorable pet portraits.

More great dog photography ideas at:  https://edward-fielding.pixels.com/art/dog