Ask any photographer, and he or she will tell you how there is a constant urge to capture everything that they find beautiful or is close to their heart. It also includes their beloved pets as well. Dogs, for instance, can give you some of the cutest, funniest shots that you will cherish for a long time. However, just like children, it can be tough to make them look at the camera to capture the perfect shot.
In this blog, you will see 8 simple yet highly effective tips that will help you master dog photography. So let us start,
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Schedule the Session
One of the most important aspects of getting an excellent dog photograph is scheduling the sessions. If you are looking for portrait-style photos, you will have a much better chance of getting a good photo if your dog is feeling sleepy or has just woken up. And if you want dynamic shots, take the photos when they are most energetic. You can prep them for the latter by playing with them beforehand. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you will get both relaxed and dynamic shots in the same photography session.
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Utilise Natural Light
You don’t need to worry about flashes and complicated lighting setups while taking photos of your dogs. An ideal option will be to use natural, constant light that won’t scare them or cause red-eye in your images. Whether you are using ambient or studio lights, a rule of thumb would be to go for bright, diffused light which will help create a more elegant portrait. If you are shooting outdoors, overcast days are ideal for offering even, diffused lighting. So don’t worry if the weather is cloudy,
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Opt For Fast Shutter Speeds
Capturing splendid photos of your dog can be easier when you have a camera that offers fast shutter speeds to freeze actions. Although many digital cameras offer a programmed pet mode, it is just not good enough to capture well-lit shots. So it is suggested that you use a DSLR. mirrorless camera, and an app that lets you adjust manual camera settings. Also if possible, try to take the pictures in burst mode so that you can capture a range of poses without lifting your finger from the shutter button.
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Take Pics in their Comfort Zone
One of the basic goals of dog photography is to capture your fido’s character and personality. You are less likely to receive this if your dog is in an unfamiliar place, such as a studio. Take your dog to a park or your backyard and allow them to relax and loosen up. This will make them more comfortable to look at the camera.
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Position Yourself to Their Level
Everybody is used to seeing the dogs from above and therefore, photos from this angle may not be that compelling. For optimal results, lower yourself down to their level. Also considering the dog breed, you may have to crouch with your camera or lie on your stomach with your pooch. The aim is to shoot from their eye level or even lower, where you can get the best view of their expressions. Just remember to carry the lens cloth for dealing with the nose smudges.
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Catch their Attention
One of the most important skills of dog photography is to catch your dog’s attention to capture the perfect photo. If you want to make them hold still, try this simple trick, let the dogs play quietly and once you are ready with the camera, call out their name. Click the shutter at the exact moment they look in your direction and you will get the perfect shot while they are looking at the camera.
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Be Patient
Apart from the gadgets involved in photography, another important thing one needs is patience. This is because pets will find it difficult to follow specific instructions unless trained by a professional. Also, dogs are known to absorb human emotions, so if you end up getting frustrated, they will sense it and will begin to mirror your feelings. Also, the worst thing you can do during dog photography is yell at your dog to make them follow commands. This will only freak out the pet and make your photos look bad. So the more relaxed you are, the decent will be the shot.
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Reward them
Last but not least, reward your dogs with some delicious dog treats and praise to keep them motivated during the photographic sessions. Some dogs like to play with dog toys, so you can go this way to keep them engaged. Besides, the high energy of your dogs will also make the photography visually more appealing.
Final Say,
Don’t be hesitant to experiment with different perspectives, lighting and settings while capturing the photos through your camera. Just have fun during the sessions, and your shots will be elegant as well. If you or your pet is not feeling well, just save it for another day. It’s worth the wait as the key to a remarkable portrait is to be happy.