The UK is a nation of animal lovers, and those who are lucky enough to share our home with a four-legged friend often have a camera roll full of dog pictures!
To help you get the best photos of your best friend, we’ve put together a simple guide with our top photography tips. From what noises to make to get their attention to how to make the best of your phone’s camera features – say cheeseand get snapping!
Use natural light
Dark coloured dogs are particularly hard to photograph, especially in poor light, compared to those with lighter fur. We always prefer to use natural light rather than a flash, as it gives a better finish to your photo.
If you are outside, use softly shaded areas. Bright sunlight might seem like a good idea, but it can leave your photo looking overexposed (when it looks too bright and you lose detail). Cloudy days are also good to avoid any harsh glare from the sun or squinting eyes.
If you are inside, make sure your curtains are open and your dog is near a window or glass door so you can still use natural light.
In either location, face your dog towards the light source so that their facial features show – this will help those darker coloured dogs get their perfect photo.
Use sounds and tasty treats
Using a favourite toy, making a noise, or giving a tasty treat is a great way to get your dog to look at the camera but use them wisely, or you’ll end up with an excitable dog that you can’t get a photo of.
Your instinct will be to call your dog’s name to make them look at the camera, but this can make them move towards you. Instead, make a kiss noise with your lips or light trill of your tongue to get an adorable head tilt.
Hold toys or treats near to the camera to get your dog looking right down the lens, but don’t hold them for too long without handing them over. It’s good to reward your dog often while you’re taking photos (or doing any tasks or training), so they know they’re doing a good job.
Get down to their level
Shoot low – kneel, crouch, or even lie down. Getting down to their level gives you the perfect angle but just be careful, as you’ll also be in prime location for a face lick or two!
Make the most of your phone’s features
Smart phones are now often fantastic for taking photographs, and they’re quicker to use in a moment’s notice. Our staff often use phones over a proper camera to snap photos of our dogs and puppies doing amazing things. But you’ve got to make the most of the photography features it comes with:
- Tap the screen on the dog’s eyes to make them the focal point.
- Only use portrait mode for a dog that is still, or you will get blurry ears if they move too quickly.
- Burst mode is perfect for action shots or unpredictable pups.
- Use the favourites button to select which photos you love the most, because you might take 10 of a similar angle or pose.
Let them move
Your dog will be most comfortable and will enjoy their photos being taken more if you let them be themselves, rather than trying to pose them in a specific way. Let them lie down, sit, or even run around. It will mean waggy tails and happy faces, which make better photos.
Photograph interactions
Human cuddles, nose boops, or even walking together. Photographing interactions between yourself and your dog shows how powerful your relationship and bond is.
Declutter your background
Keep the background simple and fill the frame with as much of your dog as possible so they’re the focus.
If you’re inside your house, remove clutter like scattered toys or hanging washing from the background; this will help avoid you having to edit or photoshop your photos!
Our team’s favourite prompts
“What’s this?”
Say it softly to get alert ears, but not too much that they run at you.
“Find it!”
Drop a treat on the floor and crouch down to take the photo, perfect for a cute sniffing moment.
“Stay” or “Wait”
The right words for a perfect posed shot.