Have you ever wondered how to go from taking snapshots, to taking “real” dog photos, that convey the love of your pup?
That was exactly the question I asked myself when I realized that I had hundreds of pictures of my dogs; most of which hadn’t come out the way I’d planned and weren’t the shots I’d planned. In fact, most of them I thought were terrible.
I remember the day when I met a friend I hadn’t seen for a while. As we sat down for tea, she asked me how my dogs were. Our conversation focused on whether Jackson was still obsessed with food. Jackson, my Puggle, has a reputation for his love of food!
As I told her about Jackson’s latest food antics, I pulled out my phone (as every Dog Mom does) and proudly said “Let me show you a picture”. My finger started to scroll through the hundreds of dog photos on my phone, searching for a good one.
I scrolled, and I scrolled, and I continued to scroll.
There were hundreds of dog photos on my phone, but none of them really showed Jackson for the beautiful pup he is. They didn’t show his personality, his character, or even his eyes in many of them!
It was on that day I asked the simple question, “How do I go from taking snapshots, to taking “real” dog photos of my pups? That simple question started me on a journey to learn how to go from taking snapshots, to taking no-fuss “real” photographs that convey the love and personality of my dogs.
Throughout my journey I’ve learnt that sometimes all it takes is a few simple tricks and tips to change a dog photo, and make it look more professional.
So I’ve put together 5 simple tips that will give you instant results and will change the way you take your dog photos forever:
1. Choose a Contrasting Background To Your Dog’s Fur
Have you ever taken a photo of your dog, only to find that the background and your dog’s fur blend into one mass of color?
To avoid losing your dog in the picture, choose a background that shows off your dog best, and makes your dog stand out. If your dog has light fur, choose a dark background. If your pup has dark fur, choose a light background.
Professional dog photos capture the color and texture of a dog, and choosing a contrasting background is one of the keys to taking great dog portraits. Choosing a background that contrasts with your dog’s colors will make your dog photos look instantly more professional!
2. Focus On The Eyes
You know your dog better than anyone else in the world, and when you look into his/her eyes you have an instant connection.
The eyes the most expressive part of your dog’s face. They also communicate far more than words can express. To capture a more engaging photo of your dog, focus on their eyes and facial expressions.
An easy way to get your dog to focus on you, and look at the camera, is to make an unusual noise. One great idea is to take a squeaker out of a toy and use it in your mouth; leaving your hands free to hold your camera. I like to use the free app “Dog Squeaky Toy” for iPhones. It has several sound options that get my dog’s attention immediately.
3. Shoot In Their World
I’m sure you have lots of photos of your dog, but how many of them have you taken from their level?
Photos that see the world through your dog’s eyes are so much more interesting and captivating. Try getting down to your dog’s level and take picture from all different angles. From above, below, in front and behind.
Be prepared to get down on the floor and in unusual positions. Shooting from their level may mean hip level, if your dog is a Great Dane, or down at ankle level if you have a Yorkie.
4. Say Something With Your Photo
If I asked you what you loved most about your favorite photo of your pup, you would probably tell me that it speaks to your heart in some way. Maybe it says “unconditional love” or “snuggling with you is my favorite thing to do”.
Photos that “say something”, connect on a deeper emotional level. Maybe it’s your dog looking up at you as you open a bag of treats (“desire”). Or your pup sitting at the door waiting for you to come home (“longing”).
Think about the simple pleasures your dog loves in life.
If he loves to sleep in the afternoon; capture his naps in his favorite bed, or in his favorite sunny spot in the yard. Does he loves treats? (What dog doesn’t?) Capture the look on his face as he patiently waits to get a beloved treat. Maybe he has a favorite toy or blanket, or a special trick or habit that is part of his personality. Whatever tells the story of your pup’s personality!
5. Get Rid of Clutter
When was the last time you saw a professional photo with an empty Starbucks cup in the background?
A simple way to make your photos look more professional is to get rid of the clutter and distractions in the background. When you look at your photos in the future, you don’t want to see dirty dishes, or a pile of unopened mail in the background. You want to see your dog!
Take a look around and if it doesn’t add to the story you’re telling in your photo…remove it!
So there they are, 5 simple tips that you can implement today. Use them to instantly make the photos you take of your pup, look less like snapshots and more like “real” dog photos.
Let me know below which tip you enjoy using the most in your dog photos. I always love to hear your ideas.
