Part of any photographer’s instinct is to capture everything that they find beautiful and are close to their hearts, including their beloved furry friend. Dogs, for one, make some of the funniest, cutest, and vibrant photography subjects. However, just as it is when photographing an infant, it can be very difficult to capture really good shots due to their unpredictability.
Factors like lighting and location should be put into consideration prior to doing dog portrait photography. And remember, let the pet rule the photo session, and never distress or agitate the animal. Just wait for your pooch personality to shine through the camera lens.
Here are a few helpful dog portrait photography tips to make your session both easy and convenient for you and your furry friend.
Schedule the Session
The success of the shoot relies on proper scheduling. If you aim for portrait shots, you need to catch your dog in a relaxed position when they are feeling sleepy or have just woken up. And if you are looking for a more dynamic shot, it is best to capture photos of them when they are most energetic. You can usually prep them for the latter by playing with them beforehand.
Carefully Plan Your Shots
Capturing candids and going with the flow can get you good dog portraits, but for really engaging ones that depict a story, you will need to show them in context. Conceptualize a theme and plan your key shots. You may want to include props like pet toys or foods that will bring out expressions of excitement and desire. In case, shooting indoor, add variety to your shots by choosing several areas of the home that you may place them in and plan different activities.
Use Natural Light
No need to worry about flashes and complicated lighting setups when taking dog portrait photography. Whether you are using studio or ambient lights, the general rule is to go for bright, diffused light that will help create more flattering dog portraits. To avoid making the eyes look flat and dead, make sure that your subject has ample catchlight or white reflective parts in the eyes.
Focus on the Eyes
Eyes are the window to the soul, and this applies to any living object. When capturing your furry friend, make sure to focus on the eyes to make sure they are sharp and allow the pooch’s expression to become the focal point of your shoot. You may want to watch out for and capture the perfect puppy dog eyes moment, even if they are not looking straight at the camera.
Visit our website https://www.magicdow.com/contact-us/ and check out our Instagram page for more dog portrait photography samples.
