How To Take Your Dog’s Picture – Tips From a Professional Photographer

When I turned twelve, my mother bought me my first camera. It was a Kodak110 Instamatic pocket sized camera, an antique by today’s standards. I loved it. I could not stop taking pictures. I became fascinated by this wonderful machine that captured emotions so easily and spilled on to paper for all to see. This fascination led me to major in photography at The School of Visual Arts in NYC. It was then, that my mother bought me my first professional camera, a 35mm Konica.

My love of photography was sealed.

As I traveled further on the photographic path, I came across my greatest inspiration. It was destiny. There she was, with her big brown eyes and long floppy ears that melted my heart. My beautiful basset Chagall captured my heart the same way photography did.  Pets are truly the best examples of how unconditional love can change another’s life.

Pet Photography is a unique career which has given me access into an animal’s world. It is insight into the beauty of life and nature at its best.

Experience has taught me that animals love a natural environment.

• The first rule to shooting outdoors is to be aware of your location and surroundings. The animal should feel familiar with the surroundings so they can be comfortable. Animals are best at being themselves and doing what they love to do. A pet at play is magical. Never pose a pet. If you let the animal take control of the scene, you gain opportunities that will lead to the perfect shot.

• Gaining trust from the animal is very important. You can accomplish this by keeping treats or a favorite toy on hand. To further increase their trust you may want to have the pet’s owner on location.

• It is imperative to work around the pet’s schedule. Some animals may be at their best in the morning, others in the afternoon. Talk with the owner to pinpoint the time of day that the animal is sated and willing to play for the camera.

• When shooting outdoors, be aware of lighting. As the day proceeds the sun’s strength changes, it can either enhance or distract from your shot. You may think about using lens filters to work with the sun and lighting for your perfect shot.

• I suggest to keep shooting as much as you can. It is often that for every 1000 photos you shoot, you will find the one perfect shot to treasure. With patience, which I highly recommend you have plenty of, you can have a pose that will not only melt your heart but the owner’s heart as well.

I wouldn’t be a photographer today, without the help of my mother. The undying faith, belief and loyalty she had in me still inspires me to create the best possible photo for my clients. She recently passed away. Even though she isn’t physically here, I still thank her for her belief and unconditional love and support in me.
Since 2007 Canine Camera has been photographing beloved pets in the place that makes them the happiest.  We leave the stuffy studios behind.  Pets are immortalized in a beautiful photograph romping outside, napping on the couch, sitting on their owner’s lap, or wherever they enjoy being the most.

Canine Camera captures the qualities and personality which captured your heart from the very beginning. I would like to thank my nephew Brett for his remarkable writing skills, great love of animals and his helpful heart which inspires me every day.

Tags: dog photo, take picture