This discussion is aimed at pet parents looking for dog photography ideas to shoot great photos of their furry friends at home.
I’m a proud pet parent. I have a dog and a cat and I love them as much as I love my daughter. Together, they make up my whole world and fill up my life with abundant joy.
I know many of you would love to shoot great photos of your pets but have no idea where to begin. If you think that way this is definitely for you.
If you’re a cat parent and reading this, I’ll write up a separate article on that topic because I feel it’s unfair to cover both these great furry companions in one topic. These bundles of love deserve special personalized treatment!
I hope by the time you finish reading this you will have a lot of ideas to explore and shoot great photos of your dog.
Key Takeaways:
- Dog photography ideas.
- How to find the best light to shoot great images.
- Location ideas to shoot images of your dog.
- Equipment suggestions.
- Further improvement.
Table of Contents
Just remember, that these are just ideas for you to explore. Once you understand the basics you can take the idea and run with it giving it your twist to make interesting images. So don’t feel bogged down if some of these ideas don’t work for you. There are plenty of others that I’m sure you will love to use in practical situations and which can work for your pet.
Every pet has a different characteristic. Only the pet parent is familiar with it to the extent that they can work around the pet’s mindset to capture the best photos. I’m not suggesting that a professional pet photographer would not be able to do that. There are hundreds of great photographers who do a wonderful job.
Why Can’t I Hire a Professional Pet Photographer to Do the Job?
If you’re looking for high-quality professional photos of your furry friends I would recommend that you hire a professional pet photographer. They would bring in a lot of experience having done this kind of photography session over and over.
They have all the right equipment and the right kind of lights that is required for professional quality photos and they would do an overall much better job of capturing photos that you can share with your friends or hang up on a wall in your living room.
This is one-off though. You can’t hire a professional pet photographer to come and take pictures of your furry friend every time you need to. So, you have to have some basic idea of how to shoot great-looking photos with just the equipment that you have, and in an environment that is familiar to both you and your pet.
Do I Need the Best Equipment to Shoot Great Pet Photos?
Many pet parents ask, “I don’t have the necessary equipment. Can I still shoot professional-quality photos of my pets? ” Of course, you can!
It is a myth that you need the best equipment to shoot photos. Great equipment only makes it easier for the photographer to capture the vision that they have, but it does not necessarily make them a better photographer.
The best camera is the one that’s with you.
Chase Jarvis.
As a photographer you still have to compose the shot, set the exposure, and time the shutter release at the precise point in time when everything comes together. Even then, you have to keep taking multiple images to be able to get at least one good keeper.
It is a fact that practice makes a man perfect. So, the more you shoot the better you get at this game.
Trust me, it is all about shooting, reviewing, comparing with photos of pets you see in magazines and ezines, and then repeating the process. Over a period of time, you’ll only get better.
So grab the camera you have with you. It could be an old point-and-shoot camera or your trusty iPhone. It does not really matter the kind of camera you are using, as long as you’re using it correctly. Hopefully, these tips will help you get started on the right footing.
Do I Need to Travel to Good Locations for Using These Dog Photography Ideas?
Not really. The idea is to capture good photos of your dog. That can happen at any place where the dog feels comfortable and is in its element. It could be the backyard of your home, a park close by where you frequent, it could be the beach or an abundant compound where you play with your pet.
However, natural backgrounds do look really good in the photos. So, I would recommend that you can try to incorporate natural backgrounds in your photos. If you live in an apartment that has no access to a yard or any kind of natural green background, you can concentrate on the personality of your pet and highlight that.
I would also recommend that you use props in your compositions. Every pet has a favorite toy. Use that as a positive encouragement. It can also calm the pet down in case it is stressed out.
So, punctuate a few short minutes of photo-taking with a short burst of playtime, And then repeat the process for as long as you feel that your pet is cooperating and not stressed out.
The best images are usually captured when they are completely relaxed, in a playful mood and they’re enjoying the whole process.
Let’s look at a few dog photography ideas:
Let Them Run Towards You
This is the stuff that I dream of. All you have to do is just enter your home and your pets would be running towards you. Capture them while they are still on the move. Make sure that you have continuous autofocus set on your camera.
If you have eye-focus option in your camera make sure to have it turned on. That will make it easier for you to nail the focus on your pet’s eye.
Capture the Personality of Your Pet
Some dogs have a natural tendency to look moody, grumpy, and downright intimidating. I love to photograph dogs that are naturally intimidating to look at. It is a lot easier to bring out their personality because they don’t have to try too hard.
Capture a Side Profile
Just like humans, some dogs have a great side profile. It’s only when you observe your pet and take a few images from different angles that you realize which side is the best. I suggest that you take a few shots from the front and then a few from the side.
In any case, you will do both. Just that in some situations one or the other works best.
Agile Dogs Make for Great Action Shots
If you have a Belgian Malinois you have one of the most agile dogs in the world. It is a lot easier to practice this technique with these breeds than say perhaps a Cocker Spaniel. I mean real action sports stuff. The only thing is it is quite difficult to manage the dog and then shoot great photos. So, you will need an extra pair of hands to manage the shoot.
Up the Cuteness Quotient
When we had Jimmy walk into our lives, just before the pandemic, we realized we couldn’t have enough of the cuteness that he brought along. It was the same feeling when we had our daughter – we were parents all over again!
I would often follow him around our home capturing his every move and still didn’t feel that I had enough images! Shoot more when you have the time. They grow up so fast!
If you really want to up the cuteness quotient, add a child in the frame.
The “I Didn’t Do It” Look
I love this look. My pet does that every time he steals a shoe or a slipper or does something that he is not supposed to. The look is precious.
Capture Interesting Movements They Make
Sometimes your pet makes an unexpected move. If you encourage them with positive reinforcement such as a treat, they are likely to repeat that movement. Makes for a great shot. But you have to have a fast reaction time to be able to capture that shot.
Catch the Flabbergasted Look
Do I need to explain this?
The Incognito Look
Just a way to spice things up and capture a different vibe. Works well with dogs that are more patient and accommodating.
The Attentive Look
Every dog has a turn-on phrase. I’m sure yours does too. It could be anything that gets its complete and undivided attention. Mine is the word “ta-ta.” All I have to say is, “After dinner, we’re going for a ta-ta” and that completely turns him on.
Find out what gets the attention of your dog and use that to capture that attentive look. Fast hands are recommended.
Lose the Leash
Avoid the leash in the frame. I know it can sometimes be nerve-wracking to let your dog off the leash. Do it safely after considering the immediate environment, and any rules in force at the place you are for dogs without leash, before attempting this.
Catch Me if You Can
Some dogs love playing fetch (it’s a myth that every dog loves that game). But each one plays it in a different way. We would often play fetch on the terrace, except that every time he would have the ball in his mouth he would run around avoiding me!
I didn’t mind that as it gave me the opportunity to capture some bark-tastic images.
Incorporate a Scenic Background
Sometimes though a breathtaking background can be visually stunning. It’s easy to make a compelling image of your pet when you have such paw-some background to work in.
Use the Play Times
If you are paw-ndering on what to shoot, try and utilize the play times. I captured many cute moments when Jimmy was growing up while we played tug-of-war, his favorite game.
Dogs Are Water Babies
At least most of them are. Although there are some exceptions and that is even across the same breed. We have the conception that all Labradors are good swimmers, but I have seen some who are absolutely terrified of the water!
So, if your dog is a water baby you have one extra opportunity to shoot great images.
The Swinging Dog Pose
Smaller breeds are better suited for this. Though I would only recommend this if your dog is a calmer type and wouldn’t try to wiggle out of the packaging. In any case, be quick and don’t unnecessarily put your dog under stress. Don’t try this if your dog is afraid of heights.
Bring the Hoo-Man Into the Frame
A tight cuddle, a kiss, a hug – there are a ton of ways you can incorporate a human into the frame. But the focus should always be on the dog and its reaction.
Experiment With Low Key Lighting
For those who want to use artificial lighting and experiment with advanced lighting techniques. All you need is a single focused light, a dark background, and some black foam boards. You can skip the last if things become too tight and cumbersome to set up.
The idea of the foam boards is to avoid light spilling onto the whole scene.
Focus the light on the dog’s face at an angle of roughly 75 degrees from the front. Fire away with your camera.
If you are using an external flash you can sync it with your camera using a trigger. Here are a few recommendations:
- Godox XProC TTL
- Godox XProS TTL
- Godox X2 2.4 GHz TTL
- Profoto Connect Pro
- Vello FreeWave Fusion Basic 2.4 GHz
Get Down to Their Level
Just like when photographing kids you should always capture an image of your pet from their eye level. Whenever possible avoid shooting from the top down.
And Sometimes Even Lower
You can take the last tip and push it even further by going lower than eye level. Sometimes it makes a dog appear majestic.
Sometimes It Is Ok to Shoot From the Top
Feel free to change the camera angle and shoot from higher up. It gives you a different perspective that can make interesting images.
Focus on the Eyes
The first rule of portrait photography – always focus on the eye, regardless of the subject. If the eyes are not sharp the whole image simply crumbles. Focus on the eyes and then play with your depth of field.
Use the Rule of Negative Space
Sometimes the best thing that you can do is simply leave the bulk of the frame empty. Check this for more ideas on composition rules.
Be Fast With Your Hands
Some moments can’t be staged. Absolutely no way! You need fast hands to be able to capture those. If you have pets and kids at home it makes sense to always leave a camera with a charged battery around so that you can shoot at a moment’s notice.
Capture Your Pet Flying!
This ain’t going to work with all dogs though. Only the ones that are naturally agile and love jumping around.
Nap Times Are Great for Photos
They are cuter when they are asleep and make for great images. If you are looking for some dog photography ideas you can use, here’s one that’s probably the easiest to replicate.
Utilize the Cuddle Time
We pet parents have a bad case of puppy love. The worse thing is they know it. That usually means they have impromptu belly rub and cuddle sessions. Like Jimmy, has a sense of what’s about to happen every time I say weird words in a funny way. Great time to make some shots.
Capture the Entire Gang
If you are a lucky pet parent and have a bunch of them at home this tip is for you. Have them group up, maybe after an intense play session, and grab a quick shot of the whole gang.
Fresh Breath of Air
This can be achieved at the beach, on a hiking trail, or any place with lots of nature around. Dogs sometimes do this – stick their nose in the air and start sniffing. The image will appear as if it is trying to sniff in nature, which obviously is not the case. But then who cares? It’s a sniff-tastic shot.
The Smiling Look
Dogs do smile. Don’t you agree? And they make paw-some image ideas.
Capture their Chew-niverse
Dogs love chewing on a wide variety of things. All dogs do that when they are having their first set of teeth. Some keep that habit even after becoming an adult. Sometimes they pick the weirdest of stuff to chew on.
Get Close With a Wide-Angle Lens
Your furry friend/child won’t mind if it appears like Mr.Bean looking down at a magnifying glass. It actually will oblige, unlike some of your hoo-man subjects. So, if you always wanted to capture portrait images with a wide-angle lens, here’s your chance.
Funny Props Do Help
If you do not have access to a yard or don’t go out that often try this as an alternative. Funny props are easy to buy online, there are numerous varieties and they are super cheap. Plus, they make excellent ideas for photographing your dog.
The Traveling Dog
Safety first. I never allow Jimmy to stick his head out of our car when it’s moving. Instead, I always shoot this scene when the car is stationary and parked at a safe spot on the freeway. If I have to mimic motion blur I add that later in post-processing.
The “Ten-Hut” Look
Jimmy does not even bother to turn his head if I call him for a photo. I bet your dogs are all ears when you have to say something. On the other hand, if they are like Jimmy, treats are your best friend.
Encourage What They Do Naturally
Many dogs tend to weird funny things that are great as photography ideas. This pitbull e.g., with a stick in its mouth reminds me of Ron Perlman from the movie Hellboy.
Dress Him Up
It does not cost you much to do that and they make hilarious photo ideas too. Just make sure not to stretch the duration of such a shoot or they can get stressed out.
Matching Backgrounds Are a Great Idea
You will need an infinity cove but on a colored background. Match it with the color of your pet’s fur or the dress it is wearing.
So Are Contrasting Ones!
In the same way, you can experiment with a contrasting colored background.
Capture Their Inquisitiveness
Most dogs are naturally inquisitive. Some, like Jimmy, use the Woof-Woof Web to communicate with others in the neighborhood. Every time there is a new dog in the vicinity Jimmy would run to the terrace or climb onto his favorite couch near the window to investigate, observe, and sometimes communicate. Have a camera at hand to capture their inquisitiveness.
Play Around With Their Food
I hope my daughter isn’t reading this. I have always told her never to play with or waste food. But when it comes to my pets I always have a fun time with food. In fact, small bits of food like treats are a great positive motivation for training (and for photo sessions).
Concluding Woofs
I am sure by now you have plenty of ideas to “woof-around.” Just be natural, pawsitive, keep things playful, and don’t stress yourself or your furry child by running after it with a camera in hand. These things will take a few attempts to master. Once you understand what works and what doesn’t you will have a great time and get some paw-some images for your Instagram and living room wall. Don’t forget to experiment and give each idea your own twist. Keep shooting!
Meaning of Doggo terms used in this discussion:
Paw-ndering – Deep contemplation while staring at a closed door, wondering what’s on the other side.
Bark-tastic – The feeling of utter joy when chasing your tail or playing fetch.
Paw-some – The feeling of pure greatness when successfully catching a frisbee mid-air.
Chew-niverse – The vast collection of objects that are just waiting to be tested for chew-worthiness.
Woof-Woof Web – The intricate network of communication established between dogs in the neighborhood via barking.
Sniff-tastic – The sheer delight of exploring the world through the nose, one scent at a time.
Pawsitive – An enthusiastic tail-wagging attitude towards life.
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