Here’s How to Create the Perfect Photo Shoot of Your Dog
Almost every dog parent out there has hundreds if not thousands of photos of their dog on their phone. But are they worth Instagram? They most likely fail the smell test when it comes to image quality – photo bombs, blurry images and couch shots are the norm. But with fall in full swing, now is the perfect time to step up your dog photo game and show the world how adorable your pup is.
In the fall, the light is better (the harsh, too-bright summer days are over), the bright colors of the season make for great photo backgrounds, and playing in the foliage is fun for everyone. You will also enjoy a great bonding time.
To capture quality pictures of your pooch without having to afford a professional camera, here are some tips and tricks for using your phone to capture the perfect photo.
Get your phone ready
With so many different modes, filters, and editing tools, it can be a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Sophie Crew, owner of Sophie Crew Photography and a volunteer dog rescue photographer in San Diego, suggests using portrait mode. “Of course, this gives your subject the most focus and adds a bit of blur to the background, which makes your image and the colors in the background stand out,” she says.
“You’ll also want to make sure your phone’s camera lenses are fingerprint-free before you start taking pictures,” she adds. “So quickly wipe your phone to make sure there aren’t any obstructions on your lenses that could blur your shot.”
Another way to avoid blurry photos when taking photos with your phone is to always take photos in good light so your camera or phone can use a fast shutter speed, says Charlene Potts, a professional wildlife photographer and owner of Paw Prints. “Don’t try to photograph pets in the dark or your phone’s auto mode will switch to slow exposure, which is a surefire way to get blurry photos,” she says.
See Also: Tricks to Creating the Perfect Dog Photoshoot, According to One Expert
Choose the right lighting
If possible, aim to shoot right at sunrise or sunset. “The fall morning fog is great for photography, but the warm evening light is so gorgeous,” says Potts. “The ‘golden hour’ before sunset can provide incredible light that pierces through the trees on the horizon and almost makes everything glow!”
The crew agrees, saying that the sunset light is their favorite fall option, as the sunlight tends to get warmer and brings out really rich fall colors. “Personally, I love shooting wide open at sunset to get those fall colors to blend with a beautiful pop of oranges, yellows and reds in the background of my subjects,” she says.
If sunrise or sunset doesn’t work, the ideal weather for those perfect fall shots is an overall sunny day with light cloud cover, according to the crew. “Clouds are great when it’s the middle of the day,” she explains. “A cloudy or overcast sky acts like a giant softbox [like those big lights you see in photo studios]and soft light can be processed very well.”
Find the ideal background
There are many great, colorful options that make for the perfect fall background. So many pumpkin patches and apple orchards are pet-friendly these days, and Potts believes such locations create beautiful and unique backdrops that will really make your photos stand out. But if you’re looking for something closer, just go outside.
“Of course, you can also create a little ‘set’ in your own garden out of hay bales, pumpkins and gourds, or just leaves,” she says.
Additionally, Crew recommends customizing your photoshoot to match your dog’s color. For example, a brown or ginger dog with a contrasting background would look better for shooting. “Look for lighter, dried grass, a light dirt track, or even a large area of lighter-colored rocks to contrast your dog’s beautiful coloring with your surroundings,” says Crew. “Do you have a dark or black dog? Use a brighter environment. A white or light colored puppy? Try placing it in a darker environment, e.g. B. near a tree stump or fallen logs.”
See also: Photo series to debunk “black dog syndrome” with beautiful pictures of adoptable dogs
Walk at your dog’s eye level
The best way to photograph a dog, according to Potts, is to get down to his level. “During a session, I always snap a few perspective shots from above, but the cash shots are the ones where you’re eye-to-eye with your pet,” she says.
Don’t be afraid to sit or lie on the floor to get lots of different angles and then you can choose the best photos when you’re done with your photoshoot.
In the fall, Crew recommends choosing a spot where there are some leaves on the ground, and then going low and trying to shoot from an almost crouched position so you’re capturing those leaves on the ground and your dog’s entire body be able. “When you focus on your pup, the leaves on the ground closest to you blur slightly, allowing those colors to frame the bottom of your picture,” she explains.
If you can, Crew suggests bringing a friend to the photoshoot and having them toss some leaves over your dog while you snap away. “This will give the illusion of leaves falling around your pup,” she says.
Work with the dog you have
Every dog is different. Some are super hyper and will have a hard time sitting in one place, others will love posing but may get distracted by people walking by or all the great smells of fall. Match your dog’s personality and don’t force your dog to do anything he doesn’t want to do. Bring some squeaky toys and a whistle along with some treats to get your dog’s attention when he gets bored.
“An interesting sound will make your dog look at you, perk up their ears, and if you’re lucky, you might even tilt their head, making your shots absolutely perfect,” says Crew.
Bring some fall-appropriate props
Adding some props to your photoshoot can be a great way to add to the fall feel — just make sure the props aren’t too distracting or draw attention away from your dog.
Crew recommends grabbing a handful of these mini pumpkins, which you can find at your local grocery store, to place around your pup or, if you’re going to a pumpkin patch, frame your pup so that you’re just your dog and maybe capture a two larger gourds in the shot on the same plane.
“I love the look of a fall themed bandana around your pup’s neck, and when it’s cold, a shot or two with your pup wearing a dog sweater is so cute,” she says.
These tips can set you up for a successful photoshoot and transform your dog’s unique energy and happiness into images you’ll cherish forever.
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