Tips for Taking Great Photos of your Dogs

Doug likes to take some time to stop and smell the flowers

 Pets are like children to most of us. If you have pets I'm sure you definitely consider them part of the family and of course you think that your animal is the cutest, most loveable and best one in the world. It's fun to take pics of your little fur babies, but you know as well as I do how difficult it can be to get a good shot of your pup. Here are some of my tips for photographing your dogs.

Luna enjoys long walks in  the fields and relaxing in the front lawn

1) Take them outside
Natural light is almost always best for photography.  Overcast weather usually will give you better results that bright daylight which can create shadows. I have found the best lighting to be right before the sun starts to set. The light is warm and if you position your dogs right there is minimal shadows.
 If you don't have a nice yard or neighborhood to photograph your dog, take them to an off leash dog park. You can get some get shots of you pup out in the great outdoors.

Say Cheese!

2) Wait until they are tired
When I first take my dogs out for a walk they get so excited they can't really control themselves. They usually take off at full speed down the trails. There is no way I can get a good shot when they are so hyperactive. I usually wait until our outing is nearing an end before I pull out my camera. They are tired, more relaxed and more likely to sit still.

Will work for food. Only for food

3) Have lots of treats handy
Treats are essential  if I actually want my dogs to do something. If I am trying to get them to do tricks and they realize I don't have any treats for them they instantly become less interested in "performing" for me. I can always see the look in their eyes "What? No treat? Ya right like your actually going to get me to roll over again, Ha!" Treats also help keep them still and hold their attention. If I wave a cookie in front of their eyes they will not take their eyes off it!

The face only a mother could love?

4) Keep your pets separated
It can be difficult to get your dogs to "pose" when they are more concerned with playing with each other. My dogs version of playing looks more like they are viciously attacking each other but even though they are playing rough they are still having fun. I usually will keep one in the house by herself and take the other dog out for a quick jaunt to get some photos. The dogs are more focused on me than each other that way.

Doug enjoys long rides through the countryside on her scooter

5) Have a friend  help you
Your friend can help call the dog over to a different spot and help direct it where you want him or her to go. If you have more than one dog your friend can keep one on a leash or help entice it with some treats

Great style, bad manners

Do you have any tips for photographing your dogs or other pets? Please share in the comments.