Dogs are the favorite subjects in the pet photography niche. Many pet photographers enjoy capturing dogs more than other animals. Dogs are versatile, social, energized, joyful, and cordial animals, and capturing them can be fulfilling.
Dog photography is also an extremely profitable profession for those who are skilled and talented in the act. This article is going to be well-detailed. It will be able to guide you on how to start dog photography with little or no experience. You will learn how to get a dog’s attention and make it pose and smile for pictures.
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Quick Camera Settings For Dog Photography
Here’s a quick camera setting for outdoor pet photography
- ISO- 100-200
- Aperture – f/1.8
- Shutter speed -10-30 seconds
- White balance – Auto white balance
- Mode – Manual
What Do You Need For Dog Photography?
- A camera
The first thing you need is a camera that can capture the movement and expressions of your animal companion. Cameras with autofocus and wide-angle lenses are more suitable and often used by professional pet photographers. However, you can use a DSLR or point-and-shoot camera for your dog photography.
- A telephoto lens
A telephoto lens allow you to take pictures from afar without the risk of disturbing your subject.
- Flashlight
You can use a natural (sun) light or artificial light, depending on what you have available in your home or studio.
- A pet photographer’s bag
This is not compulsory, but the bag will be of great help.
Camera Setting For Dog Photography
Here are the best camera settings to capture good moments with your pet animal.
Aperture
The camera aperture is the opening of the camera that lets light into the camera’s sensor and affects how sharp or blurry the image will be.
For outdoor pet photography, use a narrow aperture such as f/16 to prevent excessive sunlight from flooding your lens; on the other hand, a wider aperture opening like f/2.8 is more suitable for indoor dog photography. A wider aperture would allow the passage of more light into the camera.
However, there is no fixed aperture opening for shooting dog images. The setting is dependent on your location, season, and time of the day. You can experiment with different aperture openings to discover the most suitable f-stop for your location and preference.
ISO
The ISO value is also dependent on your location, season ( winter or summer), and the time of the day ( at sunrise or sunset). However, we recommend starting with a 100-200 camera ISO setting for dog photos. And you must be flexible in adjusting the setting accordingly after taking a few test shots of the pet.
Shutter Speed
Use a fast shutter speed if your dog happens to be in action, either playing or training. However, ensure your shutter speed corresponds with your camera’s aperture opening. You can determine this using the 500 rule.
The 500 rules help you calculate and determine the best shutter speed for dog photography by dividing 500 by the effective focal length of your camera lens. For instance, 500 divided by 35mm focal lens would be 14 seconds. Therefore, to get a crisp dog or any pet images, ensure to divide 500 by the effective focal lens of your camera.
Focus
The focus depends on your subject position. Autofocus is the most suitable for shooting pets in fast actions. If your dog or pet happens to be still, consider using manual focus. Manual focus is also ideal if the subject is not moving fast.
Professional pet and dog photographers often focus on the subject manually. Shooting with manual focus gives precise control over the sharpness and clarity of the image. You should consider shooting with manual focus if you want total control of the image quality and prevent your camera from picking or capturing strange objects.
White balance
Use the auto white balance option to give your camera precise control over the temperature to apply based on the weather condition and hour of the day.
Camera settings for dog photography are practically unpredictable. The settings to apply hinge on the location, weather conditions, and time of photographing. Try experimenting with different settings to find the most suitable options for your area and preferred level of image quality and clarity. However, do not hesitate to start with the recommended settings.
You might be interested in our article ” How To Do Little Bird Photography? Capture The Best Shots “
TOP 10 Professional Tips For Dog Photography
Professional photographers know that there is more to taking a great photo than pointing and shooting. The following are ten professional tips to help you capture quality dog images as a photographer.
1. Try To Know The Dog’s Personality
Some dogs become aggressive upon sighting strangers, while others get playful and friendly. So, it is vital to have a fore-knowledge of the dog you will be photographing. Knowing the dog’s personality will help you prepare better before the shooting begins. For instance, if the dog is highly vibrant and fast-paced, you will prepare earlier for a fast-action and unpredictable photo shoot. If the dog fascinates lazily around, you can prepare some ploys or treats to attract its attention.
2. Try To Create A Story That Captures The Dog’s Personality
A Pet photograph is satisfying and more attractive when it tells a story about the animal. After discovering your client’s dog personality, try to shoot photos that reveal the animal’s character. You have to be creative, fast, and manipulative with your camera to shoot storytelling dog images; because, unlike humans, animals would not pose nor wait for you to capture them.
3. Focus On The Face To Capture Cute Photos
Focus on the eyes or face of the dog to capture sentimental images of the pet. If the dog is lying down, you can get even better shots of the pet if you get on your hands and knees, face the camera down towards it and take the photo. It will make the dog appear heftier and much cuter.
It is easier to capture expressive images of the pet at the end of the shooting when the animal has used up all its energy.
4. Photograph Pet/Owner Relationship
Pet photography shouldn’t just be about the animal. Dogs are quieter and more comfortable when they are with their owners. You can ask the dog’s owner to pose with the pet, allowing you to capture some pet/owner relationship images.
5. Use Natural Light
Photographing your dog with artificial light can give them a shiny, unnatural appearance. Instead, you can take pictures of them during the day when there is natural light to make them appear natural in the photographs. Use a variety of sizes and distances to capture the best photos of your pet.
6. Use Manual Camera Setting
One of the most important aspects of photography is having total control of your camera settings manually. It gives you complete control over how much light enters the camera, how long the shutter stays open, and the quality of the images.
7. Use A Telephoto Or Wide-Angle Lens
Telephoto lenses are more suitable for subjects that are far away. So, if you are capturing a fast-paced dog, consider using it. Wide-angle lenses are also a good fit for the job. Both lenses give a larger view of the subject, making the pictures more fun and attractive. Buy the best telephoto or wide-angle lens.
8. Use An Autofocus Camera
Autofocus is a feature in the camera which ensures that your chosen subject stays sharp and within the camera. Use an autofocus camera for your pet photography to get maximum satisfaction, improved image quality, and clarity.
9. Take Many Pictures Per Session
Take about 10-20 photographs per session from different angles. The best image can be the one you least expected.
10. Use A Tripod
Unless you’re taking photos of a dog in action, having a tripod will allow you to get clear shots of your subject without your hand or camera shaking.
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Top 5 Best professional Tips To Photograph Dogs In Studio
If you are a fan of studio photography and interested in capturing your dog or any pet in the studio, here are some tips to use
- Try out different background colors. Do not restrict yourself to just white and black wallpapers since dogs have different colors.
- Use a reflector to eliminate shadows and ensure maximum light in the room.
- Ensure the dog’s owner is in the studio with you. Dogs can become uncomfortable and aggressive with strangers. If it is neither your nor a familiar pet, ensure the owner is in the room, this will make the dog feel at ease and cooperative.
- Use their favorite treats as baits to catch their attention. If you do not know their favorite treats, you can try snapping your fingers.
- Take shots from different angles and select the best at the end of the shooting session.
Professional Tips and Techniques To Photograph Fast-Paced Dogs
Dogs are energetic and fast-paced animals; they can be unpredictable, manipulative, and problematic to photograph. Here are five techniques to help you capture astonishing images of fast-paced pets.
- Shoot from different angles using a telephoto or ultra-wide angle lens.
- Use a widely open aperture to get a three-dimensional view and a faster shutter speed to freeze the action.
- Pan your shots for creative and more attractive images.
- Use a subject tracker to keep the dog in view throughout the shooting process.
- Shoot in continuous autofocus mode.
How To Do Dog Photography With Your Smartphone
You don’t have to be a professional pet photographer with a digital camera to capture sweet images with and of your pet animal. We have provided five simple steps to take pictures of your dog using your smartphone (either with an Andriod or IOS).
1. Plan your shooting by
- downloading the best photography app like Foodie from the google play store or Focos from the Apple Appstore
- setting your preferred location in order
2. Be patient with your dog and engage it playfully.
3. Use simple background colors if you want something different from your wall designs.
4. Use natural light. Your phone flashlight can make the dog images look artificial and unattractive. If you are photographing with iPhone, you can use the vivid effect.
5. Use a photo editing application like photo-editor-pro for android or Picsart for iPhone.
Anyone can capture pet photographs using smartphones. Be patient, creative, and playful with your pet to capture sweet images to upload on your social media accounts ( like Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook).
How Do I Make My Dog Smile For Pictures?
A step-by-step guide to making your dog smile for pictures
I. Get Your Dog Comfortable
- Prepare a safe place
- Make sure your dog is well-fed, hydrated, and well-exercised
- Take your dog to a quiet area
- Play with your dog beforehand
- Use treats or toys to get the attention of the pet
- Gently hold the jaws closed for photos
2. If You Have More Than One Dog, Take Pictures Of Each One Separately
- To avoid distraction
- To avoid capturing meaningless pet images
Dogs are incredible, happy, and easygoing animals. When teased the right way, they will smile for pictures.
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FQAs
Why Do Dogs Avoid Cameras?
Dogs don’t like cameras because they think it’s an invasion of privacy. They’re aware that they live in a two-dimensional world and see things from a different perspective than humans do. For them, a camera is a strange and intimidating object. Dogs are also frightened by the shutter sound of a camera.
How Do You Get A Dog’s Attention For Pictures?
You can get your dog’s attention by engaging it playfully or using its favorite treats as baits. During the photography, you must show the calmness and feel at ease, or else the dog would feel threatened and hide.