WHAT DOES YOUR PHONE CAMERA ROLL LOOK LIKE?  IF ITS ANYTHING LIKE MINE, IT WILL BE PACKED FULL OF PHOTOS OF YOUR DOGS, SOME OF WHICH MY SCHOOLS REPORT WOULD SAY, COULD DO BETTER!.  

In this blog post I'll give you my top tips for taking better photos of your dog.  All can be achieved with a camera or even with a mobile phone.

Photography is as much about story telling as it is about capturing a shot.  So how do we tell a story with a photo I hear you say?   By using some of these simple tips you can create interest for the viewer that makes them delve deeper into the photo and begin imagining and reading into the story you've created. 

"What's that have they found" "where are they going" "what have they just seen over there"

These are all questions your viewer may have when looking at your thoughtfully composed photos. 

COMPOSITION

Composition can take a photo from ordinary to extraordinary, and its strong composition thats all part of the story telling.

1: Perspective

Many of us will be guilty of taking a photo from standing when your dog may only be knee high.  Try getting down to their level.  Shooting from their eye level creates a more engaging and intimate perspective, leading the viewer straight to the subject.

Do you struggle getting down to their level?  Then raise your dog up, stand them on rocks, logs, and higher paths than you to create the same effect.  Cheat mode: yup I do this a LOT!

You can play on perspective however, Taking a photograph from your dogs perspective, from behind, or of just their face or a dog looking up to you can create a great focus shot. 

2. Negative space:

If you can, take a couple of steps back to create space around your dog.  This generally creates more of an impact and makes your dog stand out in the photo.

Don't worry about having to hold onto their lead, we cover this a bit further down with the magic of editing!

3. Rule of Thirds:

In photography the rule of thirds means splitting your image up into a grid of 9 squares, and focusing your subject along one of the lines of thirds either horizontally or vertically.   You can create this grid in most settings on your mobile these days and it's a really useful tool to have on your camera app. 

The rule of thirds and negative space used in this photo....do you wonder what caught her attention?  Answer: most likely sheep!

BACKGROUND

Choose simple backgrounds watching out for trees, or buildings taking the viewers eye away from the dog especially right behind their head.

The further away from the background the better for a greater focus on the subject, your dog.  

We have to be v very careful in the Dales with all the dry stone limestone walls, as the dogs do tend to disappear into the background.

LIGHT

Light is so important for photography.  It is your best friend, and it can help direct the viewer into the photo and onto your subject if used well..  

Natural light is the best kind of light for your photos, whether inside or out.  

If inside try facing your dog towards a window, it can also be a story teller, having your dog looking out the window, guarding their castle and on security watch.  Their eyes and ears seem to always be alert when looking out so is lovely to capture. facing your dog towards a window, it can also be a story teller, having your dog looking out the window, guarding their castle and on security watch.  Their eyes and ears seem to always be alert when looking out so is lovely to capture.

Outdoors light can be harsh in the summer months, so try under some dappled shade of trees, or on a less bright day.  Photographers usually wait for the light to be just the right conditions for them but us dog walkers usually have to manage with what we've got, but you can be clever about it. Have your dog facing the light so your back is towards the light

Golden hour (the hour just before sunset) can create such a warmth to your photos. You can also shoot straight into this softened light to get that magical golden glow around your dog...and for once may they be your 'Golden Child'!  

FOCUS

It's not easy getting your dogs to focus on the camera is it?  I know all too well that they often turn their head the other way as soon as the phone comes out.  

My top tip for is to place a delicious treat (for food driven dogs) or squeak a squeaky ball (for toy rewards) where you want your dog to focus.

Right on top of the phone or camera for them to look directly into the lens, or even with a hand outstretched to the side to get them looking away....admitedly you'll need super long arms for this one.

For dogs to look out into the distance, having someone else with you standing to the side keeping your dogs focus can help.  when on my own I often ask my dogs where something is, like "wheres the bird". This only helps if your dog has good stationary skills and isn't going to fly off tat the first mention of something it could chase!

Make it fun: use toys treats or other rewards to keep the session enjoyable for the dogs.  

I also turn this on its head and enjoy getting those photos where your dog is not looking at you and looking out into the distance.  Once again, storytelling, and asking your audience to ponder what they may have seen.

DETAILS

Those fluffy paws, the sharpness of the eyes or the delicate intricacies of their nose.  Or in a schnauzers case...the bottom....I mean who doesn't love a schnauzer bottom?

These are the little details you love so much in your dog so why not try capturing those instead of the entire dog.  

TWO DOGS?

Good luck with that one...I've yet to master it!

THE EDIT

Once you have captured your dogs personality or told the story through your photo, you don't need to stop there.  Thats actually only half the job done....the next is editing it.  It can be as simple as cropping your photo appropriately to achieve good composition, or removing items from the photo.  

There are now so many free apps available for this for your mobile.  I have used for years Lightroom Classic (a paid subscription) and Lightroom Mobile app, which does have a free version available.  

Edited with and without a lead with Lightroom Mobile App

FINALLY..

It's not about getting the best posed dog ...I am guilty of this but have a business which need products to be seen in their best light, so posing is power for the course in that respect.  Its more about creating those wonderful moments you have shared together, be it a particular walk, snuffling in the long grasses, exploring on holiday.

Not the sharpest photo, but I've managed to capture the joy and those bouncy ears.

Have fun with your dog, and show your dogs personality through your photos.  Photos are there as memories and we all want to be able to look back at our photos, and remember those special moments or unique personalities your dog has.

The queen of head tilts....one of my favourite moments with Lolah.  And I'm looking at this photo and asking myself "what was said to make her head tilt"