Currently, much of our relationship with other people is based on the photos we share on social networks or via mobile. Of course, dog photos will be the favorite theme of their caregivers, not only to send, but also to print, create albums or personalize all kinds of objects and gifts with their images.
Normally it is not easy to get good pictures of animals, since they do not always have the same interest in posing as we do. Next, in this article on our site, we give you tips for photographing dogs, to achieve the best results and the most fun photo sessions for both of you.
Importance of photographic equipment
The cameras that anyone has on their mobile device today offer limited features, although they are increasingly versatile, which allows excellent images to be achieved. For example with portrait mode, pet or blurring the background. If we have a camera, we will still have more options to adjust its characteristics according to the photograph we are going to take and the environmental conditions. Familiarize yourself with its benefits. A camera allows you to adjust the shutter, change lenses or resort to automatic or semi-automatic options. Follow these recommendations:
- In general, it's best to choose 50 or 85mm standard prime lens for portraits and 70-200 mm for longer distance or moving photos. A fisheye is suitable for the most light-hearted photos. A telephoto lens works too.
- Opt for a high shutter speed that allows you to freeze motion, if any.
- Burst Shooting is recommended for shooting action sequences, such as a race, combined with a high shutter speed. You can also opt for the sweep.
- If you want to Blur the background to center the image on just your dog, change the camera aperture. The larger, the shallower the depth of field, resulting in a blurred background.
- Use manual or autofocus and low apertures to focus on the eyes.
- When photographing dark dogs, use overexposure one or two steps to avoid the result being a black spot. Look for minimalist backgrounds and light or contrasting colors to make the animal stand out.
Finally, once you have some beautiful photos you can select the ones you like the most to print. For example, as a compilation album of your dog's best moments, choosing options such as PhotoSì, an online photography service that allows you to create, in addition to albums and online photobooks, calendars, cards, personalized gadgets and other photographic gifts from the comfort of your home through your application or website.
Tips for photographing dogs
Next, we review the considerations to take into account to know how to photograph dogs or how to take photos of puppies to take beautiful canine photographs. In addition, a good idea, especially if it is a puppy, is to take a photograph in the same place and in the same position from time to time to, over the years, have a testimony of the passage of time. Follow our ideas to photograph dogs:
Have the camera ready
Before knowing how to take photos of a dog, it is important that you know that dogs do not usually wait, better that you have everything at hand and ready to shoot as soon as the dog is in the perfect posture Remember that he will most likely not stay still for long. Depending on the camera you have, select the appropriate options for the type of photo you want to take.
Take your dog's perspective
This means that the photo will look better if you stand at his level and focus on hiseyes, except that you expressly intend to take a picture of it from above. Therefore, be prepared to crouch down or hit the ground. But look for different angles so as not to make all the photos the same. For close-up portraits, shoot slightly from below.
Find the right distance
It is not advisable to bring the mobile or the camera too close to the dog's face, since it is easy for it to get uncomfortable and move or even leave. That's why it's best to get closer, but don't hit On the other hand, control the focus, since, especially the longer snouts, they can make the eyes, because of the distance, they are out of focus.
Motivate him
We can use to our advantage your favorite toy or some edible treatMove it around the camera to attract its attention or, if it's something the animal can interact with, hand it to them to capture fun pictures. Plus, you'll associate the camera with something good. Another option is to make noises with your mouth or with an object. It is a way to get surprised faces. If he knows orders, you can give them to him and take the opportunity to capture the moment in which he sits, lies down or gives his paw.
Limits the use of the flash
This is quite annoying for many dogs and will most likely result in the dreaded red eyes So find a good natural lighting and take advantage of walks or excursions. Nature provides excellent settings to achieve spectacular photographs. If you are going to take pictures inside the house, try to be close to some natural light source, but better if it does not fall directly on the animal to avoid shadows. Dark dogs will stand out in soft light, dawn or dusk.
Do not chase or force him to pose
Better leave the photo shoot if you see that he is tired or restless. It is not expected that the dog will remain motionless for a long time, so if he begins to lower his head, turn his face away or move, the best option is to leave him alone and resume the session at another time Arm yourself with patience, especially if you are photographing a dog that is not yours and does not know you. You have to earn their trust before you start.
Tips for taking photos with your dog
Undoubtedly, photos with your dog or with other people will give us unforgettable images. In addition to the general advice we have mentioned for dog photography, keep in mind the following aspects:
Photographing with the mobile
Better use Always the main camera and not the selfie camera. Even if you want a self-portrait, use the main camera, using the self-timer or delayed.
Using Filters
Ideally, take the photo as it is and, later, add the filters you want or any other effect. Better to work on the original image. If your mobile allows the RAW format, opt for it when you intend to edit the photo later.
General plane
To include dogs and people in the image, opt for a wide shot to fully capture them both. It is a good idea to have the person crouch down or sit on the ground next to the dog to take the picture from the dog perspective Check the light, background and framing.
Join Images
If you don't get the photo you want, since it's not always easy to get both dogs and people right, you have the option of joining several images of photos with dogs at home in a composition. The limit is in your imagination. You can use different programs and applications for spectacular results.
