Here are three important things to think about when photographing dogs that will help you capture great photos.
- One – focus on eyes, not the nose. It's very easy when using autofocusAutofocus (AF) is an optical system that uses a sensor, a control system and a motor to focus on an automatically or manually selected point or area. The process of autofocusing generally works as follows: • An autofocus processor (AFP) makes a small change in the focusing distance.
• AFP reads the AF sensor to assess whether and by how much focus has improved.
• Using the information from (2), the AFP sets the lens to a new focusing distance.
Autofocus systems can be found on film and digital cameras. More to allow the camera to focus on the nose (or an ear) instead of an eye. This can be resolved by manual focus or focus lock. Focus on capturing the emotion and expression in your dog's eyes to create captivating images. With a phone or camera with a touch screen try tapping the focus point you want by tapping the screen on the eye. - Two – if the dog is moving or expected to move make sure that you have a fast enough shutter speedThe time a camera sensor or film is exposed to light when taking a photo. More to capture the action. This will also help capture sharp and detailed images. (Or if you want a blur to show speed, then use a slower shutter speedThe time a camera sensor or film is exposed to light when taking a photo. More).
- Three – get down to the dog's level. Pictures taken from the same level as the dog tend to have one specific feeling. Shooting at the same level or looking up can create a whole different perspective and feeling. This will make the photos more personal and show their perspective of the world.
Puppy from above – you can see that this image was captured from above making the dog look small and vulnerable.
The same puppy (a little older) in the garden with the camera at the same level. I think it creates a sense of adventure and context, as the dog moves into the picture.
‘Poodle Over Stream'. This image was captured with a film camera – Olympus Pen EE. The shutter speedThe time a camera sensor or film is exposed to light when taking a photo. More was just fast enough to freeze the action. This image (in four forms) is available at the RW Jemmett Etsy Shop.
You do not have to take a photo of the whole dog you can choose a part of the dog. It can still capture the dog's character and tell a story.
Try These Dog Photography Tips Too
1. Use natural light: When possible, photograph your dog outdoors or in a well-lit room with natural light. Avoid using flash as it can startle your dog and create harsh shadows.
2. Use treats or toys: To keep your dog's attention and get them to pose, use treats or toys to reward good behaviour. This can help capture playful and expressive shots. You don't have to be a dog trainer to capture great photos but understanding how dog's see the world and the basics of how they learn can help – check out this Dog Training Foundations Course.
3. Capture their personality: Pay attention to your dog's unique personality traits and quirks, and try to capture them in your photos. Whether they are playful, shy, or curious, aim to showcase their individuality.
4. Keep it fun and relaxed: Dogs can quickly become bored or restless during a photoshoot, so keep the experience fun and relaxed. Take breaks, play with them, and be patient to capture the best shots.
5. Experiment with different angles and compositions: Don't be afraid to try different angles, compositions, and poses when photographing your dog. Be creative and experiment with different perspectives to create visually interesting photos.
6. Have patience: Dogs can be unpredictable and may not always cooperate during a photo session. Be patient, stay calm, and take your time to capture the perfect shots. Remember, the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed the dog will be.
7. Edit your photos: After the photoshoot, use photo editing software like Topaz Studio or Photos on your phone to enhance your images. Adjust the brightness, contrastThe term contrast defines the range of tonal difference between the shadows and lights of an image. As the contrast becomes higher it emphasises these variations, resulting in stronger textures and colours. Pictures with lower contrast may be perceived as dull or flat, as a smaller difference between lights and shadows results in a muted appearance. More, colours, and sharpness to make your photos pop and showcase your dog in the best light. Check out our list of Photo Editing Software
8. Transfer your images into memes or social media headers: Make the most of the images you capture using Silver Poodle Graphics (Free and low costs options)
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