Capture That Happiness: How To Get Better Photos Of Your Dog

Capture That Happiness: How To Get Better Photos Of Your Dog 

By: Mary Jane Gallagher

Some of the most photogenic dog breeds — like the Basenji, the Africanis, and the Pharaoh Hound — originate from South Africa. With so many breeds to love, it’s not surprising that dog ownership is at an all-time high — or that we’re so eager to fill Instagram with their pictures. If you have a dog who has added joy and companionship to your life, it wouldn’t be surprising if you want to memorialize them through a photograph. As dogs are very lively subjects, capturing a good shot might be challenging. Here are a few tips that may help you get better photos of your dog.

Have The Right Tools 

Catching a good photo of your beloved pet starts with the basics. First and foremost, you’ll need to have the right set of tools, including a DSLR camera, camera lenses, and memory cards to store the images. Beyond this, it’s also good to have access to good photo editing software, as it will help give your photos a more professional look. You needn’t pay for software unless you’re planning on taking a lot of photos for years to come: there is free photo editing software available online. What’s important is that you have the raw materials to catch your dog’s precious moments.

Choose The Right Environment

Good photos require the right kind of lighting — which will depend on the sort of background you want for your photos. It would be best to keep the background clear if you’re taking indoor photos so it doesn’t distract the attention away from your dog. If your dog is not comfortable in indoor settings, it’s best to choose an environment that will really showcase their personality. Your dog’s favourite dog park or normal walking route are good spots, as they’ll be abundant in natural lighting to help highlight them and the emotions they may show.

Be Patient

You will need patience in abundance — especially if you’ve got an active pup on your hands. You should use what your dog likes so you can get their attention when you’re ready to start shooting. If they’ve got a favourite activity like catching a ball, you can harness that to generate organic moments that they’d love to participate in. Be sure to take a lot of photos so you can edit them post-production. Art isn’t rushed, so make sure you pack a lot of patience.

Taking photos of your beloved dog is simply a matter of being prepared, alert and patient. The very best photos often happen candidly, so it’s best to keep an eye out for wonderful opportunities to take a snap. That way, you’ll be able to catch a good moment and have a photo that brings joy and warmth to you whenever you see it.