Ever tried to photograph your dog? If you have, you'll know getting them to look natural in front of a camera can be quite a challenge. Dogs don't like sitting still, they're probably scared and confused by the clicking noise coming from the lens.
As dog lovers, dog photos are one of the most important parts of your life with them. They're also a great way to capture a memory and share it with friends and family. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to get the perfect shot—and you might not even know why!
Taking pictures of your dog is one of the most fun things that anyone can do. Whether you're doing it for fun, for social media, or whether you're selling dog products and supplies, the results are always enjoyable.
Dogs are the best. They're fluffy, they're adorable, and they make us all feel like we're the most important person in the world when they look at us with those big eyes. But getting them to pose for a photo is not always easy.
That's why we've compiled 7 hacks for getting your dog to pose for the perfect Instagram:
1. Get them in a good mood
Your dog is going to be much more likely to cooperate if they are already feeling happy, so try playing with them or giving them treats before you ask them to pose. If your dog is not comfortable in front of a camera, then it will be difficult for them to relax and look natural in their photographs.
Find ways that help your dog feel at ease so that they can be themselves during photo shoots. You really have to give them the personal care and support to make it happen. Try playing music or giving them treats before each shoot so that they are more relaxed when it comes time for photos!
2. Make it easy
Make sure you have all the props you need ready to go before you even think about asking your dog to pose and make sure all of your equipment is set up beforehand. If it's not, they might decide that now is the perfect time for a nap!
Your pet will look amazing in any pose as long as you keep it simple. Try not to clutter up the background with too many items or props because it will distract from your pup's gorgeous face!
3. Be patient
Dogs are creatures of habit and sometimes they just can't seem to get out of their own way when it comes to posing for photos. Try giving them time and space to get comfortable before taking a photo—it might take longer than you expect!
4. Ask nicely
No one likes being told what to do, especially when it comes from someone who knows nothing about how amazing and beautiful they are! When asking your pup for a photo op, make sure you're being kind and respectful about it—they'll be much more likely to listen if they know you're on their side!
5. Try using props like toys or treats for more interesting photos
A little bit of set dressing goes a long way toward making your photo more interesting, so feel free to add things like toys or blankets if they'll help keep your pup engaged in the shoot.
Here's a fun fact: dogs love things that smell like humans (or other dogs). So what better way to get them excited about your photo shoot than by giving them a new toy? We recommend something that makes noise so they'll keep bringing it back to you over and over again until you finally get that perfect shot!
6. Use a pet-friendly camera
If you want to make sure that no matter how many times your dog moves or jumps around during the photo shoot, all of their best sides are captured perfectly on camera (and not all over the lens), then we recommend using a pet-friendly camera.
When taking photos of your dog, avoid using flash photography if at all possible. The flash will cause your pup's eyes to look red and creepy, which doesn't really put forth the best image of him. Instead, try using natural light instead! You can also use the sun as an indirect light source by shining it through a window or door frame onto your dog—this gives off a softer glow that makes for more flattering photos!
7. Take advantage of natural light
When taking pictures of your dog, try to use natural light as much as possible. Natural lighting will allow you to capture the best photos possible while also avoiding harsh shadows and glares in your images. Take some time to experiment with different lighting situations to find what works best for you and your dog.
8. Capture the moment
If you want to capture the perfect shot of your dog, try taking photos while they are doing something they love! For example, if they love playing with their favorite toy or going for walks then take photos while they're doing those things because that way they'll be happy and looking at the camera instead of at something else which means no more awkward faces!
9. Use a pet bandana
A lot of people don't realize how much of a difference having a bandana (aside from a dog scarf) around a dog's neck makes when taking photos of your dog (or any other animal).
Bandanas are great for making sure that your pet looks good in every picture—they can help hide stains on their fur or mask other imperfections like bald spots or missing teeth. Of course, if you have a small dog you can always just use a bow instead of a bandana if that's what floats your boat!
The next time you have a photo shoot planned with your pet, try to make sure that they are excited to participate. If they are feeling especially anxious or lazy, you can give them a few small treats before the shoot to get them in the right mindset, but too much of a good thing can easily turn into a bad thing. Aside from making sure you're using appropriate incentives, there really isn't much else to remember when it comes to capturing the perfect pet picture. You'll know it when you see it, so be sure to share your dog's cutest moment with the rest of the world as soon as possible.
A great pet photo doesn't just capture your pet's cute face, it captures the essence of who and what your pet is. Ultimately, don't forget that pet photos are about pets, not you. If you think your pet is the most beautiful or interesting one around, then he or she probably is. And these tips – simple as they may be – should help you capture the perfect picture.
So there you have it—a cheat sheet for getting your dog to pose for the perfect dog picture. If your pooch is reluctant to take direction, remember not to push them too far, and keep your expectations realistic. Remember that dogs are dogs, and they will be focused on sniffing or walking, but with a little work, you'll be taking awesome photos in no time.
The above pet photography tips, tricks, and ideas will help you capture the best photographs for your furry friends. Do you have any pet photography secrets? We would therefore love to hear from you in the comments section below!
Want some high-quality accessories for an Instagrammable image for your furry friend? Try our handmade dog bandanas with different styles, colors, and varieties (plaid bandana, summer bandana and many more)!
