With family holiday cards, pictures with Santa, holiday parties and more, it’s no surprise that your dog will be getting his picture taken at some point during the holidays. Even if he isn’t getting his own photo shoot with a top photographer doesn’t mean his pictures can’t look their best. Local Riverside photographer, Randall Kaufman, shares some tips and tricks to getting your dog to cooperate with the camera this Holiday season.
Getting ready tips:
Take pictures after your dog has gone for a walk or had some time to get his energy out. He will be better behaved, calmer, and a better listener.
Allow your dog to get use to the smell and sound of the camera. Start slow, at a distance, and slowly move your way in.
Where is the best place to photograph a dog?
Your dog will do best if you pick a place he is comfortable in. While outdoor shoots are great, you may have a hard time keeping your dog’s attention with all the distractions (birds, people, etc.)
If you shoot indoors, make sure you have plenty of lighting.
Is there a good time and a bad time to take pictures?
Again, it’s a good idea to take pictures after your dog has gotten his energy out.
In regards to time of day, if you’re shooting outside, the best time is 10 – 11 a.m. or in late afternoon, when the light is golden or even. Avoid taking pictures at noon or midday because the light from directly above will flatten your picture and create harsh shadows.
What if I want to add a prop or scenery?
If you want to have scenery in your picture, keep it simple. One gift or tree in the background is best. Don’t go overboard by putting your dog in full costume. The best pictures are simple, with dogs being dogs. If you want to make your dog look more festive you can give him a holiday toy prop or a special collar or handkerchief to wear.
How do I keep my dogs attention?
This is when basic commands like “sit”, “Stay”, and “Lay down” come in handy. I have an assistant help me get the dogs to sit still and get their attention toward the camera when I’m ready to shoot. I would recommend you ask for help from a family member or friend who is good with your dog.
I rarely use treats as an attention getter. They may be hungry when we start but if I still need a few more pictures and the dog is full on treats then he’s lost his motivation to cooperate. If I reward with treats, I do it after I get the pictures I need for that shot. Giving attention and praise as a reward works as long as you don’t get your dog too excited. Lastly, I use a squeaky toy (or magic word like “walk”) to get him to look at the camera just before I take my shot.
How do I set up the shot?
Position your dog in a way that is natural to him. Let him look like a dog. If you want him to sit but he decides to lie on his side instead, then work with that. You may end up getting some really great pictures that you didn’t plan on. (If he won’t cooperate no matter what you do, you may want to hold off on taking pictures and try another day.)
Take the picture from his height. The best pictures are taken from your pet’s level and not with him looking up at you.
Shoot in action mode on your camera. This will help you avoid blurry shots because chances are your dog is going to move.
Any other words of advice?
Be patient and calm. Dogs can be very unpredictable so you are better off just going with the flow. If he won’t sit still then try taking him to the park or beach and get candid photos there. You can’t force your dog to take a great picture so it’s best to work with him in whatever way you can. Good luck!
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