Photographing Your Dog With Guest Expert Christina Power

How many times have you been photographing your gundog, only to end up with bums and blurs? As any pet gundog owner knows, dogs are notoriously difficult to photograph. They never seem to sit still long enough for a clear picture, and even when they do, their excitement often results in a blurry image. While it’s true that working dogs can be notoriously difficult to photograph, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a great shot. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to capture those special moments with your furry friend.

Here are 10 quick tips to help you:

1) Get to know the dog’s personality before you start.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and each one has its own unique personality. Some gundogs are shy and skittish, while others are outgoing and friendly. Some might be cooperative when it comes to having their picture taken, while others might be resistant. The key to getting a great photo of your dog is to take the time to get to know its personality. Once you understand your gundog’s quirks and behaviours, you’ll be able to capture its true essence in a photograph. If you try to force your dog into poses or situations that it’s not comfortable with, you’re likely to end up with a blurry, unappealing photo. So take your time, get to know your dog, and let its personality shine through in your photos.

2) Have treats on hand and objects to throw or get the dog’s attention.

Take their favourite toy, or if they like variation, take a new toy. How can you get them to look in the direction you want? Getting your dog to look in the desired direction can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, make sure you have their favourite treat on hand. Dogs are highly motivated by food, so holding a treat in front of their nose should get their attention. If that doesn’t work, try throwing a toy or another object in the direction you want them to look. The movement will likely catch their eye and cause them to turn their head.

3) Shoot photos from your dog’s level.

When it comes to photographing dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to get down to their level. Shooting from above can make the dog look small and insignificant while getting down on their level helps to capture their personality and spirit. by getting down to their level, it’s possible to take shots that are both flattering and expressive. One way to do this is to use a garden pad or other type of kneeler. This will not only help you to avoid getting dirty, but it will also allow you to get closer to your subject. With your camera at eye level, you’ll be able to capture your dog’s unique features, and you may even be able to get some great candid shots. So next time you’re trying to take the perfect picture of your pooch, remember to think like a dog and get down on their level.

4) Focus on the eyes to create emotional dog photography

Eyes are said to be the windows to their soul, and that’s especially true when it comes to gundog photography. When you’re taking a close up photo of your furry friend, it’s important to focus on their eyes in order to capture their personality and create an emotional connection with the viewer. Working Dogs are very expressive creatures, and by focusing on their eyes, you’ll be able to capture a wide range of emotions, from happiness and excitement to sadness and confusion. In addition, the eyes are one of the most important features of a dog’s face, so making sure they’re in focus will help to create a more pleasing composition. So next time you’re snapping some photos of your pup, remember to keep their eyes in focus and let their personality shine through.

5) Backgrounds, fields, flowers, grassy areas, and woods, create a classic portrait

When it comes to photographing gundogs, classic portrait backgrounds are often the best choice. This is because they tend to be uncluttered and have similar tones that allow your dog to stand out. Backgrounds such as fields, flowers, grassy areas, and woods can all create a beautiful portrait, and each one has its own unique charm. For example, a field may provide a sense of freedom and space, while a wooded area can add a touch of mystery. Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the background that best suits your dog’s personality and the mood you’re trying to capture. With so many great options available, there’s no need to settle for anything less than perfect.

6) Capture owner/pet relationship

Any pet owner knows that the bond between humans and animals can be a special one. Pets offer us companionship, unconditional love, and hours of amusement, and in return, we provide them with food, shelter, and medical care. Capturing this unique relationship in photographs can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort. After all, these are the images that we’ll cherish for a lifetime. Ask a friend to come with you, set your camera up to take a shot automatically after a time period, or by using a cheap remote clicker from a distance. You can read more about them here.

7)Think About Lighting, Use The ‘Golden Hour’ Lighting

As any photographer knows, lighting is one of the most important factors in taking a good picture. The quality of light can make or break a photo, and the best light often occurs during the golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This is when the light is soft and warm, providing a stunning backdrop for your subject. If you’re looking to take some amazing shots of your dog, take advantage of the golden hour light. Position your dog in an open area with plenty of natural light, and let the magic happen. You’ll be amazed at the results.

8) Blur the background

One way to make your gundog the focus of a photo is to blur the background. Most digital photo software now has this capability, and it’s relatively easy to do. Simply select the “blur” tool and adjust the strength of the effect until you’re happy with the results. The blurred background will cause the viewer’s eye to be drawn to your dog, making it the focal point of the image. So if you want to make sure that your beloved pet is the star of the show, then don’t forget to blur the background.

9)Minimise Movement

Capturing a great photo of your dog can be difficult, especially if they are always on the move. One way to get a clear and sharp image is to minimise movement. This means keeping your dog still before taking the photo. You can do this by asking them to sit or lie down, or by using a leash to keep them in place. If you have a particularly active dog, you may need to get creative, such as using treats or toys to keep their attention. By minimising movement, you’ll be able to take a great photo that captures your dog’s personality without any unwanted blur.

10) Take time to just sit back and watch the actions of the dog, when the movement is right you will see it and then click!

When it comes to photography, timing is everything. This is especially true when trying to capture the perfect shot of a moving subject. Dogs are notoriously difficult to photograph, as they are constantly in motion. However, by taking the time to simply sit back and watch their actions, it is possible to anticipate the right moment to take the photo. More often than not, the best shots occur when the dog is in mid-movement. By paying close attention, it is possible to capture these fleeting moments of perfection. With a little patience and practice, anyone can learn to take stunning photos of even the most active dogs.

Click here to visit Christina’s website