Whether you’ve had plenty of practice or are just starting out, capturing the paw-fect photo of your four-legged friends can be a tricky task. At Barkwells, we’re all about celebrating and capturing the bond between humans and their canine companions, so we’ve put together some tips to help you take frame-worthy photos of your beloved best friend.
Pick a Comfortable Location:
Some dogs can feel at home anywhere, but others can get nervous in new locations so it’s best to pick a spot where your dog feels comfortable and relaxed. You can try out a familiar park or trail, your own backyard, or even get some great shots at their favorite vacation spot, Barkwells! The fully-fenced field provides an excellent off-leash location where you can snap gorgeous shots without the hassle of a leash or stress that your dog might get loose.
Photo by Cider & Birch Photography
Get Down to Their Level:
One of the most effective ways to capture authentic and engaging photos of your dog is to get down on their level. This allows you to see the world from their perspective and showcase your dog in a way they’re not usually seen. So, crouch down or even lie on the ground to get eye-level shots that truly highlight your dog’s features and personality. If you don’t want to get dirty or aren’t able to get to a lower angle, you can hold your smartphone upside down with the camera lens closest to the ground to get a lower, dog-level shot. For digital cameras with angled screens, you can adjust your screen upwards so you can hold your camera at a lower level and still see what you’re photographing.
Look for Natural Light:
When it comes to pet photography, natural light is your best bet. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or direct sunlight, as it can create unflattering shadows and wash out your dog’s fur. Instead, opt for soft, shady light by shooting outdoors during golden hour—early morning or late afternoon—when the sun is low in the sky. Shooting on overcast days can also help you achieve consistent, diffused natural light in your photos and make it easier to capture your pet’s true coat colors.
Photo by Cider & Birch Photography
Focus on the Eyes:
Make sure to focus on your dog’s eyes when taking photos, as this will make your pup’s pictures feel much more soulful and memorable. If you are working with a digital camera, use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to achieve a shallow depth of field, which will help to blur the background and make your dog’s eyes pop. If you’re shooting with a smartphone, you can touch the screen on the area you want to focus your image and capture your dog’s expression. By drawing the focus of the image to the eyes, you not only get a great photo, you also get a snapshot into their heart and personality that you can remember for a lifetime.
Experiment with Angles and Composition:
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your shots! Try different angles, perspectives, and framing to add visual interest to your photos. Get up close for detailed shots of your dog’s nose or paws, or step back to capture their full body in the frame. Play around with framing and negative space to create dynamic and visually appealing photos.
Use Treats and Toys:
To grab your dog’s attention and get those ears perked up, bring along some treats or their favorite toys to use as props during your photoshoot. For an even smoother photoshoot experience, use a treat pouch or a fanny pack to hold your treats and access them easily. This not only helps to hold their interest but can also add an extra element of fun and playfulness to your photos. The extra incentives make the whole process more enjoyable for your dog, too!
Photo by Cider & Birch Photography
Keep It Candid:
While we all love a perfect puppy pose, some of the best pet photos are the ones that capture natural, un-staged moments. Let your dog be themselves and try to capture their unique quirks, mannerisms, and expressions. Whether it’s a sprint of zoomies in the grass or a quiet moment of just taking in the breeze, these authentic moments are often the best at showcasing our dogs’ individual personalities. They’ll also have a lot more fun taking photos with you if they get to be themselves!
Patience is Key:
Remember, dogs are not professional models, so it’s important to be patient and go with the flow. Don’t force them into poses or expect them to sit still for long periods of time. Instead, be prepared to snap away and embrace the unpredictable moments that make your dog truly unique. It’s very important to maintain a calm and relaxed energy. If you start to get stressed or frustrated, your dog will pick up on this and can become stressed as well. So, remember to reward them frequently and keep your sessions short so your dog doesn’t get overstimulated or anxious.
Practice, Practice, Practice:
Like any skill, pet photography takes practice to master. So, don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out exactly as you hoped. Keep experimenting, learning, and refining your technique, and before you know it, you’ll be capturing stunning photos of your dog that you’ll cherish for years to come! Plus, your pup will love all the extra attention and treats they get when you’re working on your photography skills.
The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of capturing memories with your furry friend. You want to look back at your photos and remember what a fun process it was for both you and your dog. So grab your camera (or smartphone) and start snapping away—those wagging tails and slobbery kisses are waiting to be captured! To read even more advice and find helpful camera tips, check out this great source.
If you’re looking for a paw-fect location to take photos of your dog, Barkwells has three beautiful locations in Western North Carolina catered to dogs and the people who love them. The luxurious cabins and fenced-in meadows provide a relaxing and enjoyable space for both you and your four-legged friend to unwind and take in the outdoors.
And if you’re feeling like your photography skills aren’t quite where you want them to be yet, Barkwells has an on-site photographer you can book a session with during your stay! To learn more about what Barkwells has to offer you and your pup or to make a reservation, visit our website!
