Get That Extra Special Dog Picture

Follow a few simple guidelines and produce memorable dog pictures from almost any camera.

No matter what camera you have, using a few simple tips and techniques will help you improve the quality of your dog pictures.

High end cameras, in themselves, do not produce wonderful pictures - you do.

Good quality cameras with their range of zooms, shutter speeds , lens apertures etc give you more flexibility and can make getting that special picture a little easier.

However, the most important piece of "kit" is you - your creativity, your preparation and, in no small measure, your patience and enthusiasm.

So get your camera out and try some of the following Tips and Techniques!

LIGHT

Try and take your dog pictures in daylight. Use flash as a last resort. At best, flash tends to distract the dog , at worst it alarms it. Also if you shoot your dog head on, you will probably end up with "glowing eyes".

If you are taking pictures indoors get your dog over by a window or door and use the natural light entering the room.

Don't shoot head on with the light coming directly from behind the dog as this will produce a dark picture.

Shoot at an angle to the window or door or you get right under the window or door so the light hits the dog head on.

Sometimes the only way of getting the picture is to use the flash. If this is the case avoid head on shots - generally causes "glowing eyes" - or, if your camera has the facility, use "bounced" flash.

Bottom line, though, always try and use natural light.

LOCATION

Dogs are always getting themselves into perfect photographic situations so the answer as to where to take that memorable dog picture is......Anywhere! So be prepared.

In practice, however, you can increase your chances of getting fantastic pictures by doing your homework.

Dogs are often more relaxed in places familiar to them. If they are comfortable with the area they will be more playful and display their unique personality.

Try and make the picture taking part of the routine, part of the fun.

Whatever the location you choose make sure you are able to achieve a decent contrast for your picture. Generally, if you have a dark dog you want a light background. If you have a light dog you want a darker background.

Unless you are completely filling the frame with the dog, make sure the background is in keeping with the picture you want and that there are no distracting features to draw your attention away from the main focus - your dog.

COMPOSITION

The golden rule for a good dog picture is..... Get Down to Your Dog's Level.

If you can't get down, get your dog up! Put it on a chair, a bench, stairs, a mound, the side of a hill ...... Be creative.

This will produce a more interesting picture and show your dog's true beauty.

Fill the viewfinder with your dog to create real impact. If you have a zoom use it so you don't have to get in your dog's face. If you don't have a zoom get close and intimate!

If you want to show the size of your dog or want to show a bit of perspective or you want to include some wonderful background scenery, step back a little. Instead of putting your dog in the centre of the picture try offsetting it a bit to give your shot a more "artistic" look.

Head on shots - eye to eye contact - create very engaging shots. But try different angles to bring out the personality - the aloofness, the shyness, the devilment etc.

Bottom line - get down and dirty and be creative to get that special dog picture.

WHAT TYPE OF DOG PICTURE?

To show the complete personality of your dog you need to take a whole range of shots.

Always include a portrait - fill the frame - to produce that "cool", sophisticated look that we all like.

Try getting one processed in black and white or sepia - these can often look very "cool".

Take shots at play, action shots, shots shaking off water after a swim - use high speed film, or digital equivalent settings, to "freeze" the shot and reduce blur.


Take shots at rest to show the serenity!

Take shots that show off your dog's natural instincts - stalking, ready to pounce, testing the Sunday joint!.
Very importantly, always have an up to date shot of your dog in his everyday environment, just in case he does get lost. This dog picture could prove vital

Bottom line - take shots that show off your dog's unique personality, shots that bring back memories of that lovely day out, SHOTS THAT YOU LIKE.

BREAK THE RULES!

In the main if you follow these tips and advice you will get a great dog picture.

However, rules are there to be broken! Stand on a chair and take a shot with the dog looking up at you. Take a shot with the dog sitting under the window with the light at its back.Take a shot.... etc, etc.

By breaking the rules you can often produce that "off the wall", "artistic" shot.

Bottom line - take lots of shots and generally follow the rules but occasionally experiment by breaking the rules - but not all at the same time!

Most importantly - make sure it's always fun for both you and your dog.

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