Scary annual holiday card photo session. The stakes are high and the pressure is increasing. It’s hard to get your spouse and kids to clean, dress, and smile for pictures, but is your dog too?
Dogster interviewed a range of pet photography experts, from dog trainers to photographers, for top dog photography tips.
Pet holiday cards start with a solid plan
Before taking a photo, think about your vision for the most moving, funny, or memorable photo. Decide where to shoot, what your dog will do, and what he will wear.
“Plan every detail,” says certified professional dog trainer Joan Hunter Mayer. Questions to consider: Is the photo just the dog, the pet parents out of frame? Or, will the picture be the entire family? Will everyone including the dog be dressed?
Joan surprises her friends and family each year with holiday cards featuring her husband and dog Ringo Starr. They dressed up Ringo as a secret agent, a rabbit in a magician’s hat, and a scout.
They hire a professional photographer to shoot at their home but strategize in advance.
A successful dog trained Christmas card
Whether your dog is wearing reindeer antlers or simply sitting while taking the photo, train your dog before taking the photo.
Joan buys Ringo’s outfit ahead of time so she can use the bonus to condition him to be happy in her costume.
“You want the dog to like that outfit, so every time it shows up, give your dog a high-value treat,” says Joan. “Then gently touch your dog with the costume, then handle. Start dressing him up, then treat. Gradually let him get fully dressed and then handle it”.
Certified Integrated Pet Behavior House Rona Distenfeld We recommend teaching your dog how to stay calm so they can sit or lie down comfortably.
“This allows you to move around with the camera,” says Rona. “All of this should be taught through positive reinforcement without using any form of restraint or hostile response to mistakes.”
Let your dog get used to the camera
Keep those dog biscuits in a convenient place and use them to help your dog get used to the photography equipment.
If you’re using a smartphone, your dog may already be used to it as you probably have hundreds of pet photos saved on your mobile. But if you use a camera with noise, make sure your dog doesn’t startle.
Natalie Hay, creative director at Alpine Dog Co. Natalie photographed dogs as models for the company’s pet supplies. “Reward them every time you take a photo – they will learn that staying still means they get a treat when they do,” she says.
Tripods and light stands can be intimidating for some dogs, so let your puppy check them out, you guessed it, treat.
The light can make your dog’s Christmas card pop
Great lighting is key to professional-looking photos.
If you’re shooting inside, avoid having your subject stand in front of a window, which can make them look like shadows. Instead, let natural light shine in front of your dog and family.
Kelly Mondora, an image specialist and founder of Ilios Lighting“Smaller ring lights are suitable for small pets, while larger ring lights can be used for larger pets,” says.
Ring lights often come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your pet’s coat color, adds Kelly.
If you’re taking photos outside, avoid direct sunlight so your subject doesn’t cross his eyes. Cheryl Ritzel, a photography instructor and owner of Camera FocusEd. “If it’s overcast or even cloudy, you can set up almost anywhere. Shaded or overcast skies are both indirect light, providing the most flattering look to portrait subjects of all types. “
Use caution when using camera flash, which can cause your dog’s eyes to light up with that devil-like light.
Practice taking holiday card photos for your pet
Take the cliché approach to perfection (or at least make great accents) here. “Dress rehearsals are key to a successful photo shoot,” says Joan.
Take your dog where you intend to take the photo.
“Get your dog familiar with the location you’re photographing so they don’t have to sniff out all the new scents,” says Natalie.
Of course, bring that bottomless bag! “You’ll need to be patient and reward your pet for good behavior,” says Cheryl. “Take a break if things don’t work out. Never yell at your pet. They will be less cooperative if they know that portrait time is stressful.”
On photo day: how to take the perfect pet photo
How can you get your dog to look at the camera and pose?
Dog mom Lynn Julian has a secret weapon. She uses a treatment stand that mounts on top of her smartphone. “It was a cheap silicone clip that only sold for a few dollars,” says Lynn. “The dog looked at the food and accidentally looked at the camera.” (Examples of dog owners who treat guests are
Cheryl recommends keeping the camera level with the dog’s face and focusing on their eyes. “This view will be most effective,” she said. “Move around your pet to shoot from different sides and angles. Move on foot if you want to get closer or farther. Don’t rely on the zoom of a camera or phone lens.”
If your dog lacks energy, Sarah Dyer, founder and lead photographer of Chuckle Hounds Pet costumes suggest exercising your dog before the shoot. She said: “A panting dog looks very happy. “A lethargic dog looks very sad.”
Don’t hold back on the number of photos you take. One out of 100 photos can be the title for your photo card.
Pet photo enhancement camera settings
Many DSLRs have pet, wildlife, sports, or action settings.
“In these modes, the camera automatically chooses a faster shutter speed. A fast shutter speed will stop movement and get a photo where the pet won’t be blurred, says Cheryl.
Some cameras have a burst mode to take multiple photos quickly. Other devices have autofocus that detects animal eyes.
If you’re a photographer and in photos, Sarah recommends using an inexpensive Bluetooth remote so you can snap shots at the touch of a button. “The better way is to try to tilt your selfie stick to cover your arm,” she says.
Edit your dog photo to make a holiday pet card
Improving your photo after taking it is OK.
“Professional portrait photographers are always retouching their photos,” says Cheryl.
Sarah says she rarely gets the perfect shot, so she blends and crops photos, adjusts lighting and even adds snow. “Trying to capture melted snowflakes on your camera is a mess,” she says. “I use an app called Snow only to make some photos look like a winter wonderland. “
Other photo editing apps let you cover blemishes, whiten smiles, and even make people look thinner.
Pet holiday cards that make the best memories
Be flexible with your vision of the perfect shot and consider your bloopers. They might not be what you had planned but could be fun holiday photo cards that people hang on their fridges.
Joan has had thousands of famous photos over the years. “The whole experience can be the best memory you will ever have,” she said. “No matter how you strategize plan A, your dog will execute on plan B. But that plan B could turn out to be the funniest picture you’ll ever take — or the best story. that you will tell your friends and family . “
Do:
- Exercise high-energy dogs before taking pictures
- Ask someone for help or take a photo
- Using the ring light for indoor photography
- Keep calm and collect but have fun
- Reward good behavior with high-value gifts.
Do not:
- Schedule a shoot when your dog usually sleeps
- Use startling sounds to get your dog’s attention
- Dress your dog in uncomfortable clothing
- Shout at your dog for being uncooperative.
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