Dog Photography

412 Burgh · May 22, 2012

I think it is MLeek that is big into animal photography. Recently a family friend wants me to come do a session with his dogs (one is on his last leg) while the other is a puppy and his dogs mean the world to him. I insisted he didn't pay but he insists he does. I look at things like this as free models and i gain experience and not money, but since he is offering I might as well take it. So this is my question I'm going to use my D7000 and take along all of my lens. I have been luckily to be able to borrow 2 of my friends alien bees and her stands with shoot through umbrellas. Any tips or tricks to capturing presentable portraits?

2WheelPhoto · May 22, 2012

Borrow the triggers and lights ahead of the shoot. Practice on objects the size of dogs. You'll be fine, enjoy it

412 Burgh · May 22, 2012

2WheelPhoto said:
Borrow the triggers and lights ahead of the shoot. Practice on objects the size of dogs. You'll be fine, enjoy it

Yes! I was planning on getting them two days ahead of time to practice on my little mutts. but I think it should be a fairly easy, way easier than people! as long as they sit still.

Mach0 · May 22, 2012

412 Burgh said:
Yes! I was planning on getting them two days ahead of time to practice on my little mutts. but I think it should be a fairly easy, way easier than people! as long as they sit still.

Are you doing indoor shots? Or outdoor?

bratkinson · May 22, 2012

Dogs sitting still? Not very often, in my very limited experience. And that was with MY dogs! 9 years ago, I had a nice mutt that would lay down somewhere and just stay put. I got some great pictures of her. But when company came, she never sat down! My most recent dog, a golden/cocker mix I unxpectedly had to put down, when she saw the camera, she'd immediately get up and walk toward me. I could only 'sneak up' on her, let the autofocus do its' job, and hope for the best.

In looking at dog pictures at another forum, there are very, very few 'posed' shots. And multiple dogs posing together...near impossible to catch, I believe. I'd first have the owner take them out and play fetch, or 'chase', or 'hose', or whatever, to tire them out first. It would be the perfect opportunity for some great action shots. Then, head indoors and when they plop down on the floor, get those shots as well. Maybe stir them up a bit with a toy while indoors and get some shots like that, if you can.

412 Burgh · May 22, 2012

indoors.. looking for something along the lines of this.

http://www.davidjameswilliams.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/rottweiler.jpg

tirediron · May 23, 2012

1. If you haven't already, meet the dogs a few days ahead of time so that they know you.

2. Make sure that they're exercised (but not to the point of fatigue) shortly before the shoot; just enough to take off any excited 'edge' they might have, especially the puppy.

3. For portraits such as the one you linked to, the lighting is no different than it would be for a human, except that you may want to pull the lights in a little closer to help wrap around the muzzle.

4. Place the owner at the point where you want the dogs to look; assuming you want them looking toward the camera, then have him/her behind you. Avoid using toys or treats unless necessary as these will often excite the dogs.

5. Have the people in the shots too; many people have a picture of their dog and then wish they had a picture of them with the dog.

6. Stay at the dogs level.

7. Good luck.

paigew · May 23, 2012

bring hot dogs and know how to make a lot of weird sounds. Weird sounds = nice perky ears and head tilts

Mach0 · May 23, 2012

paigew said:
bring hot dogs and know how to make a lot of weird sounds. Weird sounds = nice perky ears and head tilts

This!! I have dogs and it's fairly simple to get them to stay still ( provided they have some training.) The key is to have some snacks, praise them, and be relatively fast. If you have their owner to help, it may help to have them be the one to administer treats and give commands. You can then shoot the shots. A well trained dog listens. Good luck.

gsgary · May 23, 2012

Best way to keep them still is place them on a table, 2 lights and a reflector from a show i set up a studio

My dog on the dinning room table 2 lights

Mach0 · May 23, 2012

gsgary said:
Best way to keep them still is place them on a table, 2 lights and a reflector from a show i set up a studio

My dog on the dinning room table 2 lights

If you can get them on a table. Mine would flip! Lol

hopelaurenphotograph · May 24, 2012

I find that with animals it is a lot more fun if you are open to getting some candid shots as well. I just recently did some photos of a girl with her horse and some of my favorite photos are the ones where she is simply interacting with the horse and/or laughing as they spend time together. (random side note/question...do these look dark to you on here or is it just by computer? They look fine on facebook, in lightroom, and printed, but on here they look dark to me)

BlackDog's · May 24, 2012

tirediron said:
6. Stay at the dogs level.

I think you want to be just a tiny bit below the dog's level, not on the same level.

JMHO.

tirediron · May 24, 2012

BlackDog's said:
tirediron said:

6. Stay at the dogs level.

Click to expand...

I think you want to be just a tiny bit below the dog's level, not on the same level. JMHO.