You’re out with your friends, enjoying a great time together. To capture the moment, you gather everyone for a group photo. The picture looks perfect on your phone, so you tuck it away. But when you later open the image on your computer, you notice a problem. That one friend – the one who always manages to ruin group pictures – strikes again. You can’t help but laugh, although secretly you wish you could get rid of them.
But did you know that dogs also face the same dilemma? Take this gang, for example. When Kikko, Sasha, and Momo pose for their owner Yoko, Hina finds a way to sabotage the photo. Just like your friend who loves to “break the tension,” Hina is the rebel in the group!
If you’re a dog owner, you understand the struggle of getting that perfect picture of your furry friend. But don’t worry! Pet photographer Mark Rogers has some tips to help you capture that adorable shot.
Tips for Capturing the Perfect Picture of Your Dog
First, let your dog get used to the camera. “The click and flash of a camera can startle dogs initially,” Rogers advises. “Allow your dog to sniff the camera and start by casually shooting the surroundings.” If you’re using a film camera, you can even do this before loading the film. Once your dog feels comfortable around the camera and starts doing their own thing, you can begin taking their pictures.
Rogers emphasizes the importance of keeping things natural and relaxed. Avoid overwhelming your dog with treats or shoving the camera in their face while squealing, “Mommy’s gonna take your picture!” Instead, take a more laid-back approach.
As with any type of photography, take lots of pictures. The more shots you take, the better chance you have of capturing something amazing. Also, consider turning off the flash whenever possible. “Most amateur photographers achieve better results with warm, natural sunlight,” Rogers suggests. Shoot in the early morning or evening, on slightly overcast days, or find a shaded area on a bright day.
To get a unique perspective, get down to your dog’s level. “If you’re always looking down at your dog, every picture will look the same,” says Rogers. So, get on your knees, sit, crouch, or even lie on your belly to achieve eye-to-eye contact with your pup.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the background. Simple backgrounds like a white sandy beach or lush green trees can make your dog stand out in the photo. Also, consider the colors – avoid using black backgrounds for black dogs or brown backgrounds for brown dogs. The goal is to make your furry friend the focus of the picture.
Of course, these tips might not be helpful if your dog is determined to avoid having their photo taken. But thankfully, not every doggo is like Hina!
White Shiba: “Hey guys!”
Other Shibas: “Hey, we’re taking a photo!”
Black Dog to White Dog: “You are doing the absolute most!”
Hina is the troublemaker in the family, just like a mischievous human kid. So much personality, it’s hard not to love her!
