For many of us, our french bulldogs are division of our family, and as such, are a lot the subject of our photographs. It’s not as easy photographing dogs, and we’re often dissatisfied with the results.
No theme whether you use a digital SLR or a dense camera, there are steps you can take to make sure you get the best likely photos of your furry friend.
No theme whether you use a digital SLR or a dense camera, there are steps you can take to make sure you get the best likely photos of your furry friend.
- Use some time training your dog. It’s much easier to get a excellent photo if your dog will sit, stand, drop and stay when he’s told. You can use a shrill toy to get a lovely alert expression on his face, but it doesn’t work at all if he hasn’t been taught to stay. Also, if he’s had some training, you’ll feel much more secure if you want him photographed without a collar and leash. But, keep in mind to keep it fun. They should see that camera arrive out and think it is a game!
- Have your dog groomed to excellence. If you’re going to spend the time taking photos of him, make sure he’s clean, his hair is trimmed and he seems his very best. Bring along a washcloth or some clean to wash his muzzle just in case he drools a little.
- Choose a nice place for the photos. A park or a patch of forest is both good options. The beach or river is one more favorite place, but make sure your dog doesn’t go for a swim before you’re ended photographing him. Check the background and make sure there are no objects in the way; you don’t want the form of trees growing out of your dog’s head.
- Make sure you know how to use your camera. If the setting is very bright, your dog will appear very dark in the photos. In this case, you can force your flash to work, and light up your dog too. You’ll get a a lot better photograph. Read your camera manual, and practice. Most cameras these days have some sort of zoom capacity. Using a zoom length of at least 80mm will allow you to stay a sensible distance from your dog, and avoid curious nose prints on your lens.
- Get some help. It’s very difficult to place away from your dog and take a photo, as well as tell him to stay, support an alert expression, and change the direction of his gaze. You’ll have much more fun in your photography session if there’s someone taking care of him while you’re at the other end of the camera.
- Take lots of photos and be patient. The real benefit of digital photography is that there’s no film being used, and it doesn’t cost something to take hundreds of photos. Having said that, it’s still a good idea to wait and think before taking a shot. Take a couple of seconds to make sure the wind isn’t blowing fur across your dog’s face, he’s looking in the right direction, and the background is attractive. When everything is just right, snap LOTS of photos. You will have lots of good photos, and with a bit of luck a couple of great ones!
- If likely, photograph your dog in the shade. This avoids dark shadows and harsh highlights, which can be difficult for your camera’s routine exposure system to work with. It will also avoid photos where your dog is squinting. You’ll find the best light for photography is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Squat or lie down so you’re at your dog’s level, rather than photograph him from above. Fill the frame with the part you want to photograph, whether it’s just his head or the whole body. Another good angle is to get down low and photograph upwards against the sky or some trees. It turns out great, but again, you may need to force your flash to fire to avoid your dog turning out dark in your photos.
- Keep an eye on his head point. Although dogs don’t mind their noses appearing big in photos, you will get a more attractive likeness if he’s looking forty-five degrees to the side. Try it and you’ll agree, it’s much nicer than a photo that’s taken when he’s staring directly at the camera.
- Don’t leave your photos in your camera: have your good ones written, or even enlarged for your wall. If you want to be more creative, try some of the great digital scrap booking software that’s obtainable. Add backgrounds, text and decorations, and create a real work of art.
It does take practice to improve your taking photographs, but if you follow these ten steps, you’ll have photos of your dog that will take pleasure of place on your wall.
