Photographing your puppy
Capturing special moments with your puppy on camera is part of the joy of living with a puppy �?but taking a great picture of your puppy is not always easy. The following article offers some tips on taking great puppy photos, indoors and out.
Taking indoor photos
It’s easier to control your puppy’s environment when indoors, and this may make for a better photo. If you choose to photograph your puppy inside, you will need to think about lighting and glass.
Lighting: If you take a photo indoors without using a flash, it may turn out looking yellowish, probably not the best portrayal of your puppy. To light the room without using a flash you can use a strong light, like one from a video camera. Shine the light on your puppy �?it should be slightly above where the camera is. The angle of the light should be close to the angle from your camera, but just slightly off to prevent “red-eye�?in the picture. If the light and camera are on exactly the same angle, the camera will pick up the blood vessels at the back of your puppy’s eye. The result may be a photo of your puppy with red-eye, not a very cute look. If the angle of the light and the camera are too different, then you will have shadows in your photo.
Glass: Mirrors, picture frame glass, windows and television sets may all provide glare �?it’s best to take photos away from these objects.
Taking photos outside
There are many distractions outside, but outdoor photos appear more natural. When taking photos outside remember:
- Safety first: If you are taking photos of your puppy outside he should always be leashed.
- Natural light is best for taking photos of your puppy, and if you take the photo in the morning you can usually avoid the “red-eye�?photo.
- Try to find an area outside that has light shade �?this prevents shadows in your photo. It will also help prevent you from getting the “perfect�?picture of your puppy, only to find out when it’s developed that your puppy’s eyes were closed tightly against the sun.
- To prevent your puppy from blending into his surroundings take the photo when you’re in an area where the background color contrasts with his coat.
- If your puppy’s coat is dark, use the flash outdoors to bring out the detail in his face.
- If you want to block out the background slightly, get closer to your puppy when you shoot the picture. You can also, depending on your camera, close the lens aperture slightly and increase the exposure.
General tips for getting a great picture
Have a helper: You should have someone hold the leash so you can concentrate on taking pictures.
- Shooting directly up or down at your puppy will make him look distorted in the photo. Try to keep the camera at, or near, your puppy’s eye level. The further you are from your puppy, the more you can raise the camera because the distance will make up for the angle.
- Get down to your puppy’s eye level �?snapping the picture just below his eye level and zooming in closely will give greater detail.
- Some of the best photos catch puppies in their natural environments and in the middle of everyday activities.
Tricks for getting the photo you want
Use toys or treats to get your puppy’s attention, or to get him to remain still for the photo. Hold treats next to the camera lens, just out of range, and in the photo it will look like your puppy is looking straight ahead.
Generally, the more relaxed your puppy is the better the photo will be. Give him his favorite toy and snap pictures as he plays with it.
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