TOP TEN TIPS TO SHOOT LIKE A TOP DOG

This one goes all the way up to 11

Keep the aperture at around f/11 when using lights. Shooting at f/8 is okay for people, but people don’t tend to have the long noses that dogs do! You need that depth of field if they’re looking straight at you.

Not always nifty

A 50mm lens is good for wider shots, but it’s no good for shooting tighter. Some photographers use it and get in really close, but a lot of dogs don’t like you getting into that proximity.

Keep your distance

Use an 85mm prime or a 100mm on your zoom lens to get those close-up shots. It enables you to shoot at a comfortable distance where the dog doesn’t feel like you’re too much in their personal space.

Stand your (back)ground

If you’re shooting inside, you can use a Lastolite pop-up backdrop, or even just a black sheet to help cultivate a simple backdrop. Just make sure you iron it first!

Eye eye captain

When shooting with studio lights ensure that your key light illuminates the far eye, either with how you pose the dog, or how you position the light.

All manual everything

For outdoor shots, especially shooting action, you can use Auto ISO and set limits – it’s best to stay in full control. Shooting in dark winters, it’s just not going to happen without pushing your ISO!

Cheeky ISO and so

To that point, don’t be too afraid to push your ISO if you have to. Most don’t do it by choice, but you can still take sellable shots at ISO1600 – it can definitely be done.

Get on the Case

On cameras like the 5D and 1D series, Case 2 is a good Autofocus mode for tracking dogs. Case 1 is fine as well, but the others are best used for other varied shooting situations.

Landscape portraits

Our pros have said that they mostly shoot in landscape, but sometimes they’ll shoot in portrait for bigger dogs. Whichever you decide to use, try and make use of the negative space in your photo.

Take the lead

During shoots, you can use show leads, as they’re discreet and easy to clone out in post-production. If you’re photographing a bigger dog, however, you might not necessarily need one.