Dogtography. Kaylee Greer
your lens. Some dogs will sit for as long as they’re told, while others will touch their butts to the ground for milliseconds before bounding off in search of the next adventure.
Whatever your dog model gives you, be prepared to shoot quickly. If you’re shooting for more than a minute or two, and need to stop for a moment to think something over (be it your composition, lens choice, settings, whatever), take that minute to give your dog model a break. Constant breaks will help keep their stress level down and their attention level up.
If you’re photographing two or more dogs at the same shoot, swap them out constantly (unless you’re going for a group shot). This may make for a longer shoot, but it will almost certainly make for a more successful shoot. (Plus, if you’re as obsessed with your job as I am, a longer shoot is not necessarily a bad thing.)
Dogs almost always tell you when they could use a break. Since they speak in body language instead of words, it’s up to us to successfully interpret for them so that the photo shoot experience remains as positive as possible.
My own dog, Joshua, has a very specific sign for when he’s in need of a break. If pushed too hard for too long, he will simply stop looking at the camera. Joshua’s behavior is common amongst dogs who can become easily stressed. He simply avoids whatever it is that’s causing him stress, and no amount of treats or toys will pull him back from his “avoidance mode.” The only solution we’ve found is to take him out of the situation for a few minutes and simply let him “be a dog.” After a few minutes of sniffing delicious scents and then peeing on them to claim rightful possession, he’s typically ready for another round of photos.
Keep a close eye out for signs like avoidance, heavy stress panting, and cowering. Listen to your dog model’s body language and take a break the second they tell you they need it. They’ll thank you for it.
LEARN YOUR DOG
During the course of your photo shoot, pay attention to your dog model’s behaviors. Perhaps you’ve noticed his ears perk up every time someone says the word “treat.” Perhaps he immediately throws a paw in the air after sitting. Maybe he absolutely hates anything that looks like a stick. Every dog is different, and the more you pay attention, the more you’ll be able to use your dog model’s quirks to your advantage. The more you learn about your specific dog model, the easier you’ll be able to make him do the things you need to get the best possible shot. You’re also more likely to be able to predict what they’re about to do next, which is absolutely key for action shots. And hey, if you’re lucky, you may even discover the special combination of words that will make your dog’s head look like it’s about to tilt right off of its body.
IN CONCLUSION
At the end of the day, what matters most on your shoots is that you pay attention to your dog and put his comfort first before absolutely anything else. You do not want to spend your shoot in an air of frustration, stealing moments from a dog who’s suffering emotionally or feeling unfairly challenged. Instead, you want to be on the receiving end of gifted moments—moments that the dog is giving you from his heart. Moments that are built around trust, comfort, and happiness. I can guarantee you, no matter how blue the sky, how sparkling the sun, how sharp your focus, or how delightful your white balance, your photo means absolutely nothing if you have not captured the true spirit of canine.
And now, after baring my soul and showing you so many shots in which I’ve personally failed to make my dog models as comfortable as they deserve to be, let’s round this out. For a boost of my deflated little ego, let’s end this chapter with a pair of dogs who are emanating some absolutely brilliant dog body language in the midst of their happy moment. Thank you Meatloaf and Alfredo, for bringing it home!
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