Last week we shared some top tips on how to use your smartphones to get better images. This weeks we are sharing some tricks how to get your dog to sit still and look at the camera!
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TIP 1: TREATS
Food is a great resource to help get your dog to sit still for long enough to get a picture. If you have already taught your dog to sit while holding a treat then hold the treat above the camera and get your picture while you make them wait.
Don’t make them wait too long though. If they move its okay. Let them smell the treat in your hand, ask them to sit again and then hold the treat above the camera. With practice your dog will learn to wait and stay for long enough to give you time to get the photo.
If you dog isn’t easily tempted by the usual dog treats try other things like cubes of cheese, peanut butter on a spoon, or perhaps some fresh cooked chicken.
TIP 2: TOYS
If your dog is more focused on toys than treats then grab their favourite squeaky toy, ball or frisbee to get their attention when taking their photograph. Hold the toy just above the camera to get them to focus their eyes on the lens and then get snapping!
TIP 3: USE YOUR VOICE
If you have ever seen a professional pet photographer in action you might have heard them use their voice to attract their dogs attention. Noises like clicking your tongue, making high pitched sounds or sometimes a kissing noise will usually work. Just don’t overdo the noises as it can make your dog loose focus. Leave some silence in between to give your dog a moment to look around and think where the sound has come from. That’s your opportunity to snap with the camera and get them in action! If you are lucky you might even get a head-tilt shot!
TIP 4: PRACTICE & PATIENCE PAYS OFF
Honestly practice does make perfect. The more comfortable you are behind the camera and the more relaxed your dog is getting their picture taken will pay off! It should be fun and natural, not forced. Dogs that grow to love the camera will pose much more naturally for it. Fear of a camera shows in a picture. Unfortunately some dogs just wont like the camera pointed at them. Just build their confidence up slowly. Let them move around, give them lots of praise and some treats, encourage them to explore while you click away. Make them comfortable and you will get much better photographs.
TIP 5: THINK ABOUT THE TIME
Is your dog very high energy and active? You aren’t going to get a sit and pose shot first thing in the morning when they are bouncing around. Think about your dog’s energy, are they more relaxed and calm after a walk? Then get them out walking to burn off some energy, then try getting some pictures.
TIP 6: ACTION SHOTS
You don’t always have to get images of your dog sitting still and posing for a photograph. Photographs showing them running and moving around can be just as amazing! Most smartphone cameras also have slow-motion function now so you can take a slow-mo video and then grab a screen shot afterwards. Sometimes natural action shows are the best photos as they give a better picture of the dogs character.
TIP 7: ADD PEOPLE
Sometimes, particularly for nervous dogs, it’s a good idea to have a family member sit with them while getting their picture taken. You can get pictures of them hanging out on the sofa, sitting on the stairs or perhaps action photos of them playing outside together.
TIP 8: FUN
Always make it fun! If your dog is tired and grumpy don’t push them for a picture. As they say tomorrow is another day!
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Feel free to leave a comment below as we would love to hear what you think about these tips. Perhaps you have some others tips of your own to share too!
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