Tips for Better DIY Pet Photos
If you’re anything like me, your camera roll is full of pictures of your dog. They’re just so cute- it’s hard to resist snapping a photo every time they tilt their head, fall asleep in an adorable position, or sit at the door waiting for a walk. Snap shots are great, but sometimes you want something a little extra. My photography studio, Cheyenne Chavez Photography offers professional pet portraits, but I recognize that going to a professional may not always be an option. There are budgets and time constraints to consider, and besides, DIY photography is just so much fun! In today’s post, I’ll be sharing some of my secrets so you can level up your DIY pet photos!
Positive Reinforcement and Patience
When you’re trying to snap a photo, it can be frustrating when your dog won’t stay in position. My best advice is to use a high value reward (for my dog, it’s hot dogs), and a whole lot of patience. Start by giving a treat and praise every time you snap a photo. After a few repetitions of snap, treat, praise, your dog will start to view photo time as a game. As a result, they’ll be more relaxed and willing to do as you ask!Use Noise Makers
Now that you’ve got your dog comfortable in front of the camera, the next step is to get them to look at the camera with a good expression. One of the best ways to do this is with noise makers. As a professional pet photographer, I have an arsenal of noise makers ranging from penny whistles, to harmonicas. to simple squeakers taken from my dogs’ destroyed stuffies. A quick squeak before you snap a photo will almost always result in perked ears and curious eyes, but it will only work a few times before they lose interest, so use sparingly!Get On Their Level
This is something that seems so small, but it makes a huge difference. While I enjoy photos of my dog looking up at me with his big puppy dog eyes, getting down on his level and shooting at eye level takes a photo from snap shot to portrait.
Shot from Above
Here is example of a photo snapped from above. There’s nothing wrong with it- in fact, I love this image- but if it were shot from eye level it would likely have even more impact.
Shot at Eye-Level
The impact of an image can be greatly increased by getting on the dog’s level. The connection with the camera becomes stronger and it’s as if you’re joining the dog’s world.
With just a few simple tricks, your dog will be sitting pretty for photos like never before and who knows? Maybe they’ll finally make it big as an Instagram star so you can finally quit your job and be the full time dog mom you’ve always wished you could be! You just never know these days!
Happy snapping!
Cheyenne Chavez is a pet photographer serving pets and their people in the Albuquerque Metro Area.
She presently resides in the small suburb of Rio Communities, NM with her family and two dogs, Angus and Lucy.