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Volume 3, Issue 3

International Parti Poodle Gazette

July 2007

Stephane Raymond

TEN TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR DOG

Author: Stephane Raymond
www.stephanephotographie.com
Submitted by: Ginette Girard
“Sit, sit, stay, STAYYYYYY!!!” CLICK! Argggg!! Taking pictures of our dogs is not always easy. Here are ten tips from professional photographer Stephane Raymond to help you take fantastic pictures.

Photo by: Jacqui McLeary - Kirada Poodles -- Australia

1. PAY ATTENTION TO THE BACKGROUND
Keep the background as simple as possible. Do not attract attention to an element that adds nothing to the image. Objects in the picture such as a lawnmower outside or a TV remote inside will detract from the main subject – your dog. Always choose a background that contrasts with and compliments the subject; a black dog can easily disappear in a dark sofa or shadows outside.

2. THE CAMERA ZOOM IS YOUR FRIEND
To your dog, the camera is nothing but a big eye staring at him; try not to intimidate him by getting too close and fixing the ”eye” on him. From a distance you can use your zoom control to get a closer picture. This tends to let the dog react in a more natural manner. Also, if you have a tripod for your camera, your photos will be clearer.

3. DO NOT USE THE CAMERA’S FLASH
If possible, don’t use the flash or you will create red eyes. The light of the flash hits the back of the dog’s eyes and comes back on the camera lens the same as if you were to photograph into a mirror. The infrared option can sometimes work, but the dog can close his eyes and the result is not any better than the red-eye result. A simple solution is to take a piece of cardboard and cover it with aluminum foil to use as a reflector. Place your dog with the sun behind him and a bit to one side, and place the reflector opposite the sun so it sends the light onto the dog.

Photo by Stephane Raymond

4. PLACE YOURSELF AT HIS LEVEL
Don’t stand and point down at your dog to take his picture unless you are doing it for a specific effect. Have fun – get dirty – get down to his level. Place the camera at the dog’s height at an angle that compliments him.

5. HAVE LOTS OF TREATS AND SQUEAKY TOYS ON HAND
To keep the dog’s attention, have his favorite treat in your pocket, especially special ones he adores. A “squeak, squeak” can help you catch that perfect expression at just the right moment.

6. SIMPLE ACCESSORIES CAN MODIFY THE AMBIANCE OF A PHOTO
A somewhat chewed Frisbee© between his front legs can show your dog’s sportive tendency. A big screen the right color will hide undesirable clutter in the back of a picture. A visit to a craft store is a wonderful place to find the proper gadgets and backgrounds to enhance your photos.

Photo by Stephane Raymond

7. STUDY HIS BEHAVIOR
Know your dog’s behavior. It’s good to plan a photo session before hand. If you know he goes crazy outside after a snowfall and you want pictures of him playing in the snow, prepare yourself before you let him out so you can be ready to catch his actions at the beginning.

8. DON’T CENTER THE DOG’S EYES IN THE EXACT MIDDLE OF THE CAMERA FRAME
If you center the eyes in the exact middle of the frame -- your effect will not be interesting. If the dog is looking to the right, leave a bit of room on the left side of the face so it will give the effect that his eyes are looking at something. If you don’t have “space” where he’s looking, the picture will seem out of frame.

9. GET AN ASSISTANT
To keep your dog’s attention, have someone help you. Beware of assistants who talk loudly and give advice as it will stress both you and your dog. Find a calm, willing person to help focus the dog’s attention and hold his interest and do things such as holding your reflectors.

10: HAVE FUN
If you relax during photo sessions and know you are going to have fun, your dog will relax; the session will be agreeable for both of you. Be very patient and playful. Give him a treat when he reacts properly even if you missed taking the picture at the right moment – it’s not your dog’s fault. Digital cameras are great because if you haven’t taken any pictures you like, you can erase them and start over.

Photo by Stephane Raymond

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In 2000, Stephane Raymond reoriented his career to follow two passions, photography and pets. He works with cats and dogs, children and families. You can visit his website at www.stephanephotographie.com