Take better photos of your dog with your phone!
Taking photos of your dog with your phone sounds easy. That is until your pup decides to yawn, sneeze, or moonwalk out of the frame the second you hit the shutter. Suddenly, you’ve got 178 blurry photos of a tail, one of your own foot, and maybe half an ear. But don't worry, your phone is more powerful than you think (and so are you). With a few clever tricks and a little patience, you’ll be capturing frame-worthy dog portraits faster than your dog can spot a squirrel.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Clean your Lens. Give your lens a quick wipe. Chances are there is a layer of dog nose art on it. A clean lens ensures sharper images.
Use natural light! More light does not mean better. Don’t be tempted to run out at lunchtime to get the shot. Harsh midday sun is not flattering. Try taking the photo on an overcast day or in open shade (like the shadowed side of a building). Golden hour is the best light (the first hour after sunrise and before sunset).
Get LOW! I am talking belly-in-the-grass low. Seeing the world from your dog’s point of view makes your images more engaging and personal (and gives you an excuse to skip leg day).
Use Portrait Mode. This mimics the soft creamy background you can achieve with a higher-end camera. You have to keep still with this one though. If your dog is in mid squirrel-chase, you will just end up with a blur!
Move in, don’t zoom. Digital zoom quality is not that great and you will really notice it if you attempt to print the image larger.
Use Burst Mode. Dogs blink, sneeze, and some have the attention span of a goldfish. Taking multiple shots at once will increase your chances of getting a worthy image.
Focus on the Eyes. Focused eyes make a significant difference in the feeling of an image. Use the tap-to-focus feature on your phone by tapping on the screen over the dog’s eye.
Consider the background. A cluttered background can be very distracting and take your focus away from the dog. Look for a plain background that contrasts with your dog’s fur to help them stand out.
Use funny noises. When you are ready to take the photo make a unique funny noise that your dog has never heard before. This is key to getting that cute head tilt! But don’t overdo it or they will get bored.
Be Patient and make it Fun! Patience and positive reinforcement (cookies) will help to keep them engaged and having a good time. Take a break if you need to.
Now the only thing left to do is practice. May your camera roll be forever filled with furry masterpieces; and don’t forget to reward your model with a cookie, or five!