The Delicate Art of Photographing Puppies!
One of my favorite things about photographing puppies is that they’re always up for anything. They’re not afraid to get dirty or silly, and they always seem to be having a good time. This makes them incredibly fun to photograph and there’s something about capturing the innocence and playfulness of puppies that just makes me smile.
In young puppy photography, there is a delicate balance between capturing the puppy’s natural cuteness and energy and creating a well-composed and professional image. It requires patience, skill, and a good understanding of how to work with puppies and it’s always a challenge to try to capture their energy and enthusiasm in a photo.
Over the last year, I had the opportunity to work with several different litters of pups and it is wonderfully fun. I have started to pick up some reliable skills for getting the best shots. One of the most important things to remember when photographing puppies is that they’re unpredictable. They’re going to move around, they’re going to bark, and they’re going to lick your face. So here are a few of the tips that I have picked up when working in the studio.
In the Studio
Start off working with one pup at a time (the rest will be happily playing corralled in an xPen in another room)
Create a set where they are contained in a bucket, basket, up on a chair, or on a box. You will have a few moments before they figure out how to get down.
Have your assistant nearby to make sure puppies can never jump off a high place or get hurt. Utilize the pup’s owner for this as well.
I consistently use these camera settings:
Aperture f/4.0
Shutterspeed 1/200
ISO 100 - 500 (adjusting for the natural light in the studio)
I use a variety of bird calls that I have hanging around my neck or a squeaky toy to get the pup's attention
Use a large softbox and keep the level of the lights just high enough to get a reflection in the pup's eyes.
Out Doors
Candid shots of puppies being puppies are absolutely the best! I like to just let them run free in my fenced yard and I get the best pictures and the most puppy kisses by planting myself on the ground to capture the world from their perspective.
Here are a few tips for photographing puppies out of doors:
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze their movements.
Use a wide aperture to let in more light and blur the background.
Get down on their level to capture their perspective.
Use treats and toys to keep them entertained.
Be patient! It takes time to get the perfect shot. I personally take many many shots to get that perfect one.
Again I use a variety of bird calls that I have hanging around my neck or a squeaky toy to get the pup's attention
I love capturing the innocence and joy of puppies in my photography. I hope you enjoy my photos! If you're interested in booking a photoshoot with me, please contact me I would love to capture the memories of your new puppy!
In my Next NEWS Post, I will tell you how I get these cool action shots on location!
