How do you get a photo with my dog looking at the camera? Are you sure you're going to be able to get m dog's attention? or How do you get that amazing eye contact in your photos?
These are some of the most common questions I get as a dog and pet photographer. My response then is usually "well, I have a few tricks up my sleeves that I use to grab their attention during the shoot".
As a pet photographer (and most of my clients are dogs so as a dog photographer) I have lots of experience at capturing images of dogs and have learnt several tricks to be able to grab the dog's attention and capture them looking into the camera. Note that each dogs are difference and some of these tips may work on one dog and not on another, one of the key things is to be patience (which is one of the tips as well). In addition to these tips and tricks, I also ensure that dogs are comfortable and I usually take some time for them to be comfortable with me and my camera before we start our session because the camera can look like a scary big machine to them, especially the little pups.
So here are 5 tips and tricks on how I capture those images with the dogs looking into the camera.
1. Treats or their favourite food
Most dogs love food and are motivated by food. I know my dogs are! As soon as I say "treats" all three of them sit in a row in front of me and stare at me!
For those dogs who are food-motivated, then using treats or food is a good way to grab their attention. There are a few ways you can use treats. You can use them by getting them into a sit or drop position, grab a quick shot then give them the treats. You might need a hand from someone as it can be tricky holding treats in one hand and a heavy camera in the other but it is possible.
Another way is to let your dog smell the treat in your hands and lure back your hands towards the camera and hold it right beside the camera. Hopefully they'll stare at it instead of following your hand - this will allow you to take that shot of them looking into the camera.
Lastly, some dogs like the sound of the treat bags - you can use this too by shaking or scrunching the treat bag while holding it near your camera so they will look at you.
For those pups who are a bit picky with their treats, you'll have to use a higher-value treats or something special that they don't usually get, or try another trick below.
2. Noises
Noises can grab the dog's attention and sometimes depending on the noise you make you can get a cute head tilt.
You'll need to figure what noise works for each dogs... when you see me at at session you'll definitely hear me make all sorts of noises from high pitch noises, barking, squeaking, you name it! Yes I do look and sound very silly but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to get that shot!
You can also use a squeaky toy to make the noise and get their attention. Or I do have a noisemaker - a fox duck call which makes a great noise that most dogs respond to. I know there's a few other noisemakers you can get but this one has worked for me along with just making voice noises myself.
3. Toys
Before each session, I have a questionnaire I send to my clients asking them about their dog's favourite food and toys. I would then recommend if your dog has a favourite toy that you bring it to the session as it can be a good way to grab their attention. It's even better if it has a squeaker or makes some kinds of noise then you can use the toy as a visual distraction and the squeak or noise as an additional way to grab their attention.
4. Just be patient
Some dogs may not respond to food, noise or toys so sometimes you just have to be patient with them and you just have to wait it out or capture the dog in natural candid pose. I love the action shots where you can get them running towards you - it can be tricky but when you capture these they are great. Sometimes the photos of the dog looking in the distance actually creates a beautiful shot and creates curiosity about what the dog is looking at or what they're thinking.
So let's chat about personalising your pet photography session and capturing their personality and character.
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This post is a part of the Pet Photographers blog circle I am in where we write a blog post based on a weekly theme. To see what the next pet photographer is sharing for the weekly theme of "But my dog won't look at the camera" Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, award winning pet photographer in Dallas - Fort Worth, shares a session where the dog would not, could not, look at the camera.
9 Comments
Aug 8, 2021, 3:29:37 PM
Tracy Allard - I love the colors in your images and that reflection image is STUNNING!
Jul 4, 2021, 2:50:22 PM
Darlene - Great tips! That reflection image is EPIC! I'm in love! Nicely done!
Jul 2, 2021, 2:24:37 PM
Linda Perdue - Simple, but perfect tools of the trade. The toy was a new one, haven't done that one before!
Jul 2, 2021, 1:44:11 PM
Terri Jankelow - Just love that image of the dog with the reflection. I agree - images of dogs looking into the distance can be magic. Lucky people of Canberra to be able to come to you for their dog photo sessions
Jul 2, 2021, 10:49:49 AM
Nicole - I love your work!
Jul 2, 2021, 9:06:29 AM
Ina Jalil - Thanks Angela!! The boxer Scarlett - she is a cutie - she's a momma now!
Jul 2, 2021, 8:02:15 AM
Angela Schneider - That boxer is adorable. That reflection image is FIRE. Just incredible work for pet photography sessions in Canberra.
Jul 2, 2021, 7:46:57 AM
Ina Jalil - Thanks Nancy!
Jul 2, 2021, 6:21:05 AM
Nancy - I love your reflection image of the dog looking out in the distance