Rider is a really good dog. He’s strangely naturally photogenic and manages to pull off looks of smiling, contemplation, disdain and amusement. Creating him an Instagram after having my own for a year seamed like a no brainer.
Unfortunately, what I did not count on was the impact expectation has on performance. After hours of planning and arranging props, Rider is tired of being photographed. Light is not naturally favorable, it has to be planned for and adjusted. Indoor lighting will never look as good as outdoor lighting and there will always be things in the background that need removing.
With the success of two photoshoots for fun and charity fundraising, successful photoshoots seamed like a forgone conclusion. I envisioned a million Instagram followers for Rider and an easy, effortless new photo for each day and holiday. The reality, I don’t have enough of a hook to get people interested in following Rider and cell phone camera photos of sleeping Rider are only good enough for me. Gimmicks like 10 Days of Thanksgiving and 25 Days of Christmas are mostly just work for me.
While spending time positioning and lining up the shot is an artistic endeavor and I love spending time petting and hugging the Rider, after only 1 month of having an Instagram, he is truly over my photographer experiment. With these trials in mind, I offer 5 tips for successful pictures of your dog, even if they’re only for you.
Tip #1: Know where you want to take the picture before you go outside.
This may sound obvious, but “outside” is big and as soon as you get there your dog will encounter distractions and you’ll have run out of time to scout for a location without cars or inconsistent shadows and shading. Find a spot, set up your scene, then add the fluff monster. It’s a lot easier to place a dog in a scene than create a scene around them on the spot.
Tip #2: Keep your imagination high and your expectations low.
Imagine the perfect scene in your head. Your dog majestically photographed looking like an angelic Christmas tree topper while snow falls gently in the background. It won’t happen. Dogs are dogs. They sit when they want to, lay when they want to and have no interest in where you want them to put their head in relation to the environment and props. They are best photographed when allowed to be dogs and given minimal instruction.
Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to get low.
Some of my best shots were taken with me laying on the ground. Most times, dogs are photographed at human level. They look most natural when you come down to theirs. A little dirt on the knee of your pants is a small price to pay for beauty that captures your heart and imagination.
Tip #4: Keep shooting the scene, even if your pup isn’t looking.
Portraits and school photos have taught us that looking at the camera is best. Selfies have convinced the human mind that if a subject isn’t looking directly at the camera or appears imperfect, the photo should be thrown out. Yet some of couples most favorite wedding photos are candid shots of themselves, family and guests. Pets are no different. They are telling a story with their eyes and ears that is just as worthy of capturing as the one you were hoping for.
Tip #5: This should be fun for both of you.
When I find myself getting frustrated with Rider, I remember that this should be fun for both of us. He’s not sitting or laying where I want him to because he doesn’t want to. No matter how many treats I bribe him with, if he doesn’t want to take pictures, I have no right to make him. I love taking cute pictures of Rider because I think they bring joy to the world. If he’s not happy and I’m frustrated, we should do something else until we’re up for it.
