How to Photograph the Dog:  Tips for getting great photographs of your assistance dog or program puppy-in-training.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to our trusted canine partners and beloved program pups-in-training, we can never have too many memories preserved. Learning to capture your dog’s unique personality can make the difference between a so-so photo and a frameable memory. The following tips will help you take your best shot:

Photography Basics
Whether taking a photo with your phone or a more complex DSLR camera, understanding a few basic concepts can improve your photos:

• Rule of Thirds
  This is a basic composition principle that splits the frame into a tic-tac-tow board with two vertical and two horizontal lines. Rather than position your subject directly in the center, place his face at one set of intersecting lines. To highlight something in the background, place your subject on one of the lower intersecting points; to highlight the subject in the foreground, use the upper intersecting points.
  
  
• Choose Backgrounds Carefully
  To help make the dog the star of the shot, watch out for distractions in the background. Pick up unnecessary items that don’t contribute to the story you’re trying to tell, and watch out for unsightly items (for example, a trashcan in the park) and items that appear to be “growing” from the subject, such as a light pole directly behind the dog’s head. Look at backgrounds that complement your dog, or patterns that are interesting but not overly distracting, such as a brick wall, or a bank of attractive green bushes.
  
  
• Go Low
  Taking a photo at eye-level is a great way to produce a flattering dog portrait. Get down on the ground and experience the world from the dog’s point of view! Extreme angles, such as looking down on the dog from up high or looking up from ground level offer fun, creative results.
  
  
• Natural Lighting for the Win
  Taking a photo outdoors offers the benefit of myriad backdrops and especially lovely lighting at certain times of day. Try a photoshoot at “the golden hour,” the hours or so just as the sun is rising or setting, when the light is softer and offers warm, flattering hues. Avoid taking photos midday when the sun is directly overhead, as it creates harsh shadows that distort the image. Clouds on overcast days also work well to filter the sun.
  
  
• Fill the Frame
  Don’t be afraid to get close to your subject. Filling the frame with your subject creates stronger composition by highlighting the subject and helping to eliminate the possibility of clutter. For an artistic effect, you can even try filling the frame with one part of the dog – like the pads on his foot or his snout!
  
  
• Black and White Dogs
  Predominately black or white dogs pose a special challenge for a camera in automatic mode because the light meter attempts to adjust the exposure to a setting that represents the middle tone of a particular scene. As a result, details are often lost on dark dogs, and white dogs appear washed out. Evenly lit shady spots or cloudy days offer the most flattering lighting for black and white dogs. Fortunately, improvements can be made with simple editing apps on your cell phone, such as using an HDR filter to bring out the features on black dogs.

You don’t need a fancy camera to capture wonderful memories of your program dog. The best camera is the one you have with you when you suddenly feel compelled to capture a moment! Program dogs – whether it be your service dog partner, or the puppy temporarily placed in your care – hold a special place in our hearts and documenting the relationship through photos will help you treasure your memories for a lifetime.

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Stephanie Colman is a non-profit communications/media relations specialist and dog trainer in Los Angeles, California. She’s also a regular contributor to Whole Dog Journal and a hobby “iPhoneographer” who loves to capture fun moments with her own dog, Saber.


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