Photo: Abby Ferguson Today is National Dog Photography Day, a very important day for dog lovers. Started in 2018 by photographer Kerry Jordan, it encourages everyone to post any and all photos of dogs.
Who doesn't love a chance to brag about their pup, after all. In honor of the day, the DPReview staff teamed up to share some tips on how you can take better photos of your (or someone else's) dog(s), whether you have a dedicated camera or are using your phone.
Wait for them to sit still
Photo: Mitchell Clark
As with any animal, it's much easier to get a good picture of a dog that's lying down or sitting still. Usually, when I ask an owner to take a picture of their pup, they'll tell it to sit and try to get it to stop moving for you. You may need to let it say hi to you first, though – I've gotten a lot of close-up photos of dogs' noses because they went from sitting to sniffing as soon as I knelt down to their level.
Use a fast shutter speed
A fast shutter speed is necessary if you want to capture your dog playing, or even to prevent a blurry face if they won't hold still while sitting. This image was taken at 1/2500 sec.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
If you can't get the dog to sit still or want to get an action shot of it moving, follow the general rules of capturing motion: a higher shutter speed will freeze its movement better. I've generally aimed for around 1/1000 sec to capture dogs on the move, but you may need to go even faster if they're running at top speed.
Get on their level
Take photos from your dog's level to capture their view of the world.
Photo: Dale Baskin
One of the easiest ways to elevate your dog photographs is to change your perspective. This tip applies to many subjects, but only looking down at your dog won't result in very compelling images. You'll create a more captivating composition by getting down low and taking photographs at their eye level. Getting low can also help you bring out your dog's expressions and personality more.
Don't forget close-ups
My dog's ears are one of her favorite features, so that's a detail shot I know I'll enjoy having.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
It's easy to take photos that only show your entire dog (or most of them), but close-ups are worthy of capturing, too. Detail shots of their nose, eyes and paws can help you showcase their distinct features. Even photos of their pawprints can give you something a little different. Plus, you'll likely be glad you have those images of what makes them special later on.
Get in on the action
The best dog photos are sometimes the ones that capture the simple joy of running.
Photo: Dale Baskin
While waiting for your dog to get still will make photos easier, most dogs love to run. And run. And run. If you want to capture the essence of your dog having fun, take photos of them in action. Throw a frisbee. Throw a stick. Get them excited with their favorite squeaky toy. Or, just capture the raw joy of your dog running at the dog park.
Capture the absurd
I met this dog at a Halloween event, where he got to play Batman for a day.
Photo: Dale Baskin
Sometimes, the best photos of our furry friends happen under what might otherwise be considered absurd circumstances. Attend a Halloween event where dogs and the people they own wear costumes. Go to a pet parade with a patriotic or summer theme. Or, if you have one of those dogs who likes to roll in any organic matter found in the yard, do yourself a favor and take a quick portrait before putting them in the bath to get cleaned up.
Photos of your dog rolling in mystery substances can be very entertaining.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
2025-7-26 16:00
