We’ve come a long way since the old, ancient days when a photographer hunched under a black cape and snapped a picture, generating a bang and a puff of smoke.
Then there’s the vintage Polaroid camera. Remember?
You could push a button and watch while a 3.2 x 4.5 inch-photo crawled out of the camera, developing right before your eyes!
Photography!
It’s a huge, huge business.
There are so many niches in today’s photography universe.
Family photography, nature photography, wildlife photography, ocean photography, sports photography, wedding photography, and then there’s PET PHOTOGRAPHY.
And as the old saying goes … I haven’t even touched the hem of the garment!
But this post isn’t about the different niches of photography.
This post isn’t even about professional photography.
And I’m certainly not qualified to write about all the ins and outs of professional photography.
But I think I can handle tapping a post on pet photography as it relates to the everyday picture snapping of my dog.
As you know it’s a trial-and-error exercise.
Think about this scenario.
You catch Fido, Tidy, Shadow, or Tiger in a certain pose.
Boy, you wish you had your smart phone handy and the camera ready for action!
But you missed your chance!
And because your opportunity is OVER, you come up with the big idea to persuade your dog to give you another shot.
Just one more chance!
Just one more!
But you’re out of luck.
You’re able, however, to get him to do a similar pose.
And this time you’re ready.
You snap the picture.
It’s just one picture in a stack of a million stored on your iPhone or Android.
What does all my gibberish amount to? What’s my point?
Simply this: There are many benefits in photographing your pets in general and your dog specifically.
What are those benefits?
Why do you take time to take that special picture of your fur baby?
Well, let’s look at a few reasons why you’re the “professional photographer” in your house, snapping shots of your pup.
And then, let’s close by looking at a few tips that’ll help you snap some amazing pictures.
It’s Free! (Other Than the Cost of An iPhone or Android and Your Time)
In a world where nothing is literally “free,” if you own an iPhone or Android, using your smart phone will give you excellent pictures of your loving dog.
Now, compare that with making an appointment with a professional photographer to have a photo session.
Yes, if you go to a professional photographer, you’ll have pictures of better quality.
But, by taking your own pictures you’ll get images of your puppy where he’s “more at home,” more relaxed and spontaneous.
And you’ll have fun doing it!
Much more fun than loading him up with his favorite toy and carting him off to unfamiliar territory with unfamiliar people seeking to catch him in action running after a ball or obediently sitting still for a pose.
You’re Taking Pictures For the Present-But Also For the Future!
While you’re clicking away to catch your pup’s special moments, you’re also (even though you may not realize it now) storing up treasures for the future.
One day (a day that no one wants to think about), your pup will slow down and eventually draw his last breath.
A great way to remember our pets is by taking pictures.
A picture when your dog was born or when you brought him home may remind you of the excitement that filled your home at that moment.
A picture of your puppy in the swimming pool dog paddling may cause you to chuckle.
A picture of him catching a frisbee in mid-air may regenerate awe and wonder of the attributes he had.
Pictures of him in his doggie costume dressed up like a firecracker for the 4th of July or like a scary clown for Halloween, or maybe a pilgrim for Thanksgiving will result in a smile crossing your face.
Pictures are a tool that we can use to exterminate the loneliness we feel after the death of a pet.
We gaze and even stare at the images and allow ourselves to return momentarily to the days when we played with our dog and had so much fun!
So, why take pics of your dog?
It’s good for your mental health!
You’re Taking Pictures of Your Dog’s Growth
We take pictures of our children at every stage of life.
We begin at birth, snapping a zillion pics of our newborns.
Then we snap, snap, snap away when they’re toddlers, preschoolers, in-schoolers, teenagers, high school graduates, college grads, and on and on.
We’re automatic picture takers as our kids get taller and change features.
And when it comes to our pets, we’re not that much different.
We begin the process at birth when our dogs’ eyes are still closed.
We lather our thoughts with their beauty and cuteness.
And then we embark on a collection of pics showing a timeline of growth.
Why do we do this?
My best answer is because it’s natural.
We’re creatures with a visual thirst.
We love to take pictures.
And we love to take pictures of those we love—even our fur babies.
You’re Taking Pictures to Show Others
In the old days parents pulled out their billfold or purse and showed others pics of their babies.
Today, we’ve graduated to digital images. Pulling out our iPhone or Android and scrolling to find that special image of our newborn.
I bet you don’t have to scroll very far!
When it comes to our puppies, we love to show others their image.
We’re proud of our fur babies.
And we’re proud of the pics we’ve taken of them.
We want others to admire our pets and tell us how beautiful they are!
You’re Taking Pictures to Make Holiday or Birthday Presents
Christmas ornaments, paintings, videos, framed pics, dog wall art, customized pet art on caps, shirts, pillows, cups…well the list goes on and on. Taking pics of your dog to create these amazing gifts to give to family members is a GREAT idea.
Need some links to find that special present?
Here ya go!
Christmas will be here before you know it! Get an early start by buying a Hallmark Dog 2024 Photo Frame Christmas Ornament! Follow this link to be carried to Amazon to make your purchase!
What about dog wall art? Now that’s a remarkable idea! Check it out here by clicking this link to Amazon. And then make that unique purchase. You’ll surprise your family with this gift!
Calling all coffee drinkers who own a dog! This is what you need. A Dog Coffee Mug Personalized! Click here to be carried to Amazon to look at this beautiful coffee cup with your dog’s face on it.
One more link. Here’s the Hyturtle Personalized Pet Pillow with double-sided printed picture of your dog! Click now to buy this awesome throw pillow from Amazon!
Follow These Tips to Get That Amazing Shot of Your Dog!
Below are a few tips to improve your photography skills as you snap pictures of your beautiful pet.
- Prepare. There’s a high probability that you won’t have your camera or smart phone ready to take pictures ALL THE TIME. So…when your puppy starts his zoomies or brings his stuffed toys to you to throw, be ready with your camera to take that shot!
- Practice. You’ll see improvement with each picture you take. Remember practice, practice, practice!
- Participate. You’ll need to get involved and spend time with your dog, training him to do tricks or to catch that flying object so that you can have the opportunity to snap that “once-in-a-lifetime picture.”
- Plan. Realize that there may be certain times of the day that your dog will be more active. You know your dog better than anyone else. Just observe when he usually takes a break to nap. Plan your pics after he’s well rested.
- Product. It’s an undeniable fact that certain cameras will take better pictures. If you’re going to make this more than a hobby invest in better cameras.
Conclusion
Pet Photography.
Your puppy is the main performer. He’s the star!
And you’re his photographer.
Snap those pictures.
Catch those memorable occasions.
Build your portfolio of outstanding pictures!
Now… “Give me your best smile!”
-Howell
