Dog Photography Question: Now that I have my new FZ200 and am slowly learning to use the camera, I was thinking the best models I have are my three dogs. While I can get them sit, once...

GeneinChi Loc: Chicago, IL

Now that I have my new FZ200 and am slowly learning to use the camera, I was thinking the best models I have are my three dogs. While I can get them sit, once they see the camera they get up and stick their faces right in the lens. Whole it is cute it doesn't do much for the picture. Can any of you UHHer's give me some tips about photographing dogs? If I can get this done I'll post my pictures for critique.

Thanks.

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

I will be very interested to read the responses. All my dogs have done something similar. That's why I have a million "sleeping dog photos."

I find my only hope is to always have my camera or iPhone at hand and move quickly for those cute, candid shots... and to have infinite patience!

MDI Mainer

How about teaching your dogs the "stay" command.

I can recommend

http://www.amazon.com/How-Your-Dogs-Best-Friend/dp/0316610003/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396207026&sr=8-3&keywords=monks+new+skeet

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I cheat with an electronic fence where they will sit at the edge and I can set-up outside their range. Other ideas are to have someone help such as running around or throwing things where I can get action shots at a working distance, particularly running across or toward me. Down at their eye level is best, better if they're slightly uphill from your position. Work them out a bit before shooting helps so their level of excitement is toned down a bit.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

MDI Mainer wrote:

How about teaching your dogs the "stay" command.

THAT is the 42 answer for this thread!

:thumbup:

(The three guys in black robe are sinister...) :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol:

No wonder they are monks... Half humans these guys...

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

GeneinChi wrote:

Now that I have my new FZ200 and am slowly learning to use the camera, I was thinking the best models I have are my three dogs. While I can get them sit, once they see the camera they get up and stick their faces right in the lens. Whole it is cute it doesn't do much for the picture. Can any of you UHHer's give me some tips about photographing dogs? If I can get this done I'll post my pictures for critique.

Thanks.

buy Pugs...they don't move :)

Actually, I don't have a solution...I just keep sitting them back down over and over if they aren't interested.

One thing is catch them when they are a bit sleepy...and get everything set before you even try and get them to pose...that way 99% of the work is done and all you have to do is hit the shutter.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

GeneinChi wrote:

Now that I have my new FZ200 and am slowly learning to use the camera, I was thinking the best models I have are my three dogs. While I can get them sit, once they see the camera they get up and stick their faces right in the lens. Whole it is cute it doesn't do much for the picture. Can any of you UHHer's give me some tips about photographing dogs? If I can get this done I'll post my pictures for critique.

Thanks.

The camera is new to them. They are dogs they want to smell the new thing. Carry the camera often. especially with the dogs. Sooner or later they will get comfortable with you and the camera. Do you ever let the dog off leash. If not then you should find a place where you safely can. If they are off leash there will be many more photo opportunities. If you haven't taught the dog Sit-Come-Stay you should anyway. Once the dog understands and obeys photos will be easier. It takes time and a lot of patience. Give the dog a kiss for me.

Ronald J Loc: Minneapolis MN.

Do you have a dog park near by? I take hundreds of images while at mine. In order to capture motion as well as stills(they do remain still, occasionally), I shoot my Nikon SS -1000, and ISO-2000.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Ronald J wrote:

Do you have a dog park near by? I take hundreds of images while at mine. In order to capture motion as well as stills(they do remain still, occasionally), I shoot my Nikon SS -1000, and ISO-2000.

Love the dog pics. That is a liver english setter ? Great dogs. Had an irish, her name was princess because thats what she was. I stillmiss her. The blue eye and brown eyed husky looks like a wonderful friend.

Ronald J Loc: Minneapolis MN.

Thanks. The Husky/Border Collie is mine and she sure is a sweetheart-now. The first year we rescued her we wondered whether we made a mistake or not; so much energy and so smart(Border Collie). If I ever have to take a test again, I'll let her "sit" in.

LLucas Loc: Upstate South Carolina, USA

Great photos, RonaldJ! I also love taking action shots at events aimed for socializing dogs. My dogs are good models, but when you have a bunch in a confined area, you are sure to get better opportunities. My favorite event to shoot with dogs is the Waggin' at the Waterpark fund raiser. Our waterparks close for business at end of season, so they open the parks one day just for dogs. It's awesome! I'd love to share a few of those if you don't mind.

Ronald J Loc: Minneapolis MN.

Thanks, LLucas. Sure, go right ahead. If you'd care to see more of my dog images you may want to check out, TruttyPhotography, or trutty.com.
I've found that if one ever needs to smile, the dog park or the likes is a great place go.

greglynch Loc: Lakewood, CO

I literally just signed up for this forum - good discussions but I'll need to spend some time figuring our how to do certain things....

Almost the only time I can get decent images of my own dogs without a helper is to have them in the back yard, and I shoot from our open bedroom window with a 70-200... If I'm doing a client shoot there is always a helper, and the dog is always on lead (which I take out in post).

Alois

Bit of a Prozac would help. ( don't ever even think of that ) I usually run the heck out of my dog and when I get home she is dead tired and she does what ever i like her to do.

Ronald J Loc: Minneapolis MN.

Nice shots. From a window?