All pet portraits start with a photo of your pup. Taking great photos of your dog can be tricky though, if your phone is anything like mine it’s a scroll through hundreds of puppy pics to find the stand out shot. Getting a photo for your pet portrait doesn’t have to be daunting though — it’s actually rather fun and a great way to bond with your dog.
Luckily for us, I’ve teamed up with professional pet photographer Abi from Abi B Photography who offers beautiful (and stress-free) pet portrait studio sessions in the comfort of your own home.
Abi has let us know her best (and easy) tips for taking the perfect photos of your dog, that you can follow using just your phone camera, no fancy gear required. Just check out her beautiful work and try some of these easy tips when you next want to capture a photo of your dog.
1. Check what’s in the background
Make your dog the focal point of your photos by removing anything that could be distracting from the background. Quickly scan for things on the ground that can easily be moved, or anything particularly eye-catching behind your pet that you can keep out of frame. Your dog needs to be the centre of attention at all times of course.
2. Get down low
Taking photos from your pet’s eye level creates an engaging shot. Sit down with your dog and have your phone camera positioned level with their eyes, this gives you the perfect front-on view that makes for an amazing portrait.
3. Use treats, toys and noises
When your pet looks straight at the camera or phone, there’s a beautiful connection. Their favourite squeaky toy, a yummy treat and/or your voice can be a great way to get their attention for the shot. Hold the toy or treat close to the camera lens so they look right where you need them to for the photo.
4. Check the light
Make sure your pet is evenly lit – no bright patches or dark shadows – these can really ruin a shot. Natural light is better than artificial light. Let the light in through as many windows as you can for indoor photography, or take your pet outside to enjoy the fresh air. Not too much sunshine though, taking photos of your dog in the shade is better than direct sunlight.
5. Have an assistant
Sometimes, having a second person to help can be useful. It can be a lot to juggle with the phone, plus a toy or treat. Let your friend or family member focus on getting your pup’s attention, while you take the perfect shot.
6. Focus on the eyes
They are the window to the soul, after all! Nothing brings out the character and connection with your pup like looking deep into their eyes. See tip 3 about helping your dog to look right at the camera.
7. Try different framing
Sometimes, including background items (furniture, trees, etc.) can really add to a shot. Sometimes a close up is the way to go. It’s time to get creative, try out a few ideas and see what works.
8. Have fun
If your pet is having a good time, you’ll get better photos! This is what it’s all about, stay relaxed, make it the best fun ever and your photography session will be a beautiful bonding session with your pup.
Big thank you to Abi from Abi B Photography for providing these easy photography tips to help you take great photos of your dog, just using your phone or camera. Feel welcome to share the results and tag @popartpuppydogs and @absbphotos on Instagram, or send the best one to me to turn into a beautiful pop art portrait.
Turn your pet photos into pop art
Follow Abi’s tips and you’ll be sure to get great photos of your pet very soon. There might even be one that you think would look awesome in pop art.
I had the pleasure of turning one of Abi’s professional photos of her darling dog Abe into a digitally illustrated work of pop art. She captured this super cool pose of Abe giving a high five, which was a perfect fit for my ‘pow’ background design — the makings of a very dynamic and unique portrait. See the result below in another of Abi’s stunning photos.
Professional pet photography with Abi
Want to take your pet’s photo gallery to the next level? Let Abi B Photography capture the beautiful moments of your pet in a professional photo shoot. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Abi makes your pet feel comfortable throughout the experience and captures the essence of their personality in her gorgeous work.
With her photography published in magazines and other media across Australia and New Zealand, Abi’s passion stems from her two loves; animals and photography. With one of those animals being her stunning Weimaraner, Abraham.
Abraham (aka: Abe) is a natural in front of the camera, and the subject of many of Abi’s photos. A total pro at modelling, we’ve booked him in for a pop art portrait — I can’t wait to turn one of Abi’s photos into an energetic pop art masterpiece.
Check out her professional photography packages, and book your pet in for a session with Abi B Photography. The time is now to start your art gallery wall of your dog!
