Photography of your Dog can be a very rewarding but sometimes daunting experience. Here are some tips to make it easier for you.

#1)Be Prepared: I think this is the most important tip of all. Bring along any props such as toys, blankets, brushes,etc The better prepared you are the better your chances of getting the great shot.

#2) Knowledge: Have a good working knowledge of the dog or type of dog you are photographing. The more you know of the individual dog the easier it will be to capture the personality of it. That makes your portrait personal.

#3) Move in Close: Close up shots usually give you much better detail. If the lighting is right you will capture the "catch lights" in the eyes of the dog. This really enhances the expression on the face. Try to make sure the ears are up and also that the nose is wet. Little details are often what it takes to get the best shot.

#4)Place Yourself at the Dog's Level: Always try to put yourself at the eye level of the dog. This again will help to fully capture that expression.

#5) Lighting Is Key: Good lighting is a critical element in any pet photography. Low lighting requires long exposures and that often spells disaster. Good side lighting is perfect as it will enhance the texture of the coat of the dog. If you shoot outside try to pick an early morning or late afternoon engagement. The sunlight will be coming from a side angle which is much better than direct sunlight at mid day.

#6) Extras: Always remember to shoot extra shots. That is one great thing about Digital Cameras. There you have the option to shoot lots of extra pictures at no cost to you. And another big advantage is that you can see the shot immediatley to determine if it is a keeper or a repeat. I often shoot 3-5 exposures of a pose I really like. This way I can be sure to have at least one copy of my winning shot!

About the Author

Elaine Mashburn is a professional photography located in western N.C. Children, Dogs and Nature are her passions. More tips are available at her website: http://professionalpetphotography.blogspot.com

She's also an avid fly fisher. You can check out her page at http://tieandhook.blogspot.com