Creating The Best Photos And Videos Of Your Dog

Do you love to take photos of your kids and siblings? The thing is that when it comes to creating adorable content, it is hard to look past your dog. After all, they are an integral member of your family as well.

It is common knowledge to get your dog to cooperate with the camera. However, there are a few things that you can try over here. Sharing some tips on how to take the best picture and video of your pet dog.

Learning the fundamentals

The process of creating the best photos and videos of your dog starts with learning the basics. Have some understanding of what constitutes a good video or a picture before getting them ready for the close-up. It means that you have to learn the fundamentals of art forms such as cinematography and photography.

Study how changing the lighting and background can change the story you want to tell with the video or photo. It is significant to know ways to edit your footage.

The good thing is that there are several free editing apps on the internet that you can download. Are you looking to create videos of the highest quality?

In that case, you could try buying the likes of Adobe Premiere Pro. After that, you can learn through research how you can crop videos on the software and use the other tools in said software.

Using the right equipment

If you want to put the skills you have learned recently to proper use, you need the right equipment for the same as well. Are you planning to capture some photos of your dog at the next agility event?

In that case, you would have to invest in the likes of a zoom lens. Do you wish to capture the surrounding audio as part of the footage? You would need a microphone attachment with this as well.

You can try using a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. That way, even your homemade movies would have a digital feel. Remember shooting the videos can be hard to focus on with such cameras.

Your dog could also get a bit frightened by the big camera. It may be better to use a smartphone in these cases. It is especially true when your dog is getting scared by the camera. You can expect to be not nonplussed by the cell phone, considering they already are used to the same.

These days, most smartphones come with an auto-focus feature that helps you shoot animals in motion. If you are shooting with the smartphone, make sure you hold it horizontally instead of vertically. If you want a unique look every day, you can always buy a GoPro and place it on your dog’s head.

Practicing and training 

Dogs are different from humans. They would not obey your command automatically. First, you would have to train your dog to follow your commands like staying and sitting. You could try teaching them a few tricks they can show off before the cameras.

Before you turn the camera on, you must practice the movements and skills you want your baby to show in front of the same. They need rehearsals as well, after all.         

Have a clear idea of what gets your dog to perform. Is your pet camera shy? In that case, you could try a few treats to bribe it and get the job done.

The trick over here is to start with a low-value treat. Otherwise, the entire video would be about your dog asking for food from you.

Letting them get habituated with the surroundings

It is significant when filming them in surroundings that they are not otherwise familiar with. Your dog may be a calm individual. But even they could get stressed in an environment that they do not know well.

Therefore, you need to provide them a few minutes to sniff the surroundings, including the objects you wish to include in the photo or video.

Being patient 

Your dog may have spent some time in the area where you want to shoot them. But even the dogs may not be ready to act when you get the camera rolling.

If that is the case, you must capture some wide shots of that particular area. Just be prepared to hit the zoom button when your dog is ready to act. You can also start by shooting a few close-ups that draw the audience in.

Getting down and dirty

If you capture the video from a standing position, you may not get more than your dog’s head. If you want the appropriate shot, you would have to get down. Get to the level that your dog is at.

Hiring helpers 

It is extremely difficult – if not downright impossible – to control a dog and hold a camera. Both are different tasks and need your complete attention.

It is always better you get a helper such as a relative or a friend to take care of the videography or photography duties. You can then focus on your dog and make sure they follow all your commands.

Having fun 

Your dog would be able to sense you are under any stress. Hence, keep things as enjoyable and jovial as you can. It makes sure that both of you enjoy the experience.

Read Also: 5 Fun Things to do With Your Dog

Conclusion 

With the help of the suggestions that we have made above, you should create some footage of your dog that you would be able to treasure as long as you live. Who knows, your dog could become the next internet sensation ala Shiro, Suki, Raya, or Tucker Budzyn?