Behind the Scenes with Bear
Is there anything cuter than a warm puppy belly!? Photographing puppies can be both incredibly rewarding and challenging at the same time. While they're undeniably cute and full of energy, their unpredictable behaviour and constant motion can make capturing that perfect shot tricky!!
In preparation for my new puppy package I snapped some images of 16 week old Bear last weekend. Bear. is a beautiful chocolate Cocker Spaniel pup - curious, bouncy and cuddly. It was a lovely shoot but it definitely tested my technical ability ;)
If you’re trying to get good images of a puppy, here are my top tips:
Puppies have short attention spans, so you'll need to work quickly to get the shots you want. Have your camera settings ready beforehand, and be prepared to snap photos in rapid succession!
Puppies are easily distracted by their surroundings, so choose a quiet, familiar environment for the photoshoot. Minimise distractions as much as possible to keep their focus on you and the camera.
Getting a sharp focus and proper composition can be challenging when photographing fast-moving subjects like puppies. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and continuous autofocus to keep up with their movements :)
Patience is key when photographing puppies. Be prepared to spend some time waiting for the right moment and be ready to capture it when it comes. And wait you will!
Props and treats can be useful tools for keeping puppies engaged and focused during the photoshoot. Use toys or treats to grab their attention and encourage them to pose for the camera.
Don't be afraid to do some post-processing to enhance your photos. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color can help bring out the best in your puppy portraits.
Like any skill, photographing puppies takes practice. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques to improve your skills and capture the perfect puppy photos.
Looking for more dog photography top tips? Download my guide to Perfect Pawtraits.
The Northern Heart Puppy Package is launching in spring 2024 and will cover photoshoots for dogs upto 12 months old. To be the first to hear about the launch, and snag an introductory offer, sign up for News from the North.
