Dog photography goes beyond understanding lighting, lenses, and Photoshop. Capturing the perfect portrait of your beloved dog requires a deep understanding of their behavior and communication.

You need to speak their language. This involves more than just making wild noises to grab their attention. While those sounds can be useful, it is even more crucial to understand their body language. Dogs communicate with their eyes, tail, stance, and facial expressions. Recognizing when they are relaxed, curious, or anxious is essential to capturing their true personality.

For instance, a wagging tail can indicate happiness or excitement, while a tucked tail might suggest fear or discomfort. The position of their ears can reveal alertness or calmness.  They can also be pinned back and show they are anxious, scared and uncomfortable. A relaxed body and soft eyes generally mean the dog is at ease, while stiff posture and wide eyes (whale eye) may indicate stress. Yawning more often than not is a sign of stress and not the need for a nap. Understanding these cues allows me to create a comfortable environment for them. When a dog lacks hearing or sight it can be an added challenge for me as a photographer which is why I pay close attention to all the visual cues. 

As a photographer, it's my responsibility to interpret these signals accurately. I ensure the dog is comfortable with the situation, the camera, and other equipment. This might involve giving them time to sniff around and get used to the new environment, using treats and toys to create positive associations, or simply taking breaks when needed. My goal is to never let them feel uncomfortable, as a relaxed and happy dog makes for the most captivating and genuine photographs. Sessions should always feel relaxed and never forced.  This can sometimes take a long time! Especially with older dogs as well as dogs scared/reactive in new situations or with strangers. 

By combining technical skills with a deep understanding of canine behavior, I strive to capture the unique spirit and personality of each dog, creating timeless portraits that their owners will cherish forever.

Enjoy these portraits of Jack.  I met Jack back in 2019.  Such a handsome guy.