| Digital cameras make it easy and fun for amateurs to | | | | familiar with the camera in your hand, the flash and the |
| capture endearing images of their pets. Tiny dogs, big | | | | same location every day.For bold and beautiful still |
| dogs, beautiful dogs, scruffy or ugly dogs; they all have | | | | shots: Use the vertical camera position and get |
| an innate grace about them. The lift and tilt of their | | | | close-up to capture his facial features, expressions |
| head, the quizzical look when you address them, the | | | | and the texture of his fur. Start shooting the moment |
| body-posture of anticipation; we love them and we | | | | he settles down, and keep shooting. Don't stop to |
| want great photos. If you want memory-maker photos, | | | | checkout the shot-quality. The best shots will be when |
| try these easy tips:Choose Bright Light and a Familiar | | | | he isn't looking directly at you. His eyes are the most |
| Location: Plan to shoot outside, if possible. The light | | | | compelling feature but it's also important that his ears |
| outside is brighter, and brighter light is best. Pick a | | | | are up and his nose is moist. Pull back for a medium or |
| familiar outdoor spot, probably your backyard. Think | | | | full-length shot, using the horizontal camera position.For |
| about what kind of shot you want: Do you want a | | | | vibrant and high-spirited action shots: You know Max |
| playful, vigorous and alert shot of Max or do you want | | | | well, so you know where he scampers, ferrets and |
| to see his gentle, sweet and mellow-side? The sun | | | | has the most fun. Does he like to roll in the grass, |
| must be to the side of your pet, not behind him. Put | | | | nudge a ball with his nose, or crouch for a low-flying |
| Max in the spot where you want to photograph him. | | | | bird? With the digital setting on Sport Mode, snap |
| Get down eye-to-eye with him and check the | | | | away. Most digital shutter speeds are not fast enough |
| background. Is there good contrast between his fur | | | | to capture a moving image at just the right moment, |
| and the background? Are there shadows falling from | | | | but lots and lots of pics, shot in quick succession, will |
| a roof-line or garage? Is the background messy with | | | | yield some very good photos of your pet's |
| children's toys, a trash can or lawn furniture that you | | | | shenanigans.Flash Tips: In natural light (outdoors), your |
| don't want in the shot? If so, something has to go -- | | | | flash is probably limited to a range of 10 to 12 feet. Try |
| either the unwanted props or Max. Let Max be the | | | | both flash and no flash to determine what works best. |
| star.Take Time to Practice: Practice setting up the | | | | Most digital cameras have a "fill-in" or "force flash" |
| shot you want. If your dog,(we'll call him "Max") is | | | | setting. With this option on, you'll get a flash every time |
| trained to sit, then you have a great shot right in front | | | | you press the shutter button, which should bring out |
| of you, if not, then it's a bit like teaching him a new trick. | | | | unique details such as the color and texture of fur and |
| Most dogs do not like to pose but you'll encourage him | | | | luminous eyes. The "fill-in" flash may |
| through repetition. Kneel or lie down close, with the | | | | over-expose and the auto-flash may not activate |
| camera positioned at just below his eye-level. Zoom-in | | | | because it isn't dark enough. Practice, practice, practice |
| and fill the frame with Max. He'll certainly be curious | | | | and be familiar with your camera to maximize its |
| and move in and out of the shot. While Max is getting | | | | options.Indoor tips: Lighting indoors is a special challenge. |
| familiar with you "down there," you can see the lighting | | | | Use simple lighting and then judge what you need to |
| and composition of the photo in the LED. Use his | | | | add or take away. Pay close attention to backgrounds: |
| favorite toy to distract him or wait-him-out...just relax in | | | | make sure your pet has a contrasting background and |
| position. He'll tire of you, eventually, and suss out the | | | | avoid busy patterned fabrics or upholstery.Tips for |
| birds or squirrels. Lure him back to the photo spot with | | | | dogs and kids: Children can get their pets to do |
| a favorite biscuit or snack. He will quickly learn that a | | | | amazing things. Can the kids get Max to wear a hat |
| treat is in store when he is in the photo spot, and that | | | | for a still shot? Great "chase" shots are taken with a |
| will mean a good camera shot for you.Persistence and | | | | child in the lead. Get a shot of your dog "kissing" a child, |
| Repetition: Repeat the practice steps for a week or | | | | grandma or gramps, by putting a spot of butter or |
| so, taking photos each day, with and without the flash, | | | | honey where you want the kiss to be.General Tips: |
| and always using the Sport Mode shutter speed. Let | | | | Have your dog brushed and clean. Consider removing |
| Max get to know and expect the flash. After the | | | | his collar as light can reflect off of it. Keep the |
| session is over, you'll make an educated decision about | | | | atmosphere fun. If you are tense, irritable and impatient |
| using the flash or not. Delete the practice photos, if you | | | | your pet will be too. Take lots and lots of shots and |
| want, and start again tomorrow. The drill is to get Max | | | | you'll get more than a few very good ones. |