Candid Canine Capers - Using Your Digital Camera to Make Sweet Memories

Digital cameras make it easy and fun for amateurs tofamiliar with the camera in your hand, the flash and the
capture endearing images of their pets. Tiny dogs, bigsame location every day.For bold and beautiful still
dogs, beautiful dogs, scruffy or ugly dogs; they all haveshots: Use the vertical camera position and get
an innate grace about them. The lift and tilt of theirclose-up to capture his facial features, expressions
head, the quizzical look when you address them, theand the texture of his fur. Start shooting the moment
body-posture of anticipation; we love them and wehe 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 Familiarhe isn't looking directly at you. His eyes are the most
Location: Plan to shoot outside, if possible. The lightcompelling feature but it's also important that his ears
outside is brighter, and brighter light is best. Pick aare up and his nose is moist. Pull back for a medium or
familiar outdoor spot, probably your backyard. Thinkfull-length shot, using the horizontal camera position.For
about what kind of shot you want: Do you want avibrant and high-spirited action shots: You know Max
playful, vigorous and alert shot of Max or do you wantwell, so you know where he scampers, ferrets and
to see his gentle, sweet and mellow-side? The sunhas the most fun. Does he like to roll in the grass,
must be to the side of your pet, not behind him. Putnudge 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 theaway. Most digital shutter speeds are not fast enough
background. Is there good contrast between his furto capture a moving image at just the right moment,
and the background? Are there shadows falling frombut lots and lots of pics, shot in quick succession, will
a roof-line or garage? Is the background messy withyield some very good photos of your pet's
children's toys, a trash can or lawn furniture that youshenanigans.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 theboth flash and no flash to determine what works best.
star.Take Time to Practice: Practice setting up theMost digital cameras have a "fill-in" or "force flash"
shot you want. If your dog,(we'll call him "Max") issetting. With this option on, you'll get a flash every time
trained to sit, then you have a great shot right in frontyou 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 himluminous eyes. The "fill-in" flash may
through repetition. Kneel or lie down close, with theover-expose and the auto-flash may not activate
camera positioned at just below his eye-level. Zoom-inbecause it isn't dark enough. Practice, practice, practice
and fill the frame with Max. He'll certainly be curiousand be familiar with your camera to maximize its
and move in and out of the shot. While Max is gettingoptions.Indoor tips: Lighting indoors is a special challenge.
familiar with you "down there," you can see the lightingUse simple lighting and then judge what you need to
and composition of the photo in the LED. Use hisadd or take away. Pay close attention to backgrounds:
favorite toy to distract him or wait-him-out...just relax inmake sure your pet has a contrasting background and
position. He'll tire of you, eventually, and suss out theavoid busy patterned fabrics or upholstery.Tips for
birds or squirrels. Lure him back to the photo spot withdogs and kids: Children can get their pets to do
a favorite biscuit or snack. He will quickly learn that aamazing things. Can the kids get Max to wear a hat
treat is in store when he is in the photo spot, and thatfor a still shot? Great "chase" shots are taken with a
will mean a good camera shot for you.Persistence andchild in the lead. Get a shot of your dog "kissing" a child,
Repetition: Repeat the practice steps for a week orgrandma 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. LetHave your dog brushed and clean. Consider removing
Max get to know and expect the flash. After thehis collar as light can reflect off of it. Keep the
session is over, you'll make an educated decision aboutatmosphere fun. If you are tense, irritable and impatient
using the flash or not. Delete the practice photos, if youyour pet will be too. Take lots and lots of shots and
want, and start again tomorrow. The drill is to get Maxyou'll get more than a few very good ones.