It is often said that the best camera you can have is the one with you at the time - and that applies to the great technology in mobile phones today too.

Until you are ready for a magical experience for you and your dog, with amazing natural backgrounds, fine art edited final images including lead removals, and phenomenal action shots from the UK’s first certified Dog Photography Master, enjoy using these ideas - we are sure you’ll enjoy getting some great dog photos with your phone.

1. Get down - as low as possible

If you only take on one of these ideas, then make it this one! Most people take photos at our eye level.

Looking down on top of your dog can create an interesting photo, particularly if you are holding their favourite treat and they are looking up at you.

As dog photographers, we spend a lot of our on location time getting as low down as we can.

If you are able, be at the same eye level as your dog, and if possible, even lower.

Our clients love it when they see photos of their dog taken as though you are in their own world. It’s a very different perspective and will give you some amazing results.

2. Light - as soft as possible

Soft light is nearly always more flattering for people in photos, and the same is true of our dogs.

A cloudy day makes the sky act as a huge soft box.

On a sunny day, a covered doorway or porch, or under the shadow of a tree all help create soft light.

The earlier in the morning or later in the evening you can be out, the better that is for softer light too as the sun is lower in the sky.

Sunrise and 60 minutes before sunset are the magical golden hour when the light doesn’t cast hard shadows and if often warmer in appearance.

3. Background - no distractions

Everything we do is on location. With the right lenses and set up, and occasionally some post processing in editing, we can use almost any location as a professional dog photographer. However, to make our lives easier, it’s always best to ensure there are no distractions in the background - “keep it simple” should be your motto.

Your dog must be the hero in the photo, and so with your background, keep it simple.

Look for a green bush, hedge, or dense trees.

Look for a solid coloured wall or fence.

Even a brick wall can work well.

Unless you are looking for a landscape, keep it simple.

If you can, create some distance between your dog and the background, as that will help to make the background less of a distraction, and potentially even blur it.

4. Freeze - steady and stable

Whilst this is obvious, it is often the biggest mistake a photographer makes - with a camera or a phone!

If you have a very cute dog, and have aligned it well on your grid lines, if your phone moves when you take the photo, it’ll be out of focus.

Steady and stable at all times.

Can we help?

We’d love to deliver a magical experience for you and your dog, with amazing natural backgrounds, fine art edited final images, and phenomenal action shots - but until then, have fun with these ideas, and let us know which idea helps you the most. We’d love to hear from you, our details are here.