Dog people love photographs of their best friends, but it’s not easy capturing camera-shy canines, even with a fast-acting digital camera. Too often, one winds up with an album full of out-of-focus tail shots.
Rachael Hale doesn’t have that problem. The New Zealand-based photographer has a thriving pet-portrait business and a library of coffee-table books that prove her picture-taking prowess, including the best-selling 101 Salivations.
Hale is at the top of her game, so she can afford to share a few trade secrets.
"You don’t need expensive, high-tech equipment – natural light is best," Hale says. In fact, flash tends to unsettle some dogs, after which you’ve lost their cooperation pretty much for good."
Make sure your set is closed – just like famous celebrities, dogs prefer their photo sessions private. "Keep it simple," Hale advises. "The fewer people around, the better."
A plain sheet or towel is the best backdrop: "Try draping a piece of fabric over your dog’s favorite chair to make him feel relaxed."
Photographer Kim Levin’s work has also appeared in numerous books; her pet-portrait business is called Bark & Smile. "Don’t make an animal come to you," she advises. "You have to go to him or her. If the dog’s on the ground, that’s where you’ve got to go." She also offers this empowering message to amateurs: "Remember, you’re the best-qualified to really capture your dog’s personality."
Black dogs tend to disappear against dark backgrounds, so use white cloth, or white seamless paper from the photo-supply store, for maximum contrast (what the pros call "separation"). If, however, your canine model is all white or mostly white, you’ll want to use pale gray seamless paper instead – or experiment with a bold backdrop color, such as pink, red, or green.
"Treats are usually very effective as a means of motivation," Hale says. "It helps not to feed dogs first; don’t expect major cooperation after dinner!"
If you want your dog to look directly at the camera, Hale says, "Have them focus on you by making a noise with your voice or a squeaky toy." With just the right squeaking sound, you can achieve the classic tilted-head expression that always gets an "Awww!"
Some of the most priceless shots in 101 Salivations are of puppies flopped out on their backs, sound asleep. To achieve this, play soothing harp music by Susan Raimond, who’s compiled CDs specifically to calm anxious animals, including one called Noah’s Harp, vol. 1.
Meanwhile, for novice lensmen, the best camera for capturing canine charisma is the HP Photosmart R837 digital camera, which includes such key features as "pet-eye fix."
As for gag poses, nothing beats giving Fido a spoonful of peanut butter, then lying in wait for the priceless money shot of him licking his chops.
