Advice required: have been asked to photograph a friends puppy!

theMusicMan

theMusicMan

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... and have no idea where to start.

Some friends we recently went on holidays with - having seen some of my (what I think are amateurish compared to most around these parts) photos from the holiday, have asked me if I could take some nice photos of their new pet puppy - a Jack Russell.

Thing is, as some here will know, I am totally new to DSLR photography and have no idea where to start with this request. I am flattered that they have asked me to do this as they have a nice compact SLR that can produce good pics, but they have stated they thought my pics form holidays were good and have asked could I do some of their pup. I am of course happy to do so but need some pointers (excuse the pun) so I can have a think about how I could approach this before next weekend. I am away this week traveling to Johannesburg on business and so this gives me some boring hotel room time to read any replies posted here on what works with puppies etc.

Should I purchase some white cloth as a background (assuming the little thing doesn't 'stain' it :) ) or would black cloth be better...?

I don't have any significant serious equipment in terms of flash guns etc... just my noobiness to digital photography, my e400 and a few lenses.

So.... all and any advice graefully appreciated, thanks all.
 
lots of time and patience will be your biggest requirment, animals in general rarely do what you want them to.

get down the the pups level - yes, with a russell pup that WILL mean you lying flat on your tummy! :lol: Focus on the eyes of course.

Have plenty of treats readilt available, and a spare pair of hands in the form of one of the owners to attract its attention towards you while you worry about the camera.

Technically, the hardest part will be the contrast issue if its a mainly white russell. My preference would be for a natural background, so maybe in their garden, but I suppose its their choice, they may want fancy back grounds. Fill in flash is always useful, but I have done several on my own russells just using the on board as fill in flash, and got some pretty results.

Thats the most I can tell you, I am sure the others wil have more ideas
 
The hardest part about doggie pictures is that the dog has no idea what you're trying to do and can't help - despite wanting to. Spend some time with the pup first, keeping the camera out with the lens cap on so it's not something new, then start taking some pics. Get the owners to give him/her some treats for looking up at you.. try to start fairly calm and perhaps wind the pace up and get him a bit more excitable towards the end - less predictable but might throw a great shot out!

It's much easier to wind a puppy up than to calm them down, so start off slow...

(This is based on the fact that I know more about dogs than I do about photography).
 
I find they are much more compliant if you shoot them first.
 
Tire it out, bloody hard to do with a Jack Russell but if you can get it to go to sleep you'll get some great shots :)

The cololur of background will depend on the colour of the dog (generally mainly white with brown/black patches), I'd avoid white as if the dog is not spotlessly clean it will tend to show up the dirt, something light bright and complimentary. Failing that anything plain.
 
Two things that apply to all animal shots really:

1. Get down to the level of their eyes, or thereabouts.

2. FOCUS ON THE EYES. This is the main thing. I've had lots of spoiled birdy pics cos the focus has been just a tiny bit off the eye.
 
Great advice so far folks, thanks a million. Eye level, and focus on the eyes... okies!!

Gotta love this site.

EDIT: PS - the wife has just called me from home and advised she has just purchased two new puppies for us as well. We just lost our beloved Jessie - an 11 yr old King Charles Cavalier - we have another 11yr old KCC who has full blown diabetes but apart from that and being old is very well, and we now have two new KCC puppies. I can't see 'em cos I am 5,000 miles from home :)
 
Congralts on your new puppies. Look forward to seeing their pics :)

Everybody has different strategies on shooting dogs. Agree with all that's been said about getting down to their level and focusing on the nearest eye. I always try to work at the dog's pace. Most puppies need a bit of time to sniff around, make friends with you, etc. Some dogs get carried away by the prospect of treats and it can be difficult to get anything other than a stretched neck and a nose pointing upwards. If the treat's being held near you, the puppy will probably come galloping towards you. :lol: I usually keep treats as a last resort, but then treats work, well, ... a treat (sorry!) with some dogs.

To get that alert 'I'm a real cool pup' look try noises, eg a small queaky toy held out of sight. You could always try barking, mewing or whining yourself, if you don't mind feeling really silly. :lol: They tend to pause and look for the sound with ears pricked and an alert expression.


Practical things: if it's a very young pup it may just fall asleep on you. It may need to pee more often than you'd think possible for such a small dog, especially if it's excited.

I'm shooting 3 dogs together tomorrow - I think 2JRs and a JR-cross. I'll let you know how it goes!
 
Many thanks JeanGenie... your advice and experience is greatly appreciated.

I can't wait to get home this Friday as my wife and son have sent me a few piccies of our new King Charles Cavaliers. We were originally going to get just the one - but as the entire family (my wife Jen, my daughter Heather, my son Lloyd, and my sister in law) all went to view the puppies - their hearts took over and they ended up buying two of them. We were originally after another bitch, which we'd decided to name Rosie... so I will give you one guess as to what you thing the dog is now called...!!

I'll get some pics up soon.
 
Here's a pic of the three dogs... was taken by my wife on her Sony compact.

Rosie on left, then Belle, then Jim on the right.

belleandpups.jpg
 
jeangenie said:
........ If the treat's being held near you, the puppy will probably come galloping towards you. :lol: I usually keep treats as a last resort, but then treats work, well, ... a treat (sorry!) with some dogs......
Click to expand...

Being at eye level, and having the dog running towards you (maybe better in grass) would be a cool shot itself, High shutter speeds and shallow DOF is a must.

Kinda like this....

TimDog.jpg
 
Two goegeous pups - I can quite see why one became two. We did the same with our 2 Yorkies. Having 2 pups in the house was interesting to say the least. We had 2 boys but they're great company for each other, and provide us with endless entertainment.

Your camera will be constantly at the ready :):):)

Liberalis - that's a lovely pic with a great feeling of a happy dog enjoying itself. :) I hope it stopped in time!! Cleaning licked lenses is no fun at all :lol:
 
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