Eastlife Autumn 2020

Lights,
camera,
action!
How to take great photographs of your dog
Every dog owner loves to share photos
of their pet. But how do you get the
perfect picture? How do you master
an action shot? Nigel Wallace, a local
professional dog photographer,
has shared his top tips to taking
photographs of your dog like a pro.
With pretty autumn country landscapes
and beautiful sunsets, now is the time
to perfect your photography skills. Just
imagine how gorgeous your pooch will
look galloping through golden leaves or
posing with pumpkins!
Nigel Wallace is a professional
dog photographer based in
Suffolk, specialising in ‘on location’
photography. He knows a thing or two
about capturing characters, creating
memories and working with natural light
in beautiful East Anglian surroundings.
Here are his top tips for great outdoor
dog photography:
Nigel Wallace works on location to
create fun and exciting photoshoots
for you and your dog. A set price and
bespoke photoshoot packages are
available to suit individual requirements.
This includes pre-shoot consultation call
to discuss what you would like from the
shoot, possible locations, and to learn
about your dog. For information visit
www.nigelwallacephotography.co.uk
or call 07720 834868.
Get down low
Get to eye level with your dog to really
connect with them in your photos. I
often lay down on the ground to capture
an image.
Focus on the dog’s eyes
It’s important to ensure the eyes are in
focus as this is generally the first thing
people look at when viewing photos.
Avoid blurry photos
Ensure you use a high shutter speed
setting on your camera. This will help
freeze your subject. For example, I use
1/1000th of a second (or faster) shutter
speed for moving dogs.
Consider the background
For formal portraits, use a background
free of unnecessary distractions, such as
branches and twigs, which can take the
impact away from the subject.
Consider the light
Using the available natural light can
really show your dog at its best. Black
dogs tend to photograph the best when
facing the sun as this brings out the
details in the face and eyes. Flash can
be used carefully, if needed, if you feel
that your dog would not be frightened
by this.
Use natural props
Look for additional elements to add
interest to the photograph. For example,
a fallen tree covered in green moss can
make a good posing stand.
Dogs in action
Use your camera to record a series
of photographs. Using a continuous
autofocus tracking setting will help
keep your dog in focus whilst capturing
action shots.
Using rewards
When trying to get the dog’s attention,
have either a good supply of your dog’s
favourite treats or a squeaky toy to
encourage them to look at you.
Be patient
Your dog will not understand what
all the fuss is about but will be a great
model if you take your time and give
positive reinforcement when setting up
your shots.
Have fun
Above all else, just enjoy being out with
your dog as much as they enjoy being
with you. The shot of the day is often the
one you least expect to capture.
A relaxed dog is a happy dog!
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