Tips for Photographing Dogs in Studio

WITH LISA ASP

Let’s face it: people are head over heels for their dogs. Sometimes, it’s bordering on obsession—but who’s complaining? The way we cherish our furry companions has shifted over time—they’re not just pets; they’re family. They snuggle in our beds, dine on gourmet treats, strut in stylish outfits, flaunt designer collars, and dominate our camera rolls.

Picture-Perfect Pups

The business of dog photography has gone through the “woof” as well! A decade ago there were just a handful of us offering this niche, and now dog photographers are much more abundant. If you’re thinking about jumping into this paw-some market, here are my top five tips for making a splash in your dog photography journey:

Tip #1: Have A Passion for Dogs

Passion for pets fuels unforgettable dog photography sessions. When you approach each shoot with genuine love and understanding for animals, it reflects in your photos. Loving the dogs you work with is non-negotiable! If you’re the type who can’t resist stopping for a cute pup on a walk, having them in your studio will be a blast. Featuring our backdrop: Painted Trees. 

Tip #2: Use Noisemakers and Toys

To capture vibrant and engaging photos of dogs, consider using noisemakers and toys to keep them entertained and alert. Noisemakers like squeaky toys or clickers can grab their attention and evoke natural expressions and movements. Toys serve dual purposes: they keep pets engaged and facilitate playful interactions that translate into lively photos. Dogs are like energetic toddlers, so keeping them engaged with a variety of fun noises is key—practice your repertoire of quirky sounds to hold their attention. You can even make them up on your own if you don't have any toys or noisemakers. Featuring our backdrop:  White Sheers.

Tip #3: Use Treats

Most dogs will work for food, but try not to offer treats unless necessary. Treats could be a distraction, especially with multiple dogs, potentially causing issues. ALWAYS check with the owners before offering treats. If you have treats on hand, opt for small, soft training treats – they provide a quick reward without leaving crumbs on the floor to retouch later. Featuring our backdrop: Night Before Christmas.

Tip #4: Practice Makes Paw-fect

Get as many dogs in front of your lens as possible. Learn their quirks and reactions to your antics. This will help you understand their body language so you can predict their reactions. Start with friends and family, then offer your skills to animal rescues—it’s great practice and helps pups find homes! Featuring our backdrop: Painted Trees.

Tip #5: Use Dramatic Lighting

Whether in a studio or outdoors, lighting is key. Differentiate your work with dramatic lighting and refined post-processing techniques that set your portraits apart. Check out a previous blog post, Unleashing Dramatic Lighting to learn more about how I incorporate dramatic lighting into my studio portraits. Featuring our backdrop: Dark Charcoal Chiffon Elegance. 

Conclusion

Dog photography is challenging but incredibly fun. I always say it’s the best job ever! With 44.5% of American homes having a dog, there’s a world of wagging tails waiting for your lens. So, take a leap and give it a shot! Our last featured backdrop is one of our custom backdrops. 

About Lisa Asp

Lisa Asp has been a professional photographer for more than 25 years. She began photographing pets after adopting her first dog in 2001 and has specialized in pet photography since 2011. Lisa has won numerous awards for her work. She enjoys volunteering her time with several pet rescues photographing their adoptable animals, fostering and assisting in their fundraisers and food drives. She is the president of the International Society of Animal Photographers, Founder and Director of the Animal Image Makers Conference, a PPA Councilor and PPA-Approved Juror.

Learn more about Lisa Asp on Instagram, and her website.