5 Tips for Great Dog Photos: Capture Stunning Shots of Your Pup

Aug 21, 2025 · by Truls

If you are like me you have got a gigantic album on your phone with photos of your dog(s) that keeps growing and growing. And to be honest, many of the photos are not the best. Dogs can be tricky to photograph, so here are our top 5 tips for great dog photos that will help you transform everyday snapshots into frame-worthy treasures.

Tip 1: Use Natural Lighting for Flawless Dog Photos

Golden Hour Magic

If there's one photography secret that works like magic, it's shooting during golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft glow highlights your dog's fur beautifully and eliminates harsh shadows.

Avoid Harsh Midday Sunlight

Bright midday light often creates overexposed photos and squinty eyes. If you must shoot during the day, find a shaded spot under a tree or near a building for softer light.

Beautiful white fluffy dog sitting on grass with autumn leaves, demonstrating perfect natural lighting

This photo perfectly demonstrates Tip 1: The soft, natural lighting highlights the dog's white fur beautifully without harsh shadows, and the autumn leaves add seasonal charm.

Tip 2: Capture Your Dog's Personality

Focus on Expressions and Quirks

Every dog has unique traits—maybe it's the way they tilt their head, their silly smile, or their floppy ears. Highlight these quirks to make your photos feel personal and authentic.

Candid vs Posed Shots

While posed photos are adorable, some of the best dog photography happens when your pup is being themselves—playing fetch, rolling in the grass, or napping with their tongue sticking out. Keep your camera ready for those candid gems.

Happy tri-color dog on the beach with ocean background, showing personality and natural lighting

This beach photo showcases Tip 2 perfectly: The dog's wide, open-mouthed smile and alert expression capture its joyful personality, while the natural lighting creates a warm, inviting mood.

Tip 3: Get Down to Their Level

The Power of Eye-Level Shots

Dogs see the world differently, and so should you when photographing them. Instead of standing above them, kneel or lie down to capture shots at their eye level. Turning your phone upside down is also a popular technique. This creates a stronger connection in the photo and gives viewers a dog's-eye perspective.

Unique Angles for Storytelling

Experiment with low angles, over-the-shoulder perspectives, or even wide-angle close-ups. A fun shot from below can make your pup look like a superhero, while a wide-angle lens captures them in their playful environment.

Labrador Retriever in purple heather field, demonstrating eye-level photography technique

This heather field photo exemplifies Tip 3: Taken at the dog's eye level, it creates an engaging connection and shows how getting down to their level makes for more intimate, personal shots.

Tip 4: Use Props and Toys for Engagement

Incorporating Favorite Toys

Toys are not only fun for dogs—they also serve as perfect props to keep them engaged. A squeaky toy or a colorful ball adds character to the photo while keeping your pup focused.

Seasonal Props and Creative Themes

Think Santa hats for Christmas, flowers for spring, or pumpkins in the fall. Themed props can turn ordinary photos into festive memories while showing off your creativity. And they usually end up looking adorable.

Tip 5: Master Timing and Patience

Capturing Action Shots

Dogs are full of energy, and sometimes the best photos happen mid-action. Use burst mode on your camera or smartphone to capture a series of shots while they run, jump, or play.

Waiting for the Perfect Moment

Patience is key. Sometimes you'll wait several minutes for the perfect yawn, stretch, or playful glance. The more relaxed you are, the more natural your dog will behave.

Energetic dog running through snow, capturing action and movement

This action shot perfectly demonstrates Tip 5: The dog's mid-stride movement, kicked-up snow, and focused expression show how timing and patience can capture dynamic, engaging moments.

Bonus Tip: Editing for Professional-Quality Dog Photos

Adjust Brightness, Contrast, and Color

Even the best photos often need a little touch-up. Adjusting brightness and contrast can make fur details pop, while tweaking colors helps the background stand out. Most smartphones these days come with easy to use tools to make adjustments, many with filters that adjust all in one go or AI features.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dog Photography

Using flash, which can startle dogs and cause red-eye.
Forcing poses, making dogs anxious.
Ignoring the background—clutter can ruin a great shot.
Not taking enough photos; more shots mean better chances of a keeper.