As a dog mom, I often find myself wishing I could time-travel back to the puppy days (minus the chewed furniture and potty training) and take more photos of my dog as a pup. But, today is National Puppy Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to scroll through endorphin-building photos of tiny pups.

Of course, as a portrait photographer – who is always happy when the people in front of my camera ask if they can bring along their dog – I can’t help but look at photos and try to pinpoint why I love them so much.

In honor of National Puppy Day, here are 8 adorable puppy photos to scroll through (and the pet photography tips that made them possible).

Get down on dog-level.

Don’t automatically shoot every puppy photo from standing height. Crouch down to get on their level. This creates a sort of puppy-eye view and feels more intimate, but it also creates more background blur.

Don’t forget the details.

I really wish I had taken more up-close detail shots when my dog was a pup. I love this shot because it shows the dog’s little paws and nose. These shots are best captured with a sleepy puppy that is more likely to hold still.

Setting matters.

Treat a puppy photo shoot just like a portrait shoot, including scouting for locations. The purple flowers with the golden hour backlighting create a lovely contrast in this shot.

Another key factor? Enclosed locations, like a fenced backyard or a designated dog park, make it safe to go off-leash, where a public location is best for leashed photos. (Or some leash Photoshopping.)

Simple backgrounds can be powerful too.

Or try a simple background. While I love the shot with wildflowers, this simple setup draws a lot of attention to the puppy. I love how playful he looks, chewing the blanket with his ear flopped over.

Photograph the puppy with his humans

A puppy quickly becomes part of a family. Some of my favorite photos that I have of my own dog as a pup are the shots I have of him interacting with his human kids.

Treat pet photography like sports photography.

As a portrait photographer, I use my portrait knowledge when photographing pets. But pet photography often feels like a mix between portrait and sports photography. Try using a fast shutter speed, burst mode, and animal eye detection autofocus to grab shots of the pup at play.

Be patient and plan ahead.

As a portrait photographer, one of the most challenging types of sessions is when I’m photographing a dog with the family photos. These sessions tend to work best when I plan a little additional time and plan ahead. One key to planning ahead? Bring along treats and noise-making toys to help catch the pup’s attention.

Puppies change quickly, so photograph them often.

I really wish I had taken more photos of my dog as a puppy, not just when we first brought him home, but as the changes over the following weeks and months, too. Puppies grow quickly, and their looks and antics change quite rapidly, too.

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According to no less a publication than The Economist, a family paw-trait – pun very definitely intended – is now the most popular kind of photo on Instagram by three times to one.

Glancing beyond the austere world of economics, the esteemed publication felt confident in telling its readers that it wasn't at all surprised to find that Britons enjoyed pet photos. The British are, after all, Western Europe’s top dog-owners.

A survey of 2,000 of these pet owners revealed that the exact balance is nearly three times as many photos of these people's pets are posted on Instagram as of their partners, or even themselves.

How is this of interest to photographers?

Photographers might find it interesting for a couple of reasons, not least that there is another aspect of economics at play. Pet owners, or “pet parents” as some seem determined to call themselves, are an increasingly affluent group in the population, and some photographers have identified this fast-growing trend.

The Economist mentions London-based photography studio Pawtique, and Pawshot Studios which will take your dog to a famous location in the city (in a London cab, of course) for just £949 / $1270 / $AU1909. OK, that's the same price as a full wedding shoot for a lot of people, but pets have claws...

If you've talked to anyone about the costs of visiting the vets recently, it might not surprise you to learn that statistics make a connection between people able to pay for this kind of photography and the kind of people who own pets. Especially the ones keen to share a lot of pictures. In 2025, 49% of new cat owners had managerial or professional roles – more than double the average.

Across the population as a whole 16% of people have set up social media profiles for their pets (and you are over three times more likely to find that to be the case in posh London borough Kensington & Chelsea than in northern town Blackpool).

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Social media and the internet is full of faked photos. I would say it’s hard to spot what’s a real photo and what’s been given the AI treatment, but often it’s fairly obvious. However, when I posted this photo of our dog next to a tennis ball, I was met with confused responses. 

“How’d you make your dog so tiny, Peter?” 

“Is your dog one of those new miniature Bichon Frisé breeds!?”

No, and, er, no.

As our dog is standing beside the tennis ball on the grass, I haven’t played with perspective - eg when the ball (or toy car) is in the foreground and the dog (or subject) is in the background to make them appear the same size.

So I must’ve used some Photoshoppery? Or a little bit of AI generative fill stuff?

No, and again, no. 

So what’s the secret? 

Big balls. Big tennis balls, to be specific. Ever since my children were given giant tennis balls to play with, I knew there was a great photo op just waiting to happen. 

It’s simply a large tennis ball! To confirm, our Cavapoochon dog is a normal medium-size pooch, it’s the tennis ball in the photo which is big. It’s actually bigger than most soccer balls. 

It’s not a trick of the camera, it’s more a trick of the mind. We associate tennis balls as a certain size, so our brain thinks the thing next to it must be equally small. 

I shot low to the ground at around 50mm with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens, and at f/4 to keep the dog and ball on the same focus plane, and the background blurred. A bit of High-Speed Sync fill flash to brighten the shadows helped the exposure on this sunny day.

Anyone for tennis? Well, anyone for soccer? My balls are too big for tennis!

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Even the best professional photographers can miss a shot sometimes. You can be in the right place, at the right time, and ready with your camera and lens to take that shot of your action subject – only to be a fraction too slow with the shutter button!

What you need is a clever camera setting that can help you get the shot quicker than your mind and shooting finger allows.

The often-overlooked and almost hidden Pre-Continuous Shooting mode is every action photographer’s dream. This feature is available on EOS cameras including the new Canon EOS R6 Mark III, along with the professional camera tag team of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, and APS-C bodies EOS R7 and EOS R10.

When activated, the feature is already in progress in continuous shooting drive mode – even before you fully depress the shutter button to start taking shots.

Pro tip: To access this hidden feature, first you need to set the high-speed continuous shooting mode – then the Pre-Continuous Shooting setting is available. Now just press Enable to activate it, and set how many photos you want the camera to take as a maximum – 15 is the default, and that seemed more than enough for me.

Now, when you half-press the shutter button, Pre-Continuous Shooting does its magic! You can see it’s in action when looking through the viewfinder as you get a little ‘PRE’ timer icon in the top-left corner. Fully press the shutter button to take a burst of shots as usual.

I found I was sometimes a fraction of a second too late when shooting action subjects, such as our dog, Teddy, running around the park. Pre-Continuous Shooting makes up for any ‘human lag’ when we’re pressing the shutter button.

When you’re shooting at 20fps on the R5 Mark II and using Pre-Continuous Shooting, you’ll get lots and lots of shots! Which is what you want, as you will have more choice to pick the best shot with the subject’s eyes, arms and legs, or whatever in the most pleasing position.

But be warned: you’ll need a fast CFexpress card and have lots of hard drive or portable SSD space to store all the large hi-res RAW images, which are about 58MB each on the 45MP R5 Mark II.

This Pre-Continuous Shooting mode isn’t just great for photos of your pets or wildlife, it’s actually essential for action sports subjects when you’re at live events and aren’t allowed to take shots at certain crucial times to avoid putting people off.

This includes before a tennis player has served at Wimbledon, or at professional golf events where you shouldn’t ever take a burst of shots until the player has made impact with the ball to avoid distracting them mid-swing. With Pre-Continuous Shooting, you can get even better action shots than ever before.

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I love robots, and I also love cameras. Combine these two concepts together and you get some of the best pet cameras that money can buy, designed to help you keep a watchful eye on your furry companions. One company that makes excellent robot pet cameras is Enabot, and its new ROLA Pet Tracker is a slightly different style of pet camera-slash-GPS-tracker that attaches to your pet whenever it's time to leave the house.

Not every pet will need or benefit from wearing a tracker of course, but my excitable goldendoodle, Tilly, is very easily distracted on our walks by birds, cats, squirrels, you name it - and will dart in their direction at any opportunity. Even if your dog has excellent recall, unlike mine, sometimes there can be situations where pets wander off a little too far and can't find their way back to you, or in the absolute worst case, they could be taken by somebody else (see our guide to the best outdoor security cameras to keep your home safe).

I've been using the ROLA Pet Tracker by Enabot for a few months now, and I think it has serious potential as not only a fun and interactive way to keep tabs on your pet, but also as an affordable safety precaution should your pet ever become lost. Sure, there are more than a few different ways to track your pet using GPS collar tags, ones with QR codes, and even Bluetooth trackers like an Apple Airtag or a Samsung Tag can be a useful way to monitor their whereabouts - but none of them have eyes (cameras) like the ROLA offers.

I'll dive into all of the specs and unique features of the ROLA Pet Tracker throughout this review (it has a lot to offer), but if you're looking for a high-quality action cam for your dog, then it might be best to skip this one and check out our guide to the best GoPro cameras and GoPro alternatives instead.

Specifications

ROLA Pet Tracker:Price

The ROLA Pet Tracker can be had for $79 / £87 directly from Enabot, which I think is actually a pretty reasonable price for what you get. It's more expensive than simply buying an Apple Airtag for $30, but it offers much more in the way of features, not to mention the camera and two-way communication.

Competitors like Tractive sell for around $70 (with no camera) and virtual fence collars like the Halo Collar 4 retail for up to $599.

The ROLA Pet Tracker is also available in three different colours including Moonlight White, Midnight Blue, or Sunburst Yellow all priced the same.

ROLA Pet Tracker: Performance

While in general, I think the ROLA Pet Camera performed excellently, I do have a few bugbears. The setup process requires a Nano SIM card, and you cannot set up this GPS tracker using WiFi or Bluetooth alone, so be sure that you have a SIM card ready to use when your order arrives. It charges via USB-C, and the tracker itself is a nice size, not too chunky that it would annoy your pet but big enough that you can spot it amongst the grass (and I did lose it a handful of times).

Once you have the tracker set up via the ROLA app, you get some nice visuals of your current surroundings with a blue map, and the exact pinpoint location of your pet (you can customise your pet's profile with their own photo too). I really like how easy the app was to use, with camera access at the tap of a button, though sometimes I found that it could be buggy and refuse to connect to the tracker altogether.

My advice would be to set the tracker up using the app before you head out on a walk, as it can sometimes be impossible to access while you're already out and about. The ROLA Pet tracker has a built-in flashing torch which you can toggle on and off using the app, and if you need to track the tracker, it can produce a beeping sound for easier locating. There's also an SOS button on the front of the racker which anyone can press to alert the owner (you) if your pet is found.

Other standout features of the ROLA Pet Tracker include two-way voice communication so that you can hear your pet's surroundings and talk to them (or someone who has found them) in real-time through the tracker. I tried this once during testing and it seemed to confuse and frighten Tilly a little to hear my voice coming out of her neck, so I would advise this feature for emergencies only.

If a friendly stranger does come across your pet, as well as the SOS button they can scan the tiny QR code on the back of the tracker to receive details about your pet and contact you, though I would argue that this is so small that most people would miss it, and it's not the easiest to scan either. If you know other dogs in your neighbourhood have a ROLA tracker, you should be able to see them pop up on the app too.

Concerned about your pet's safety? The tracker has a virtual fence mode, so that you can be alerted if they enter a certain designated area or go past a set point (such as leaving a back gate or garden area). There's also a built-in temperature sensor in the tracker, so there's no risk of it overheating on a hot day and causing harm. You can monitor your pet's health and calorie-burning statistics through the ROLA app.

With Tilly being a medium-sized dog who loves to run, I experimented with multiple ways to keep the ROLA tracker attached to her steadily enough to capture something legible. Enabot provides multiple attachments with the tracker to make things easier, but I found that the full-body harness with a mini tripod actually worked the best with Tilly, as the tracker refused to stay firmly on her collar.

Even this didn't prove very steady, however, as camera footage from one evening stroll down the seafront shows the camera swaying from side to side as she trotted along happily, and sometimes it would swing upside down and record her feet. It's okay though, because as I mentioned initially, the ROLA Pet Tracker was never intended to be a high-quality action cam, and more of a visual aid if your pet is lost.

With that in mind, let's talk camera specs. The ROLA Pet Tracker has a 480P camera which you can view live at any point during the app, even while recording. There is also the option to record 1080P footage with this tracker camera by changing a setting in the app, but you cannot watch footage live as it records with this setting. All files save directly to the included 32GB of storage with the tracker, but you can easily save them to your phone camera roll too using the app.

ROLA Pet Tracker: Sample Media

It's funny to think that my dog took these photos (even though they're terrible).

Sample Video from the ROLA Pet Tracker

ROLA Pet Tracker: Final Verdict

Overall, I found that the ROLA Pet Tracker was a perfectly capable pet tracker that successfully fulfilled its purpose. It didn't always connect when I wanted it to and I found myself needing to charge it after every walk, but there's not much else to complain about with all things considered at this price point.

The images and videos that I captured using this tracker are certainly not Instagram-quality but still make me laugh when I watch them back. While it's nice to be able to see things from Tilly's POV, it did make me feel a little bit ill at times watching the footage back due to how shaky and unstable the videos are. I don't blame this entirely on the tracker though, as Tilly tends to shake her body a lot from excitement, and loves to roll around in fox pee and freshly cut grass.

The bottom line is that if you need an affordable and easy-to-use way of tracking your pet down should it ever wander off, then the ROLA Pet Tracker can provide peace of mind at the very least. The fact that it also has a camera, built-in mic, torch, and SOS features is simply a bonus that I think pet owners will enjoy and appreciate.

Alternatives

Dogs are often considered the best friends of humans; while cats, as much as they’re known for their independent and aloof nature, have also been cherished for their companionship and close bonds with humans for centuries. However, successfully photographing these four-legged friends presents some unique challenges, not least that it requires the rapid establishment of trust and comfort between the owner, photographer, and pet. 

Elke Vogelsang, a professional pet photographer, has dedicated her career to capturing candid and vibrant photos of our furry friends. The chances are that you have already seen her work, possibly through her international collaborations, such as those with Adobe and Pedigree. However, her passion for animals extends far beyond capturing images: she uses the medium of photography to actively engage in animal welfare and protection, with her documentary perspective shedding light on the global reality of animal welfare and advocating for pet adoption over purchasing.

Interview

My own dogs are galgo mixes. That’s why this breed is so close to my heart. They do make great family dogs. They are sensitive, and they love a good couch. You have to be aware of their hunting instincts, for sur

I was very happy to get the German magazine Dogs on board to publish the reportage. Also, my sponsor Fujifilm kindly helped me to be able to undertake this journey and draw attention to the plight of the hunting dog, whose exploitation is a shame not only for Spain but for the whole of the EU. 

Elke's kit

Fujifilm X-H2S

"It’s fast, and offers animal eye focus."

Fujinon XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR

"For outdoor photography, to get a creamy bokeh and pin-sharp images."

Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR

"The lens I use most of the time in the studio, as I can shoot quirky, wide-angle shots at around 16mm and more elegant portraits at around 55mm."

Hobolite Avant LED continuous light 

"To be able to take images of very timid and easily scared pets in the studio without strobes."

A decade ago, Chantal Macleod-Holdsworth started her dog walking business, followed by a photography business CMH Photo. Today, she captures the essence of animals and humans alike.

I had the pleasure of interviewing her about his work and analyzing her image "Macfarquhar’s Bed". We discussed the techniques he used to capture the photo and why it works...

1. Entry perspective

"When I spot a scene, I get the camera ready and try out a few perspectives," says Chantal. "In recent years, I have added more scenery to my images – we live in the Scottish Highlands, so it would be a crime not to!" By lowering her angle, Chantal gives the viewer the feeling of stepping into the scene, offering a smooth visual entrance due to the blurred foreground elements. "With dog photography, you generally want a low perspective, so going down low is my go-to – but, here, I wanted to position Jack against the sky," she says. 

2. Subject placement 

"I aim to show a bit of the dog’s body, especially if they have distinctive markings," Chantal says. "I have to think about posing male dogs, especially short-haired ones. That’s why Jack is angled slightly, so I can use his front legs to hide his private parts," she adds. "Jack has a tiny head but a big chest and this is reduced when capturing him head-on from a distance. Jack is looking to the left because the rock he’s on is higher on one side so he will naturally pick that spot. Thankfully, his ‘out-of-frame’ gaze works well with the lines of the arch."

3. Framing composition

As Chantal explained, a lower perspective is crucial for showcasing the scenery and the main subject, Jack the dog. "From a higher perspective, the rocks become visible and make Jack visually fade into the background." By choosing this composition, she created a frame around him, providing a higher contrast backdrop and directing the viewer’s attention to Jack. In general, much of Chantal’s work is intuitive, as the outcome also depends on the animal. "I seem to work best when going with the flow," she says.

4. High-contrast exposure 

Dogs with multi-colored coats can be hard to expose for. The scene itself is also quite challenging as it features dark areas in the foreground that contrast against the light background. "Lightroom is my secret here," Chantal explains. "I tend to take my images so that nothing is too blown out or too dark and then use the subject selection tool to get it where I want it. Then I amend the surroundings so that it looks as natural as possible." Chantal also prefers warm-toned photographs, so she amended the colors in post-processing to reflect that.

Tech details

Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 28mm f/2.8
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec 
ISO: 100

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Others in the Why Shots Work series

• Urban street photographer reveals his candid capture secrets
• Photographer tells story of getting up close and personal with a python
• Discover four key elements that make this stunning photo a success
• The 4 photographic decisions that take this motorsport shot to the next level
• Photographer tells story of his amazing shot of wallabies fighting on the beach

The winners of the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards have been announced. The Awards celebrate the work of pet photographers from all four corners of the globe, and this year saw 3621 entries from 41 countries.

The header image above is the winner of the Creative category. Photographer Katie Brockman said: "These two are my former foster kittens, Ed (left) and Cleo. They are brother and sister, and I wanted an image that showed both of their personalities — Ed was a spicy and cranky boy, while Cleo was super mischievous and loved harassing her siblings. This image is part of a series I've been working on with "painted" kittens, to show off cats' unique markings and personalities. There was a ton of composite work involved in this one, but it was such a fantastic learning experience."

The 2024 competition also marked the first year for the awards to include an Equine category to recognize photographers specializing in horses and related species. The new category joins five existing categories: Action, Creative, Documentary, Pets & People, and Portrait. This YouTube video collates some of the best images entered.

While images of every imaginable type of pet were entered into the competition, dogs were by far the most popular with 2991 images. There were 236 cats, 311 horses, and 83 other animals, including pigs, cows, chickens, parrots, lizards, snakes, frogs, rabbits, ferrets, a hedgehog, and even a rat!

Each category winner receives a prize of $250 (£200 / AU$385) and a trophy, as well as a year’s membership to Unleashed Education and the Professional Photography Business Network. The overall 2024 Pet Photographer of the Year winner receives $500 (£400 / AU$770).

Regine Jensen took the trophy for the Action category, commenting: "The image was taken at a sand excavation site in Norway. While my vision was initially to photograph in the Sahara, I had to get creative and find a local spot that could replicate the sandy, warm atmosphere I envisioned. I had an assistant holding a long fabric strip to create a sense of elegance while a whippet, my model, trotted gracefully toward its owner. I took countless shots to achieve the perfect alignment, and afterward, I stitched several images together to create the panoramic effect."

Rebecca Williams was crowned winner of the Documentary category, saying: "An early morning bringing weaned lambs into the yards. The New Zealand Huntaway works the lambs by barking to move them up. There was plenty of action in this shot, the horses had come over for a look and the sun was just breaking through the clouds. With the long shadows and the light rays, the image seemed to work well in black and white. I often try to get images when the dogs are working a mob, sometimes it's all a blur, but this time it all came together!"

The new Equine category was won by Sabrina Einig, who stated: "Meet Friso, a remarkable and gentle seven-year-old Friesian stallion with a heart of gold. He truly embodies the spirit and strength that remind me of the deep inspiration horses offer us every day. Despite his calm demeanor, he showed incredible energy and grace, bringing such powerful emotion to this moment. For safety reasons, Friso wasn’t entirely free during this session – he ran with a long rope that I later edited out."

Pets and People was won by Kerry Martin, who offered the following: "Photographed at New Farm, Brisbane. There's a great little spot there with a staircase that overlooks this quirky structure that feels like a room/house to me. The subject is Amelia and this is her gorgeous and amazing assistance dog Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy works in the classroom with Amelia. While the kids love him (he has his own ID pass and gets more Christmas gifts than any other member of staff!), he's not there as an assistance dog for the students. He's there to give Amelia independence and support in her role as a teacher."

On winning the Portrait category, Anna Failner said: "The photo was taken in a nearby forest (Veldensteiner Forst) on a foggy morning in August when the sun was slowly rising. The dog in the photo is my golden retriever girl Tala. I am so happy and thankful to be a finalist. I never expected this wonderful surprise!"

But there can only be one winner, and Janneke De Graaf was crowned the 2024 International Pet Photographer of the Year with a portfolio of images depicting her Basenjis. “My partner and I have four at home, three of which are bred by ourselves” Janneke says. Posed in different locations, the judges were impressed with the variety of techniques used in Janneke’s portfolio. Janneke continues “Basenjis have a beautiful, quite serious expression and elegant lines, which makes them stand out in images. Their obedience, or lack thereof, can make them challenging to pose though, and a handler is almost always needed!”

Fancy a laugh? Check out the winners of the Comedy Pet Awards and finalists of the Comedy Wildlife Awards. And if you want to be in with a chance in next year's competition, see out guide on how to take pet portraits

Having fallen in love with photography through my underwater work, I had been looking for another outlet that we could enjoy together as a family and one that was a little less wet. I’m not sure that dog photography quite fits the bill of being drier, especially when I find myself lying on the beach or in a muddy field trying to get the shot, but it’s certainly something we’ve been able to enjoy together during our family days out. 

There are some incredible pet photographers out there for inspiration, but you don’t have to be a professional to be able to shoot photos that really capture the unique individual character of man’s best friend.

1) Candid shots

I like to capture the raw, candid moments when I’m shooting. Those facial expressions the dogs pull in a split-second as they are running or enjoying the open air really highlight their personalities. This isn’t easy, though, and takes a lot of trial and error because their expressions can quickly change.

2) Get on the level

Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty! Descending to dog level will really enhance your shots and help to convey the speed of the dog’s movements. It also means you can clearly see when a dog is airborne in mid-stride as there’s an obvious gap between their galloping feet and the ground.

3) Try these settings

Getting to know your camera is important so that you can make adjustments on the fly. I always shoot in Manual exposure mode but, in practice, I really only alter my shutter speed. Starting off at 1/2000 sec with the aperture set to around f/4 and Auto ISO (with a maximum limit of ISO 3200), it’s only a quick turn of a dial to change the shutter speed or aperture, if required, while the camera takes care of the ISO.

4) Burst mode

Being able to shoot up to 10fps (mechanical shutter) and 18fps (electronic shutter) on my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III comes in handy for photographing dogs. It does feel a bit ‘spray and pray’ at times, but it certainly helps capture the split-second moments that you would miss when shooting single images.

5) Shoot fast

With dogs running around at high speed, you really do need a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement. If the area has water, like on this beach, the fast shutter speed also means that any splashes will be frozen in place as well. If you’re struggling with the focus point, make the aperture narrower, to more like f/5.6 or f/8, and see whether Auto ISO has enough leeway to keep the image properly exposed.

If you want to know more about the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III then read our review. Or, how about getting a new lens for your Olympus/OM camera system? We have a guide to the best lenses available. You'll need a decent kit bag for the outdoors so why not take a look at the Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 650 AW II?

Recently crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Societies of Photographers 20 x 16 Print Competition, and having won a hatful of previous awards, Jess McGovern is a leading practitioner of dog photography. 

Her beautifully composed images reveal the soul of her subjects and capture the deep emotional affinity that humans have with canines. 

Self-taught, McGovern is passionate about giving back and has helped 500,000 photographers develop and grow, both in-person and via her online photographic community. 

She is giving two talks at The Photography & Video Show: ‘Lights, camera, lick!’, on March 16 and ‘Catch! Creating classic dog action shots’ on March 18. 

We caught up with McGovern to find out more about her and her photography. 

• Standard entry tickets to The Photography & Video Show 2024 start from £14.95 and are valid for any one day of the event. Click here to buy your tickets

See Jess McGovern at The Photography Show

• ‘Lights, camera, lick!’ with Jess McGovern takes place at The Photography & Video Show on March 16 at 16:00. 

• ‘Catch! Creating classic dog action shots’ with Jess McGovern takes place at The Photography & Video Show on March 18 at 10:15. 

Standard entry tickets to The Photography & Video Show 2024 start from £14.95 and are valid for any one day of the event. Click here to buy your tickets.

Subscribe today! 

This interview appears in the April 2024 issue of Digital Camera magazine, on sale from 1 March. Click the link below to see our latest special subscription deal! 

Alternatively, there is a range of different digital options available, including:

• Apple app (for iPad or iPhone)
• Zinio app (multi-platform app for desktop or smartphone)
• PocketMags (multi-platform app for desktop or smartphone)
• Readly (digital magazine subscription service)

If you love animals, take a look at the best cameras for wildlife photography along with the best lenses for bird and wildlife photography.

I’m a dog lover through and through. Admittedly not the type to watch Crufts or train my dog (that I don’t have) to do fancy tricks, but I love giving them scratches and watching videos of other people's.  Over the last few years, social media has changed what it means to be a pet owner and pets have unknowingly been catapulted into the limelight amassing thousands of followers. The rise of the pet Instagram (aka pet influencers) isn't just about making your pet well known it can be a good earner if your pet gets famous like Sam the Mini Aussie (@sam_mini.aussie). 

Well-trained pets are always impressive. Not only is it a sign their owner is equipped with more patience than I could ever imagine but it shows just how intelligent our four-legged friends can be. We’ve seen dancing dogs, dogs who skateboard, dogs who surf, and now we have a dog who takes photos. On a recent scrolling session I came across a video of Sam who has been trained to take a photo and pose; that’s the energy of Mario Testino and Lucky Blue Smith rolled into one. 

• The best pet cameras will enable you to keep an eye on your furry friends even when you're not at home

I’m more than a little embarrassed to admit that when I did own dogs I could barely get them to sit, let alone roll over, give me their paw or stand on their hind legs. In my defence, they were a mix of West Highland Terriers and Jack Russells who notoriously have high intelligence levels but a mind of their own making them difficult to train. Sam (the dog in the video) is an Australian Sheppard who is not only highly intelligent but ready to follow instructions and regularly trained in herding, agility and other dog sports. 

So far the video has amassed nearly 6 million likes and over 75,000 comments. We’re a bit late to the game as it was posted on Christmas Day and the photos taken were likely for next year's Christmas card but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to shout about a dog photographer – and by that I mean an actual dog who is a photographer, not just a human to takes photos of dogs.

It’s worth mentioning, that the camera used was a camera phone and all it took was a gentle boop of the nose to take a picture but let’s not take away from what is important here. Not only can the dog press the shutter, but he perfectly mimics his owner's poses to create photos that show the true bond between (wo)man and dog. 

Voting opens today for the RSPCA's Young Photographer People's Choice Awards, and the shortlisted images of these adorable animals captured by budding teenage photographers in the UK might just make your heart melt. 

A total of 14 images have been shortlisted, which we'll reveal below, but the voting window will only remain open for one week, opening this afternoon and closing at the deadline on March 14 13:00 GMT / 08:00 ET. 

• These are the best cameras for animal and wildlife photography

The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)'s competition for young photographers is an excellent way to introduce teens and younger children to the art and craft of digital photography, and what better subject to use than your own family pet or local farm animals?

The 2022 winners of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards have already been chosen, but now it's time for the People's Choice winner to be selected by members of the public. Be sure to cast your vote in the People's Choice poll and select your favorite animal photo before the deadline in one week's time.

The winner will be announced on the RSPCA’s Facebook page on 16 March, and entries for the new 2023 edition of the competition will open on May 04.

The winner of the RSPCA People’s Choice competition will receive a £100 ($120 / AU$180) Amazon voucher, plus an RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2022 trophy and certificate. 

"The best thing about the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is that we're always seeing something new," said Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and awards judge. 

"The young photographers are always bringing fresh ideas and trying different things. The creativity and talent is outstanding – and it's a real joy to look through the entries every year.

"The People’s Choice award is a fantastic part of the competition because now the public have a chance to get involved and pick their favorite photo. There are some truly beautiful photos on the shortlist and we’re very excited to share them with everyone. I can’t wait to see which one is picked as the winning photo – it’s going to be a very tough choice for everyone to make!"

Don't forget to prepare your animal images for the next round of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023 which will open for entries in early May 2023. 

• You may also be interested in the best pet camera, and the best drones for kids, as well as the best lenses for bird photography for shooting birds in your backyard with one of the best bird feeder cameras. 

• Discover how to shoot pet portraits at home, and learn why my dog absolutely hates this pet camera, and did you know - Animal AF on the Canon EOS R5 really works – even on fish!

There’s nothing quite like a series of cute dog photos to put a smile on your face, and CEWE has released a collection of new images from the animal category of its CEWE Photo Award – one of the world’s largest photo competitions. Hopefully, they'll inspire you to take more photos of your furry friend, with one of the best cameras of even a camera phone.

The 15 snaps have been submitted in this year’s competition, which launched in May and aims to celebrate the best in photography across the globe. The competition is open to everyone – from keen amateur photographers to established professionals.

Until the end of May 2023, entrants can submit photos for free that celebrate the competition’s ‘Our World is Beautiful’ theme. There are 10 categories for budding photographers to enter – from aerial shots and animals to landscapes, travel, and culture, highlighting the true beauty of the world around us. We've written about the CEWE Photo Award and how you can enter.

The 1000 overall winners can look forward to prizes totaling more than €250,000. In addition, three monthly winners will be chosen, each receiving a voucher for CEWE photo products worth €100. Charity partner, SOS Children's Villages Worldwide, has been selected, with 10 Euro cents being donated to the children's relief organization for every photo submitted.

A photo expert at CEWE UK, said: “There’s no denying that having a pet is like having another member of the family and often, they are the main focus of our photography! These images capture the unique nature of dogs, showing their fun personalities and of course how cute they can be.

“We are really enjoying seeing entries into the animal category in our 2023 CEWE Photo Award competition, and it always makes us smile to see how much people love their pets.”  Here are some of the best dog submissions from the animal category of the current competition.

Find out more about the CEWE Photo Award and how to enter.

Don't forget our guide to the best pet camera, which will help you to keep an eye on your cat or dog when you leave home, plus these pet photography tips

Dog photography is a fun pursuit among pet owners and animal lovers, but it's also an inherently challenging one. Dogs don't stay still for long, which means your focusing and composition need to be lightning-fast.

Of course, some of the best professional cameras (like the Nikon Z9, the Canon EOS R5 and plenty more besides) now feature unbelievable animal Eye Detection AF, which helps to get subjects sharp. But nothing beats having the right skills and tricks when it comes to capturing fun, characterful and technically good dog photos.

We recently caught up with the award-winning 'dogtographer' Kaylee Greer, who is appearing at The Photography Show this year to share her secrets for capturing the best dog photos ever. Let's see what Kaylee had to say.

1. Get Low. Changing up your perspective from the expected, run-of-the-mill ‘looking down at a dog from standing height’ shot, suddenly immerses you into your pet’s world and becomes something completely impactful and remarkable. So get down on your dog’s eye level and watch the magic happen.
   
   
2. Use fun and interesting sounds. Sounds keep your dog engaged and nail some super soul-meltingly, heart-explodingly endearing expressions in your imagery. Think of sounds your pup has never heard before like a kazoo or duck call. (And here’s my tip on top of a tip -  with great sounds come great responsibility. Use these sounds sparingly and only when you need them to keep them novel and interesting to your dog. Overuse of sounds, like rapidly squeaking a dog toy non stop for 10 minutes, can quickly go from being fun for your dog to being stressful and overwhelming. In other words, ‘Ye shall squeak only when there is an absolute and undeniable need to squeak.’ If you follow that golden rule, you’ll be in brilliant shape!
   
   
3. Put your dog up on something. And by ‘something’, I mean a log, a rock, a bench, maybe even the arm of your couch if he’s small enough. These elements allow you to get your dog up off the ground (where he’s very distracted and busy with important things to do like pee on the world and eat cool sticks) and helps him focus on your camera with more intention while holding his stay just a little bit longer than if he were ground level. This gives you a few more seconds to wipe the dog drool off your lens and really nail a fur-covered photo masterpiece.

You can catch Kaylee's talk at The Photography Show in Birmingham, UK on Monday September 19, 15:30-16:45. Find out more about the Canon EOS R5's animal eye autofocus and how to capture dog photography in action.

The finalists for Comedy Pet Photo Awards 2022 have just been announced and some of this year's entries are seriously silly. From a sophisticated smoking alpaca to a cat playing chess, people have gone above and beyond to capture their pet's funniest moments.

In total, 30 images and videos have been shortlisted from over 70 countries but only one can be crowned the overall winner. That lucky photographer will take home a cash prize of £2,000 plus they’ll receive £5,000 to donate to an animal welfare charity of their choice.

• Read more: 10 pet photography tips

While this light-hearted photography competition is supposed to bring a smile to your face, it does in fact have a serious side to it. Every year, the competition which is sponsored by Animal Friends Pet Insurance donates a massive £35,000 to three different animal welfare charities and this year they include Dean Farm Trust, London Inner City Kitties and Wild at Heart Foundation. 

British comedian and TV presenter Mel Giedroyc who is best known for co-hosting The Great British Bake Off with Sue Perkins is one of this year's judges. On joining the panel she said, “This is my first foray into the world of Comedy Pet judging and I can’t think of anything better than sitting down with a cup of tea and having a giggle at the brilliant entries in this year’s competition, knowing that they have helped support some really incredible animal charities."

Other judges include animal lover and presenter Kate Humble, TV Vet Emma Milne, pet photographer Elke Vogelsland, Britain’s Got Talent contests Dave and Finn the magic dog plus Dave’s 10-year-old daughter Tia. They are also joined by the CEO of Animal Friends Wes Pearson and his 13-year-old son Jack, chief marketing officer Patricia Gardiner and her daughter 10-year-old daughter Meg.

Another big difference about this year's competition is that the public will get to decide their favorite image in the Animal Friends People Choice Award. Voting is now open on The Comedy Pet Photography Awards website, where you can also enter into a free prize draw to win £250.

Paul Joynson Hicks, one of the co-founders of the comedy pet photo awards explains why he and Tom Sullam love running the award so much and why they continue to support animal welfare charities.

"The images and videos entered are a genuine and touching reflection of the special bond that exists between humans and animals, and we can’t help but feel happier for seeing them. This is why it is so important that we support animal welfare charities that do a remarkable job in looking after some of the most disadvantaged pets, and thanks to the amazing partnership with Animal Friends we have been able to make a real difference this year!"

Although it’s too late to enter this year's competition, you can still get involved. For the first time ever, the public gets to decide on their favorite image in the Animal Friends People’s Choice award. Votes can be made on the website where you can also enter into a free prize draw to win £250. For more information on the Comedy Pet Photo Awards and to see the full lists of finalists, head to the website. 

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Scottish portrait photography team Grahame and Allison Smith (who make up GWS Photography) have just been awarded the Scottish Pet Photographer of the Year accolade from The Master Photographers Association. They won with this brilliant shot of three cats poking through a paper roll.

The creative shot was captured using a Canon EOS R5 and the Canon RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens, with an exposure of 1/200sec, f/10 and ISO400. Grahame has previously used a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for similar photos.

At first you might think that this "paper poke" shot was accomplished with some Photoshop wizardry, but winner Grahame ensured us everything was done in camera. "There’s no trickery or fakery… we basically poke a hole in a paper roll," he explains. Makes sense, but how did the idea come about? 

"We always get to the last 4 or 5 feet of the big studio paper rolls, and then one day we thought... “let’s not waste this!" It really is as simple as my wife Allison is behind the paper, and entices them to start looking through the hole we’ve made, then I'll be with a treat or toy in my left hand as I lie on the floor… enticing the pet out and capture them scampering forward. For the multiple pet pictures, like this award-winning cat one, the two owners got a cat each, and Allison the third. It works well with humans too!"

GWS Photography works with clients across Scotland, UK, and is a multiple award-winning provider of wedding and portrait photography. It recently opened a new studio at Wheatrig, Scotland in February 2022.

“Our pet photography has always been a huge part of the studio’s work” explains Grahame, “and we are always looking for something different to do. We even went on a dog first aid course recently. That’s how seriously we take it.”

The latest pet award will be added to the growing trophy cabinet of GWS Photography which, over the last few years has included Scottish Child Photographer of the Year and UK Children's Portrait Photographer of the Year.

Grahame and Allison expanded the GWS team in February by adding a studio baby photographer, and according to them, the bump, baby and cake-smash photos are already proving popular.

Find out more about GWS Photography and its work.

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One in three Brits never take selfies (35%) making it one of the least popular subjects of photography, according to a new survey by online smartphone retailer Mobiles.co.uk. The research has however highlighted that while the British obsession with selfies may be dwindling, our passion for pets certainly is not, with pets being our most photographed subject at 41.7%, with partners way down below at 31.1%. 

While pets came in on top, holidays were Brits next most photographed subject at 38.7%, followed by children at 37.6%. Following partners were selfies at a surprisingly meagre 23.5% and finally food at 16.9%. 

Selfie style 

The survey gives a telling insight into the selfie habits of Brits, including how many photos it takes to get the right shot. Predictably, millennials remain the biggest selfie-snappers with almost one in (43.5%) using their smartphones to take self-portraits. However, Gen Z are taking fewer selfies than the generation before them, with only one in three (29%) saying they take selfies.  

Smartphone users who do take selfies, said they take between 1-5 photos, with two in five Brits (39.6%) getting the shot they wanted within this range. However, one in 20 people (4.3%) take between 16-20 shots to get that elusive insta-worthy shot – they’ll no doubt be wanting the best selfie camera. 

Perhaps one of the most surprising findings of the survey was that despite the popularity of social media and influencer culture, only four in every 100 people 3.7%) said that they edit all of their images before posting them online (3.7%). A quarter of people surveyed saying they just share their photos with no editing. 

Selfie evolution 

Front-facing cameras have been a part of mobile phone culture for around for 18 years, with Sony producing one of the first ‘selfie cameras’ on the Z1010. Although this research shows people may be generally taking fewer selfies, the front-facing camera is still an important and often-used part of the best camera phones, and recent trends such as micro-vlogging and short-form videos which use the technology are indeed the natural evolution of the selfie.

Front-facing cameras now include great features such as Apple’s QuickTake and Samsung’s Live Focus Video. Apple’s QuickTake lets users record short videos with ease – in holding down the shutter button the phone automatically starts recording and will stop recording when the finger is lifted. Samsung’s Live Focus Video feature lets you sharpen the focus on your target while blurring the background, creating a more professional looking video quality. 

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Dogs and photography are two of my favorite things in the world. I grew up with a four-legged best friend constantly by my side, plus a pocket camera, often using the entire roll of film to take photographs of my companion.

I finally put my two passions together and became a professional dog photographer in 2013. I have since been fortunate to capture thousands of dogs; although the equipment and concept is the same for each, every photo shoot is different. 

Each dog has its own character. They have different personalities, emotions and stories to tell, and that’s what I love to capture on camera. You will often find me lying in the muddy grass or covered head-to-toe in dog fur, all while holding a camera in one hand and a squeaky toy in the other. I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

It really helps to have an understanding of dog behavior when you photograph dogs. My qualification in dog behavior and psychology is especially important when I volunteer my time to give a voice to the voiceless and photograph rescue dogs on their search to find their second chance.

The best pet camera can be used to monitor your dog when you're away from home, but capturing creative images requires proper photographic gear. My digital camera journey has always featured a Sony A7 and my go-to lens, a Sony FE 70-200mm. I’m lucky enough to have won many awards for my dog photography, but the most rewarding part of it is seeing how much joy those captured memories can bring to others. Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend never owned a dog…

How to photograph your pets

1. Use natural light

Natural, continuous light won’t create any harsh flashes, which can both frighten dogs and cause red eye. Overcast days are best at naturally providing even, diffused lighting.

2. Consider your composition

You can create a more interesting composition by using the rule of thirds rather than placing the subject centrally. When the dog is looking outside of the frame, it gives it space to look into.

3. Create a shallow depth of field

By using a wide aperture, you are able to blur the background elements: this helps to separate your subject and add depth, while also allowing the dog to be the main focus of the image.

• The best standard zoom lenses

4. Choose a good background

Locations can be just as important as your subject matter. Look for interesting, colorful backgrounds that complement and contrast with your subject, and where the dog feels comfortable.

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Dancers & Dogs began as a random idea had by St. Louis based photographers Kelly and Ian in 2017. This idea developed into a large-scale project with intentions to capture 100 dogs with 100 dancers in an elegantly stunning photo series and book.

A behind the scenes compilation video of the studio process shooting Dancers & Dogs was shared online a few years back, and quickly went viral with over 50 million views. The project has since been growing, and now includes cats too! 

• Read more: Best camera for video 

The husband and wife US photography duo, Kelly Pratt Kreidich and Ian Kreidich, were initially commercial portrait photographers who also specialised in the fields of dance, fitness and movement photography. 

Having many contacts and friends established in the dance industry, including the Saint Louis Ballet, helped the initial idea of Dancers & Dogs to come into fruition, and once the project took shape it was clear that they were onto something special. 

This unique and stunning project has come a long way since its first viral fame in 2018, and newly captured images shared on the project's Instagram page feature shoots with dancers and canine's in various locations such as rooftops in LA, cityscapes and beaches. 

The photographers behind Dancers & Dogs have also begun using vibrantly coloured and gradient backdrops, as well as working with new subjects such as pantomime dancers with intense makeup and extravagant costumes, disabled dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, and even cats wearing tu-tus!

Beautiful dancers have been partnered with dogs of all breeds and loveable shapes and sizes to create the dynamic photos that make up the project. Working with several dog trainers and adapting to their four-legged subjects, Kelly and Ian have learned how to work on a dog's level. Professional trained Ballet dancers and athletic stunts are featured in the photos, and modelling dogs must meet specific criteria to be allowed to participate in the project.

This includes the ability to handle the intense and mysterious new sights and sounds of a photo studio (with a 30 minute adjustment time-slot provided) and hustle and bustle of a photoshoot. Dogs must be well-trained with perfect indoor manners, and able to sit and stay when owners are out of the frame. Only dogs who could handle the stress and excitement while posing comfortably for photos are featured in the final photographs.

The project has been compiled into a bespoke photo book that customers can purchase, along with a separate book featuring Ian and Kelly's new photography series Dancers & Cats. A range of apparel including t-shirts and jumpers are also available with inventive slogans written across that say 'Pirouettes, Pliés, Puppies'.

Wall prints, posters and calendars are available to purchase in addition from the online store as well as signed copies of the photo books with a portion of proceeds donated to benefit Stray Rescue. Be sure to check out the website and grab yourself a 2022 calendar while they're currently on sale!

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Knowing that time is limited and you'll soon have to say goodbye to your furry best friend is one of the hardest things to endure and can be incredibly painful. A generous photographer is offering free end of life shoots to pet owners expecting to have their animals put down due to unforeseen circumstances, old age or illness. 

US photographer Lauren Smith Kennedy, from Portland, Maine, has started an initiative to help pet owners through their furry friends final moments, making it a bittersweet experience that creates lasting photographic memories as opposed to a dreaded task of saying goodbye. 

• Read more: Best pet camera 

The service offered by Kennedy began as a kind gesture to capture some end-of-life photos of an acquaintance's pet, after posting the finished product online and sharing to Kennedy's social media channels, the reception she received was unbelievably overwhelming. 

People were reaching out to Kennedy offering to fly her out for pet sessions all over the country. Not being able to keep up with such a high demand, she created a resource, the 'Tilly Project', to benefit all pet owners seeking end-of-life photo services by pairing them with photographers.

Named after her beloved cat Tilly who sadly passed away, the idea behind the Tilly Project is that it allows other end of life photographers to sign themselves up and be contacted by pet owners who wish to work with them. The website hosts a central list currently composed of over 700 photographers worldwide, and doubles as a dedicated organization and network of supporting resources. 

When asked about the crucial importance and benefit of end of life photography to pet owners experiencing grief, Kennedy shared with us that: "Anticipatory grief begins well before our loved ones have passed away, and I believe that through end-of-life pet photography it allows families to begin processing these heavy and complicated emotions. These sessions, while absolutely heartbreaking, also give a space for families to reflect on the relationships and memories they've created with their pet while capturing long lasting and vulnerable moments at the same time."

The organization founded by Lauren Kennedy also aims to provide educational and supportive resources for pet owners who are living with anticipatory grief, and pet bereavement, as well as photographic tutorials for individuals and veterinary staff to assist them with capturing images in moments where a professional photographer isn't always an option. "Once the time has come and their pet has crossed over, these photos act as a tangible way to reflect on that love. There is no right way to grieve, but I believe for many, honoring their pets in such a way can be very helpful." 

Kennedy herself has experienced the grief of losing a pet, her soulmate in the form of a little orange cat named Tilly, prompting the creation of the Tilly project as a means of honoring her. Lauren currently works for Saco River Wildlife Center as their Director of Development focusing on fundraising and donor relations, working on the side as an exceptional end of life photographer too, of course.

The future of the Tilly Project may be uncertain, although Lauren is confident and focused on helping as many families as possible. "I am really looking forward to watching the Tilly Project grow in years to come...Since this happened in just a matter of months, I can only imagine how the community will continue to grow. My hope is to have the Tilly Project become a well-known end-of-life pet photography network for families to utilize, and to continue to provide accessible and free resources to both pet owners and photographers."

The stunningly moving collection of images by Lauren can be viewed on the Tilly Project website as well as Lauren's social networks. Thanks are in order to Lauren and the registered end of life photographers for spreading generosity and love for animals all over the world.

Be sure to sign yourself up as an end-of-life photographer associated with the Tilly Project if you practise this line of work, or connect yourself with crucial support and guidance resources if you are one of the thousands of people every day that experience the loss of a loved pet.

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Do you love taking photos of your furry best friend, but can't quite seem to keep them interested long enough to snap the winning shot? This guide will help with tips and tricks on shooting camera-shy pets and how to make them feel at ease in front of the lens this festive season.

Almost all of us have at some point gotten the urge to dress up our pets for Christmas, and while this can be a fun way to create memories and share photos with the family, not every animal is comfortable having their picture taken or wearing a jumper. It's very important that you have a bond with your pet to recognize when they are becoming uncomfortable and when to call it quits.

• Read more: Best pet camera

My seven-month-old double-doodle pupper, Tilly, is very energetic but also extremely calm and comfortable when shooting with me. It certainly took some time and training getting her used to keeping still, wearing the odd accessory for halloween and looking directly at the camera – but practice makes pawfect! 

Having done this from a young age with Tilly, she now associates a photo shoot with getting treats and attention, and doesn't mind a lens being in her close proximity. As long as you respect the boundaries of your pet and make the shoot a fun experience for them with treats, cuddles and head pats, shooting festive photos should be a piece of cake (maybe even literally!).

1) Be as quick as you can

Most pets love getting attention from their owners, but can also be overwhelmed and stressed out easily by receiving too much fuss – especially from multiple people. It is a common trait for dogs to sometimes disappear and hide away during a party or gathering if it all gets a bit much, and shoots can have this exact same effect on them. 

It's important to be as quick as possible during shoots, both for the benefit of your pet remaining engaged and relaxed but also not to miss the superior shots. Accordingly…

2) Use a fast shutter speed

Pets can become easily distracted and agitated. This makes shooting on a faster shutter speed absolutely crucial for getting the best shots. With only a few moments where your pet may look directly into the lens or perform an adorable head tilt, you certainly won't want to miss them! 

Even if shooting faster shutter speeds means having to crank up the ISO, a bit of noise is a worthwhile price to pay for getting the split-second action shots of your pet acting uniquely. 

3) Bokeh is bark-tastic (sorry)

It's usually a good idea to shoot at a wider aperture when photographing pets, which enables you to let in as much light as possible to shoot at fast shutter speeds for sudden movements. The other benefit of shooting wide apertures is bokeh, which when paired with pet photography bokeh makes for dreamy looking portraits that frame your furry pal beautifully. 

Be careful, though, as often when using fairy lights with pets I've found that when placed too close to the subject (such as draped around their neck or directly behind them), it can cause your pet to become absorbed by the shallow depth of field and they too will become out of focus with the bokeh. 

This one surely goes without saying, but please be vigilant at all times using lights and make sure your pet isn't tangled or nibbling on any cables that can overheat or become hazardous. The safety of your model should always be top priority, but especially so if it's your furry best friend.

4) Follow their lead

When shooting with pets that have a calmer temperament, or are perhaps a little bit older, try shooting at their level and follow their pace. If your subject decides it's time for a lie-down then drop to the floor with them and capture some lower angle images. You might be surprised at how well they turn out.

With my older golden retriever, I previously found it much easier to keep her interested and engaged if I got down to her position and gave her treats while snapping a shot. If your pet doesn't want to be followed, or seems anxious, then give them some space.

5) Ask for help

Patience is an absolute virtue in the world of pet photography. Try not to be discouraged if your images aren't turning out as you initially hoped; animals can be a difficult subject to work with and it always helps to have someone else assist you who can get the attention of your pet while you're busy shooting. 

Having someone stand directly behind you and call your pet's name is the best method to get them to look your way. Holding a treat or toy next to the lens is another great tip of getting that eye contact that creates a winning portrait.

6) Try using a phone camera

Some pets can be super nosey – you heard about what killed the cat, right? Let them have a good sniff of any lenses or camera bodies you intend on putting near them. This can help your pet to ignore the sounds of the autofocus and shutter, and keep in position while you shoot.

For more nervous or jumpy pets it might be worth ditching the camera altogether and opting for some smartphone photography instead. A phone is something your pet may already be accustomed to, they're likely to have seen you use a phone more frequently than a chunky camera, so this might be a less intimidating approach to snapping a shot of your pet.  

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A transgender photographer has been documenting the relationship between queer people and their rescue dogs in a photography series called Don’t You Want Me. The project follows a group of queer people who have found strength, purpose and unconditional love by giving a home to a rescue dog. 

Don’t You Want Me is the brainchild of Jack Jackson, a photographer and trans man who co-founded the project with Deb Klein after experiencing transphobia. Originally from a small island in the English Channel, Jackson relocated to Toronto, Canada in a moment of spontaneity. He left behind his job in finance and a life of heteronormativity to pursue a new adventure. After a few months of unemployment and worried about money, Jackson took to photography to document his surroundings.

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Working with dogs, fashion and the queer and trans community, Jackson founded the photography page alljackedup (now @jackjacksonto) in 2014 but shortly after, experienced the devastating effects of transphobia. Jackson found himself with no secure income, no support and the threat of homelessness. 

All over the world, there is still a huge problem with hate crimes against queer and trans people. In 2017, there were 52 homicides against LGBTQ+ people in the US – that’s one every single week. Jackson hopes that this project will open up the eyes and minds of a more mainstream audience and make them realize the simple truth: we all deserve to be loved. 

Transgender Awareness Week takes place every year between 13 - 19 November in the lead up to Transgender Day of Remembrance which memorialized victims of transgender violence. This project has particular significance this week as both founder and subjects have experienced violence and hate crimes due to their identity.

After living in terrible circumstances for over a year, Jackson was given the number for a boxer puppy advertisement and was told to call it as if his life depended on it. By February 2017, thanks to his new dog, life started looking up and he founded Doggy Dates Toronto – a dog walking and photography company.

Inspired by his own experience and transformation, Don't You Want Me was created to share the stories and photos of queer people all over the world who have found a new zest for life through owning a rescue dog. So far, the project has included people from Brighton (UK), Melbourne and Toronto and Jackson has no intention of ending the project any time soon. 

By documenting the relationship between queer people, their rescue dogs and the transformation both owner and animal have gone through, Jackson has created a topic of discussion: who rescued who? These symbiotic relationships are much more than just an owner and their pet: they played equal parts in bringing each other a new meaning to life. Many of the queer people Jackson has documented struggled with social anxiety, depression, identity, self-worth and didn't have any direction of purpose. Similarly, the rescue dogs had been abandoned, mistreated and were desperately in need of love.

Reuben, a transman from Brighton, UK spoke about his dog Luna, “I do think that a part of me was trying to heal myself by taking care of someone else that was broken and forgotten, our new skinny, sick, terrified Lunie-bear. Going from being so scared to be left alone, not having a name or knowing how to walk on a lead to being her happy, balanced, wonderful self has been nothing short of a joy to behold. Taking a lead in her rehabilitation gave me the purpose and connection that I was craving. I'd say that Luna has been my most significant driver for continuing on even when things feel too much.”

We already knew that pets hold a special place in our hearts, but the rescue dogs featured in these stories really did save lives and vice versa. For queer people, dogs offer judgment-free, unconditional love in a world that is often all too quick to criticize and for the dogs, they've found a loving, forever home with people who can give them the time and attention they need. 

If you'd like to read more stories of queer people and their rescue dogs or if you'd like to take part in the project yourself, head to the Don't You Want Me website where you can see the full list of participants. 

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• Mission: Capture moments with my dog and progress as a photographer
• Photographer: Ellie Sharples
• Location: Hillerød, Denmark
• Kit used: Nikon D850, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
  
  
  

I received a Nikon D40, my first DSLR, at 14 and fell in love with the ability to capture moments that would never happen again. It was just before a family holiday to The Gambia – what animal lover wouldn’t enjoy taking photos in such a nature-rich location? It has only been during the past couple of years that I’ve been motivated to learn more and practice as much as possible, so I can turn my hobby into a profession. And much of that inspiration comes from my dog, Dax.

Five years ago, I made the big decision to leave the UK and move to Denmark. I’ll never grow tired of exploring the beautiful forests; their pine trees and mosses create such a magical atmosphere. I came across an awesome moss-covered mound in a local forest (top), and returned during the golden hour with Dax. I use a wide aperture in most of my photos to produce wonderful bokeh and to emphasize the crisp subject.

I love this image (above) because of the stark contrast between the pure white snow and dark trees, which makes my canine companion’s coloring even more striking. I framed Dax in a gap between the trees and called her so that she would run directly towards me. I used a fast shutter speed of 1/2000 sec to freeze the action – continuous focus and back-button focusing made it much easier to keep the collie in focus as she ran. 

Most of my dog photography is based among nature, but I wanted to challenge myself and incorporate man-made settings into my portfolio. I thought the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle (above) would prove an ideal backdrop, with its warm colors and the busy textures of brick walls and cobblestones. Being a busy tourist spot it was hard to find a quiet area, but I love the results and am planning on shooting in more towns in the future.

The above image is a similar concept to the shot in the snow, but in place of the dark trees I chose to use the dark railings of the bridge in Frederiksborg Park. I chose a wide aperture to blur the railings into the background, and used exposure compensation to bring out the white snow.

Denmark has quite a flat landscape, so I often find myself drawn to smaller details, such as the stunning poppies that grow during summer. I struggled to find a location where we would not be damaging crops, but eventually we stumbled upon some lone flowers, isolated within the tall grass.

I positioned myself so that Dax was backlit and, when she sniffed one of the poppies, an otherwise simple portrait turned into something much more special. I was so glad that my camera’s settings were prepared, otherwise I might have missed this charming fleeting moment.

See more of Ellie's incredible work by visiting her at www.elliesharples.com and on Instagram.

Read more:

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My name is Audrey Bellot, I am 24 years old, and I live in the middle of France in Auvergne with my dog Laos, a Border Collie coming from a shelter. Since 2018, I decided to specialize in dog portrait photography. I have always been passionate about animals, especially dogs, they are incredibly patient, full of love and are always ready to make you happy.  

I had the chance to grow up with animals since my childhood. They showed me how much we should live and be happy with simple things. Then, my passion for photography arrived. And so now, I travel for photo shoots for amazing dog owners, but also and workshops for anyone who wants to learn how to create such portraits. Each photo has its own story, thanks to the dog, the place and the moment we shared. With patience and gentleness, you can create the most beautiful portraits of your dog.

Check out more of Audrey's amazing work via her Instagram

01. Speak their language

Before a session with dogs, always make sure that you know enough about them. The first things you need to learn are dog's calming signals. Dogs communicate with their bodies.  When they are happy, playful, stressed or simply relaxed, dogs change the position of their ears, their mouths, but also the shape of their eyes. Learn how to detect these signals in dogs.

02. A careful approach

How do you approach a dog during a photo shoot? Firstly, always ask the owners several information about their dog (age, breed, allergies, friendly or not with humans and dogs, etc.). Secondly, do not approach a dog you do not in a frontal way. Instead, get down to his level and let the dog come to you with treats in hand.

03. Motivate the dog

Do not come empty-handed. Most dogs need to be motivated to pose more easily while standing still. Dogs can be motivated by many things: tasty treats and toys are my two favourites. This allows you to both motivate the dog and reward him for his work. You can also use sounds and words that the dog likes to see his expression change.

04. Take breaks

Dogs cannot explicitly tell you that they are tired, although communication signals will alert you. Always take several breaks between photos as a session can be very long for a dog that is not used to it. Also, if the dog does not want to do something, change your mind. Ask for something simpler so you do not discourage him

05. Choose your view

Most of the time, I position myself at eye level and always leave space in the direction of the dog's eyes. Of course, do not forget to vary the angles to give the viewer different impressions. Up and down angles can also work in dog photography as long as the environment and the emotion you want to bring out are suitable.

Read more:

• Best professional cameras
• Best lighting kits
• Best reflectors
• Best backdrops
• Best portrait lenses

Pet photography is an incredibly fun and rewarding genre to get into if you have a love for animals, especially if you or loved ones have willing subjects you can practice on. However, many animals (including well trained ones) can be chaotic and unpredictable making it tricky to get a good shot.

• Read more: Best lenses for animal photography

Laura Galbraith is a dog lover and professional pet photographer who won the Guild of Photographers' Bird Image of the Year title in 2019, and Nature and Wildlife Image of the Year in 2020. 

We paired her with reader of PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, Yvette Smith, for a masterclass in pet photography – and here you'll find Laura's top 10 pet photography tips, along with some of the images that Yvette was able to capture by applying them to her own photography. 

You can find out more about Laura's work, as well as the photography workshops she leads, at her website. 

01 Get a short telephoto lens

Laura uses a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM to take the majority of her pet portraits. The short telephoto focal length is great for full-body dog shots, and zooming in for tighter headshots, as well as being able to shoot from a distance without invading the dog’s space. Its wide max aperture of f/2.8 makes it easy to blur backgrounds, too.

• Best 70-200mm lenses

02 Change your background

Laura has a vast range of backgrounds she can quickly change to give her pet portraits an entirely different look. She has a mixture of paper and vinyl background rolls that measure 2.7m wide, this area gives you more chance to be able to take a shot with a neat background, even if the dog moves around a little. Laura says the vinyl ones work out better value as they’re more robust and more easily cleaned after any doggy accidents or mucky paw prints.

• Best backdrops for photography

03 Catch the dog's attention

Laura has a variety of methods to get the dogs attention and ensure that they’re looking in the correct direction. She has a bag full of ‘quackers,’ which are whistles that hunters use to imitate the sound of a duck or various other birds. They’re a great hands-free way to make a sound that pricks up the dog's ears and gets them making eye contact with the camera when you’re taking pictures.

04 Check your histogram

After taking a test shot be sure to check your histogram on the LCD of your camera – this is usually done by going into the playback menu and toggling the image display until the histogram appears.

You’ll have a peak on the right or left when shooting on a black or white background, while the other ‘bump’ will be the exposure information of the dog, so make sure that this part isn’t bunched up at the sides as this will mean a loss of data.

05 Bribe them with treats

Treats for your pets are essential for getting them to behave, stay still and look in the direction you need them to for the best shots. Fred here had a particular affinity for the ‘puppy sausage,’ which Laura had cut up into tiny pieces to reward his behavior with a small treat. 

06 Use a reflector

Laura has a large reflector she can use to reflect some of the bounced flashlight back onto the dog and fill in any shadows. Her reflectors have colored sides, such as gold, silver, and white.

• Best reflectors for photography

07 Use studio flash

Laura uses four Elinchrom D-Lite RX One flash heads, three on lightstands with softboxes attached and another on the ceiling with a strip softbox. Laura has a large octobox attached to her key light, this goes in front of the dogs for lighting and creating catchlights.

• Best photography lighting kits
• Best flash modifiers

08 Practice makes perfect

Laura likes to get her lighting spot-on before the dogs arrive, as you need to focus all your attention on getting them to behave and coaxed into position, rather than messing with lighting. To do this she sets up the background, gets the lights roughly in position and starts them all on a quarter power. She’ll then place her Scooby-Doo toy in position, take test shots and dial in the lighting until it looks perfect, then lock it all off ready to start shooting.

09 Canon EOS R5's amazing pet eye detection

One of the reasons Laura upgraded to the Canon EOS R5 was for its state-of-the-art animal face and eye detection AF. This is set in the autofocus menu by setting subject to detect to Animals.

This works incredibly well placing the active AF point over the dogs eyes and tracking them as they move, impressively picking out Phoebe’s dark eyes against her black fur and making it a breeze to get her eyes pin-sharp.

10 Edit your pet portraits like a pro

To produce her award-winning images Laura polishes her pictures up to perfection in Lightroom Classic and Photoshop CC. She’ll clone out and touch up particles of dust or paw prints on the background, and correct the colours by tweaking the Raw files in Lightroom. Laura explains: “My Beaglier Kade always comes out far too orange in pictures, so I tone down the saturation specifically on the orange and red channels to make it look more natural."

Read more:

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Canon EOS R5 review

Watch video: Perfect your pet portraits with layers in Photoshop

A shoot rarely goes exactly to plan, especially when working with children or animals. While photographing the dog here, our idea was to create a shot with water drops flying out from the dog’s head at all angles. It proved tricky to get the dog to play ball, though. And even when we managed to get a usable shot, it didn’t have the scattering of water drops that we'd envisaged.

However, we did have other frames from the shoot in which the dog wasn’t right, but the water drops were plentiful. As such, we could piece together the drops and the dog to craft the shot that we wanted. This is often the case with Photoshop techniques; it’s about augmenting the in-camera results to improve the image, and doing so in such a way that looks natural. 

When we have several similar shots of the same thing, all taken under the same conditions, it often makes sense to piece together the best bits from each. This kind of subtle compositing is easier than it might seem – especially if, like here, the subject is photographed against a plain backdrop (or if a tripod is used, to keep the various frames in alignment).

We can simply use the Lighten Blend Mode so that the droplets show through but the original dark backdrop does not. Then fine-tune the blend with a Curves adjustment, and if necessary use a layer mask to control what is visible or hidden. These are essential layer skills that will prove useful for all kinds of projects…

01 Select the splash

Open the four start images (download here) into Photoshop CC then go to image three. Grab the Lasso tool from the toolbar and drag it to make a selection over part of the splash in the background. Next grab the Move tool. Drag the selected area up to the tab of image two, then down into the image to copy the selection over.

02 Copy and blend

Bring up the Layers panel (Window > Layers), then go to the Blend Mode dropdown at the top and change it from Normal to Lighten. Now only the pixels that are lighter than those on the layer below will show through, so the splashed appear, but the dark background behind is invisible.

03 Boost the highlights

We can enhance the splashes with a Curves Adjustment. Hit Cmd/Ctrl + M then drag the top part of the Curves line upwards to lighten the layer. Then pin the lower part of the curve line downwards by placing another point, this darkens the shadow tones, so the original backdrop stays hidden.

04 Mask the edges

Bring in more splashes and drops in the same way. This time we’ve use image one, but the edges of the selection look unnaturally hard. In this case, a layer mask helps to soften this. Click the Add Mask icon in the Layers panel, then use a soft-edged brush tip and paint black over the image to soften the edges.

05 Build it up

We can re-use layers and position them around the frame to build up the effect. Using the Move tool, simply hold Alt and drag a layer to make a quick copy. Try rotating layers to mix things up. Check ‘Show Transform Controls’ in the move tool options then drag the bounding box to rotate the layer.

06 Enhance the tones

The Camera Raw filter is ideal for final tonal tweaks. Highlight the top layer and hit Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E to merge a copy of everything, then go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter. Choose a Profile in the browser to the right and use the tonal sliders in the Basic Panel to add clarity and contrast.

Read more:

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Fujifilm UK has announced the launch of its counterpart to the X Photographer program: the X Phodographer scheme will start today, with popular Instagram influencer @allaboutlloyd_ leading the pack.

The X Phodographer scheme will aim to inspire both doggy and human photographers alike by sharing paw-fect imagery and tips, inspiring content and events from some of Fujifilm’s furriest influencers.

• Read more: Best Fujifilm cameras

In due course the scheme will showcase a variety of Phodographers, featuring a variety of X Series cameras and lenses. The X Phodographer scheme will bring new angles of photography to Fujifilm’s channels from a wide range of genres such as food, paw-traits, interiors, food, landscapes (including dog-walking inspiration), food, fashion and much more.

Fujifilm UK has confirmed that the first X Phodographer to join the line-up is Italian greyhound-cross Lloyd, a lifestyle, fashion and interiors phodographer. Based in London, Lloyd and his human Paz have been fans of the X Series range for many years. The ergonomic build of Fujifilm’s cameras make them easy to use for even the smallest of paws, and the incredible image quality and quick transfer of photos makes it the ultimutt tool for content creators on the go.

• The best April Fool's for photographers ever

Lloyd has recently been testing the new Fujifilm X-E4, launched in March 2021, and has been hugely impressed with its results and its furmiliar compact build. Interviewed this month, Lloyd states:

"Owning a camera hasn’t made me a photographer but my Fujifilm X-E4 has given me the ability to show the world my true creative side. A dog full of personality and style like me needs the right tools and I have found mine."

The X-E4 is available to purchase now and applications for the X Phodographer scheme can be made by emailing aprilfools@fujifilm.com.

Read more: 

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Watch video: How to shoot pet portraits at home

Even those who claim not to be cat lovers can’t resist kittens. As lovable as these playful bundles of fur are, though, they grow up extremely fast. It makes sense, then, to preserve this fleeting period of your feline’s life by capturing a series of purr-fect pet portraits. 

However, it can be challenging to photograph them – and it has even been reported that black cats are being shunned by the social media-obsessed, simply because they are harder to photograph. As our images of pretty kitty Maggie proves, you don't necessarily need the best pet camera to photograph your pet indoors. And if you’re a dog lover, the techniques in this project are entirely transferable – so your pet pooch needn’t feel left out. 

• Read more: Looking for photoshoot ideas?

Bright bursts of flash can be alarming and cause problems when photographing particularly young animals, and we didn’t want to scare our timid subject, so we stuck to window light and continuous lighting. The latter can help brighten particularly dark areas of your house, but if you don’t own any lights you can still take beautiful images using only window light. 

Young animals aren’t always adept at following direction. You can try to entice them using treats or calling for their attention, but always remember that their wellbeing comes first. Make sure that they’re comfortable and you’ll reap better results. Let’s photograph some felines!

How to photograph a kitty cat

1. Play date

Kittens and puppies have lots of energy, and can be nervous or excited around new people. Having their owner nearby may help them feel more comfortable, and we’d recommend letting them get used to you before you take any pictures. We played with Maggie using her favorite toy and, within a few minutes, any reservations she had disappeared completely.

2. Trash the flash 

It’s thought that flash lighting can cause potential damage to the eyes of very young animals, and it can certainly scare some of them. We used room lighting and a couple of portable Lume Cube Panel LEDs to illuminate our subject, and took advantage of our lens’ fast aperture.

3. Fleeting focus

For most cameras you should use single-point AF to precisely focus on the eye that’s closest to the camera. You can use AF-S to lock focus and recompose, but you’ll spend more time using AF-C as animals rarely sit still. Back-button focusing enables you to switch between the two at will.

4. Animal AF 

Of course, if you're using a cutting-edge mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z7 II or Canon EOS R5, you can take full advantage of animal eye AF feature to automatically track and lock onto one of your subject’s eyes! 

5. Settings

We used aperture priority and kept our shutter speed at around 1/200 sec or higher to mitigate fast movements. This was achieved using continuous lighting, a wide aperture and a high ISO. Our Nikon D800 can handle shooting at ISO1000 comfortably – and while the general rule is to keep your ISO as low as possible, it’s better to have a small drop in image quality than a blurry subject.

6. Curb the clutter

Furniture and ornaments can make indoor environments rather cluttered. We tried to photograph our kitten in front of clean backgrounds but, when this wasn’t possible, we tried to position our subject as far away from the clutter as possible. Paired with a wide aperture, this would then produce a super-shallow depth of field.

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We know how it is. You're in the millionth day of lockdown, you feel like you've run out of photography subjects, and you're staring at the wall or out of the window waiting for something exciting to appear.

If you've got dogs, however, there are so many ways to practice your camera skills and take some brilliant action shots – whether this is in your garden, the local park, or wherever you go for their daily walk.

Before lockdown, we spent the day shooting dogs with pro pet photography Alexandra Robbins. Why not have a go at following her steps for capturing animals in action?

5 steps for capturing dogs in motion

1. Use a telephoto

It’s challenging to frame and focus on dogs in motion, and having a flexible telephoto will enable you to capture a range of distances as they run. Alex switched to a 70-200mm lens to recompose without having to move, cleaning her lens before use.

2. Manual settings

Alex uses Manual exposure mode. For moving targets, a fast shutter speed is a priority; she sets the focus mode to AI-Servo (continuous focusing) to ensure a sharp result.

3. Get down low

Shooting animals at their eye level is the best way to capture compelling portraits. Alex sometimes employs knee pads to make this approach more comfortable.

4. Ask for help

Having a friend or family member on hand to help direct the dog(s) can leave you free to focus on the photography. While Alex works, her partner keeps up the communication with the owners, or holds dog leads.

5. Ready, set, go

Once Alex is ready to shoot, she asks the owner behind her to call the dog. As it runs towards her, she makes use of her DSLRs 7fps continuous shooting rate, shooting off a burst of images to ensure that she captures a range of frames and expressions.

For more:

Alexandra Robins' pet photography website
FREE pet photography eBook guide with Digital Photographer magazine 233!
Capture incredible indoors pet portraits

The new issue of Digital Photographer is out now. 

As the first signs of autumn start to appear, we have another amazing issue for you, packed full of pro techniques, advice and insight.

Night photography

Other than autumn colour, one of the aspects of this time of year that photographers look forward to is the shorter days. While sun seekers might complain as the sun rises later and the night draws in earlier, we know about the possibilities for incredible images the shorter days provide. 

In this issue we explore the wonders of night photography. Covering everything from cityscapes to astrophotography and preparation to processing, delve into this complete masterclass to low light success.  

Mindful photography

Up next is a feature we've been excited about for quite some time. It's a little different but has never been more appropriate, in the fast-paced, yet somehow stagnant times in which we currently live. There's a lot happening, but we're asked to stand still, stay home and be patient at the same time. 

On these pages Paul Sanders explains his slowed down creative process, teaching us how to better connect with our subject, learn to appreciate our surroundings and make reflective creative decisions. It's not to be missed!

Create coloured light

Follow DP veteran Holly Wren on this shooting and editing project, where you'll learn how to put coloured gels to work, transforming your portrait images and more. Holly will guide you through the entire image creation process, from start to finish.

Lenses for astrophotography

 Get your copy of DP Issue 233 today!

Get a digital copy instantly for £3.

Where to find Digital Photographer

Plus we've got the usual tutorials, interviews, insight and opinion, from a range of experienced pro photographers from across the industry. 

Don't miss out on all of this essential professional-level advice. Get your copy of Digital Photographer now. 

Why not Subscribe for a print copy or you can read us on your mobile device with a digital subscription. 

You can get your copy of Digital Photographer in stores - but if you can't get out, then order a copy direct from us, either in print or digital form.

For printed back issues go to Magazines Direct

For digital editions of the magazine, you have a variety of options available:

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Sure, today may be International Dog Day – but for the cat lovers out there, our feline friends are the real stars of the show! And new website PetsRadar is sharing the love, by flagging up the best cat accounts to follow on Instagram. 

PetsRadar is the latest brand launched by media specialist Future Plc, parent of sites like Digital Camera World and TechRadar, and is dedicated to helping pets live happier, healthier, longer lives.

In addition to providing trusted advice, expert guides and detailed reviews written by a team of qualified vets, veterinary professionals and long-term pet owners and carers, the site also posts entertaining articles and daily doses of cuteness – like its breakdown of the 10 hottest Instagram cat accounts. 

It may come as little surprise to Insta heads that Sukii the Adventure Cat is top of the hairball heap. The stunning, globetrotting Bengal has over 1.9 million followers on the platform and it's not just down to how dang cute she is – the photography by her owner is simply stunning, showing both Sukii and her surroundings off in spectacular fashion. 

If you're wondering what setup Sukii's owner uses to capture her catography, it's the Sony A7 III with a Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM.

As well as this kind of kitty cat cutesyness, PetsRadar gives regular recommendations on diet and healthcare, buying advice on accessories and smart technology (like trackers, feeders and the best pet cameras), plus how-to guides and pet care tips.  

The COVID-19 situation saw a surge in pet ownership, with people turning to animal friends for comfort and companionship. According to The Dogs Trust, there was a 25% increase in adoptions at the start of the pandemic – and PetsRadar pledges to help first-time owners of all kinds of pets get the advice they need to make their new relationships happy and enduring.

“We live in extraordinary times and the companionship and comfort our animal friends provide has never been more important," says PetsRadar's managing director, Paul Newman. "PetsRadar.com is about equipping owners with the information they need to ensure their cat, dog, rabbit or reptile lives the best life they possibly can."

Read more: 

Sony A7 III review
Sony FE 6-35mm f2.8 GM review
The best pet camera: talk and play with your dog or cat when away from home

Watch video: Shoot some 'pup art' pet portraits for International Dog Day!

Today is International Dog Day, and what better way to show off your love for your pooch than taking some 'pup art' pet portraits! 

In this home photo project, we'll help you capture the character of your furry four-legged friend. When it comes to indoor shots, however, you face a number of challenges. The first is light – it’s likely that you won’t have enough of it to capture pin-sharp shots handheld. 

And, just as with portraits of people, the front-on light from your DSLR’s pop-up flash or a flashgun mounted on your camera’s hot shoe can be too harsh; it can cause ‘pet-eye’, the animal equivalent of red-eye (it’s usually greenish in color), and may even frighten your subject. 

• Best online photography courses

Another challenge is that your doggy subject probably won’t want to sit still for long; capturing engaging expressions can prove tricky too, as often it’ll happen so quickly that you’ll miss the shot. Finding a clutter-free backdrop for your shoot can also be difficult.

So in this project we’ll show you how to set up a simple DIY studio, and show you some easy off-camera flash techniques that will enable you to use a fast shutter speed to capture fleeting movements or expressions. By positioning the flash to one side and using a reflector to bounce light back into the shadows you can produce more even lighting – and take more flattering shots of your precious pooch.

Then learn how to use Photoshop to combine multiple portraits into a four-way pop art pet picture.

Create a simple home studio

01 Set up the backdrop

For the best results you’ll want a plain, clutter-free backdrop that contrasts with your subject. We arranged an old white bed sheet, both as a backdrop and for our subject to sit on; later on we hung up a piece of coloured material to create a different look.

02 Shutter speed and aperture

Select Manual mode and set a shutter speed no faster than your camera’s top sync speed, which is normally 1/200 or 1/250 sec. To ensure that both of your pet’s eyes and nose are in focus, set a medium aperture, such as f/8, for a good depth of field.

03 Wireless flash control

Go to Flash Control settings in the first shooting menu. Ensure flash firing is enabled, select Built-in Flash Func and set Flash Mode to Manual. Scroll down to Wireless Func and select the first option, so that only the external flashgun will affect the exposure.

04 Flash settings

Select Flash Output to set the external flash power; your camera’s pop-up flash will fire a pre-flash to trigger the flashgun. Set your flashgun to Slave mode and ensure it’s set to the same channel as your DSLR; you’ll see this in the Built-in Flash Func menu settings.

05 Set up the flashgun

Open your pop-up flash, then adjust the flashgun so the head is pointing towards the subject and the sensor is pointing towards your camera. Take a few test shots, and experiment with the position and power of the flash to get the best results.

06 Keep your subject happy!

Photographing dogs poses similar challenges to photographing children. They have a short attention span, so it’s best to work in short bursts. You’ll get more engaging shots if they’re happy and relaxed, so don’t be too firm with your commands!

Now create pet pop art in Photoshop! 

07 Make a grid

Now learn how to produce pet portraits with a difference by changing the background colour in Photoshop of your images. Go to File>New and create a document with a height and width of 30cm. Take the Rectangle tool, and Shift-drag to create a square shape layer. Take the Move tool, Alt-drag the shape layer to make three copies, and position them as shown.

• Download Photoshop

08 Select the background

Open four portraits, and select the first one. To select the background, go to Select>Colour Range, click in the backdrop and adjust the Fuzziness slider until the entire area is selected (it’ll turn white in the preview). Copy the selection, and paste it into a new layer.

09 Tidy and adjust colour

Ctrl-click the new layer’s thumbnail to load the outline of the backdrop as a selection. Go to Filter>Blur> Gaussian Blur and increase the Radius to blur creases in the backdrop. Add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer, and adjust the Hue slider to change the colour.

10 Position on grid

Flatten the image, copy it and paste it into the grid document. Position and resize the layer, then move it above the corresponding square layer in the Layers panel and Alt-click the line between the two layers to create a clipping mask. Repeat for the other images until you end up with a pop art pet picture similar to ours!

Read more: 

The best lenses for food photography in 2020: make your supper the star
The best books on food photography in 2020: whet your appetite for photography
10 food photographers you should follow while in lockdown

Watch video: Home photography ideas – Cat portraits worthy of a studio

When a cute cat casually walks into the room, it’s almost impossible to resist picking up your camera to start shooting. 

However, often times you might find that other people manage to get good shots on their smartphones while you struggle to compose the right shot in the dark settings of the living room. 

Don’t worry, though – with just a little planning and forethought you can dramatically improve your results. With a couple of lights and some paper, you can get sweet, playful, studio-looking shots anywhere, whether you’re at home or at your local animal rescue centre. 

Having some catnip and treats handy can help coerce your furry friends into posing for you. Though obviously where pets are concerned that there are no guarantees – especially with cats! 

It may take a while for them to get used to the set-up – once they’re happy with you and your gear, you’ll get great images in no time. So here’s how to start shooting some furry good shots…

• Best online photography courses

Key ingredients for kitty portraits

01 Plain backdrop 
A plain photography backdrop helps us to control the light, and makes our shots look uncluttered and considered, as we’re drawn to the cat and its behavior.

02 Two lights
Two lights provide a good spread of light to ensure that both the backdrop and the cat are evenly exposed.

03 String and toys
Have some toys or string to hand. Cats can make really interesting shapes with their bodies as they jump and twist to play with the toys.

04 Adorable cat
To get a good shot, you need to have a good subject! Luckily, cats are inherently photogenic – and they have the added benefit of being cute, too.

How to shoot a cat portrait

01 Set burst mode 

The cats will move around the entire time while you’re shooting, so use continuous high burst mode and ensure that it’s set to the maximum frame rate. This is usually set via a dial on the top of your camera body, but if you can’t find it just check your camera’s manual.

02 Go long

Wide-angle lenses and getting in close can create cute, distorted pictures where the cat appears to have a big head and a small body, like a kitten. Some cats will run away if fussed over, though, so you’ll need a longer lens. Try a telephoto lens to step further back from the animal.

• Best telephoto lenses

03 Position your lights

To get the best spread of light, simply use two lights set to camera left and right, pointing at a 45° angle towards the cat and the backdrop. Choose ¼ power for shorter recycle times than full power. 

• Best flashguns
• The best flash diffusers, softboxes and modifiers

04 Set your exposure

There’s no ambient light in these set-ups, so use the maximum flash sync speed of your camera – ours was 1/200 sec. To keep the entire cat in focus we used f/8 while at ISO200, to give the photo a little exposure lift without introducing too much noise.

05 Black cats

Black cats can be tricky to expose for because, left to its own devices, your camera meter will try to render them a mid-tone (which is why you should learn how to use a light meter). If in doubt, use Manual mode to make quick adjustments to get the exposure right every time.

06 Get down low

Crouching is fine if you’re using a longer lens, but to go wider you need to get down to the cat’s eye level. Getting at their level helps viewers to identify with the cat. Many people take pictures looking down from a standing height, so be different and get down low.

06 Shoot different poses

Sitting and begging poses will make everyone go ‘awww’, while cats getting ready to pounce or jumping after string with their teeth and claws bared look impressive. Ultimately, shoot whatever pose the cat strikes for you! 

Read more: 

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Watch video: Home photography ideas – Purr-fect cat portraits

The internet is obsessed with cats, and we are too! We love our furry felines, and for us, there’s no greater pleasure than snapping some fun portraits of our companions as they trundle around the house doing cute things. 

And of course, with most of us still observing the lockdown conditions, it's the ideal time to get purr-fect pictures of our pets – especially since we're always hungry for new subjects to shoot!

Inevitably, though, as cute as our feline friends can be, when you've got your cameras ready they’re going to be cute at awkward angles, or in dark areas. So getting a clear shot can be tricky, but that’s where this project comes in.

You’ll just need to move a few dials and press some buttons to get the ideal settings to capture clear shots. All it takes is a bit of patience, some faster exposure times and a bump of the ISO… and a few props to keep your cat interested!

Portrait lenses and nifty fifties are ideal – this is a portrait, after all – but you can also get great results using a wide 24mm lens like we are. This enables you to get a little closer to your kitty, which can make it easier to gain (and keep!) their attention.

If you're looking to take some more dynamic portraits using lighting – and even a wet dog – take a look at our soggy doggy portraits tutorial! 

• Best online photography courses

Don't pussyfoot around! 

01 Go automatic-ish

Switch to manual mode and set your ISO to auto – that way, your camera will change the sensitivity for you, depending on the light in the room. This will leave you free to adjust the aperture and shutter speed separately.

02 Make it snappy

Use a semi-wide aperture, such as f/3.2, and a fast shutter speed, like 1/250 sec; that way you will maximize the light coming through the lens, the depth of field will drop away pleasingly, and your cat will remain sharp should it move.

03 Get down to their level

You can try shooting from above, and with an attractive flooring this can work well. For more intimate portraits of your kitties, though, get your camera to the same height as your cat’s eyes, focus on them, and fire away! 

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Watch video: Home photography ideas – Shoot soggy doggy portraits

When wet dogs start shaking off their coats, people usually dive for cover, but it’s a fun moment filled with both action and character. In this project we’ll look at how to capture that moment – we’ll explain how to light our sodden subject and set up a camera to freeze the action in crystal-clear clarity.

We’ve used Rotolight LED panels to light our subject here (you could use a couple of speed lights), which have a high-speed sync flash mode that helps to freeze motion. However, as is the case with any LEDs, the maximum output doesn’t come close to the most basic flashgun, so we have to adapt out exposure accordingly with a higher ISO setting. 

LEDs have their benefits, though – more battery life, a near-instant recycle time in flash mode, color temperature control, and the convenience of what-you-see-is-what-you-get exposure results.

While the lighting isn’t easy, you might find that the trickiest part of this whole project is actually the dog-handling! Our damp doggy was more than happy to be soaked with water, but didn’t feel like standing in the spot we’d set up, preferring to run off to another part of the garden to shake off. 

It took a few attempts to get her to stay put and get the posing and focusing spot-on, so you’ll likely shoot a few duds before getting a usable shot – but it’s all part of the fun! And what better way to spend a warm day in the garden than with your camera and four-legged friend?

• Best online photography courses

A dog spray afternoon

01 Dark backdrop
A dark background is ideal, as the water drops won’t show up as well against a lighter background. We’ve used the dark side of a large pop-up reflector here.

02 Lights
The Rotolight LEDs used here have a high-speed sync flash mode, in which the light emits a continuous burst and enables the use of very fast shutter speeds. However, speed lights could also be used.

03 Water
We kept a tray of water on hand to sprinkle over our pup. Shooting outdoors like this means that there’s no need to worry about spillages, either.

04 Camera settings
A fast shutter speed helps to freeze the motion of a shaking dog. Here the shutter speed is set to 1/2000 sec, with the camera in manual exposure mode.

Get your soggy shot

01 Work out an exposure

We’re shooting outside, but we don’t want the natural light to play too big a part in our exposure. So to begin, leave the lights off and find an exposure that results in a dim image like the above – we use 1/2000 sec, f/4, ISO800. Use manual mode to lock the exposure in.

02 Set up the lights

Now we can use the lights to pick out our subject. By placing a light behind the subject, angled back towards the camera, the light shines through the drops and gives us a nice edge highlight along the dog’s nose, which helps to separate her from the dark backdrop.

03 Trigger the flash

We need to fire our off-camera flash with a trigger – compatibility is important when using high-speed sync. The Elinchrom Skyport we used to communicate between the Rotolights and the camera enables us to manipulate both the power and the color temperature of the lights.

04 Put it all together and balance

Now we turn on the key and fill lights, then meter the exposure again and take a shot. The fill light lifts the deep shadows and gives us balanced lighting. The ratio between key and fill is fairly even, so our contrast is subtle. We could power down the fill for more contrast.

Composite rain for even soggier shots

01 Select the drops

You may find that you have a great position of the dog in one photo, but the drops look better in another. If so, we can composite them in Photoshop; use the Lasso tool to select the drops, then copy (Cmd / Ctrl + C), go to the other image and paste (Cmd / Ctrl + V). 

02 Paste and blend

Hit Cmd / Ctrl + T to transform and move the drops where you want, then go to the Layers panel, click the Blend Mode drop-down and choose Lighten. Hit Cmd / Ctrl + L for Levels, then drag in the black point to fine-tune the blend.  

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If you are like us, spending the last few weeks at home have meant taking even more pictures of your pets than usual! But now there is a chance to earn cash from the cutest and funniest pictures you have of your cat and dog

Entries for the Mars Petcare Comedy Pet Photo Awards are now open and ready to receive your wonderful funny pet images – and videos! Launched to coincide with the start of National Pet Month, there is a massive £3000 prize for the best image in this competition, and the title of Comedy Pet Photographer of the Year!

Categories for this year's competion are:
• Cats
• Dogs
• Horses
• Pets that look like their owners
• All Other Creatures Great and Small
• Junior (under 16s)
• Awesome video clip of your pet

Entries cost £5 for five entries, and 10% of entry fees with go to the animal charity Blue Cross. Full details can be found at the Comedy Pet Photographer of the Year website.

Read more

Home photography ideas: Capture incredible indoors pet portraits

Home photography ideas: Get great pictures of your dog!

Home photography ideas: How to take great photos of hamsters

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Watch video: Home photography ideas – close-up pet portraits 

While you're staying safe indoors it's the perfect time to work on improving your camera skills, so try our home project on how to take great pet pictures using flash.

Never work with children or animals, they say – and they are often right! However, that didn’t stop us trying our best to grab some great pet portraits for this project.

We decided to photograph our little pet hamster, Cloudy, and it instantly threw up challenges, the main one being able to get a decent shot before she scurried off. Small rodents like hamsters move very quickly, and aren’t in the habit of staying still and posing in your direction.

But with a few key techniques, and being ready and in position, with our lights tested and set up, we were finally able to get a winning shot (see above) after using her play tube to keep her stationary for a couple of seconds before escaping.

We set up a small home studio using a piece of blue background paper stuck to the wall and on the top of Cloudy’s cage, plus two off-camera flashguns set on low power so as not to scare the little rodent. Read on to learn more.

01. Home studio setup

We set up a simple mini-studio by taping a piece of blue background roll to a wall and allowing it to curve gently onto our hamster’s cage to create a smooth and seamless backdrop. We then let the hamster crawl around on top of the paper.

• Best backdrops for photography

02. Flashgun settings 

Using off-camera flashguns not only lights animals evenly, they also create a catchlight in otherwise-black eyes to add a little extra sparkle. To light our hamster, we used two Canon Speedlites, with both flashguns to a low 1/128 power, one positioned at the front at 28mm zoom, the other to the side at 50mm zoom, fired via wireless triggers (if your camera has a pop-up flash, trigger your flashguns optically instead). 

• The best Canon flashguns

03. Choose a standard zoom

We used a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM standard zoom on our full-frame camera, at 70mm so we could focus close enough for a frame-filling composition as the hamster is so small. For a crop-sensor Canon, an 18-55mm kit lens will be fine.

• The best standard zoom lenses

04. Depth of field

It might be tempting to use your widest aperture on your lens for creative blur, but when focusing closely on small subjects, depth of field is extremely shallow at f/2.8, so we shot at f/5.6 to the majority of our little hamster was in focus. Our shutter speed was 1/200 sec to meet the flash sync speed, and we set ISO640 to boost the brightness.

05. Do feed the animals

The best way to attract animals of all shapes and sizes is to bribe them with their favourite food; Cloudy loves nuts. An assistant comes in very handy here, as they can entice the pet to (a) stay still, and (b) balance on their hind legs for a better pose. Patience goes a long way here… 

06. Inject some color

To inject some color we tried using a plastic green tub that also stopped the hamster escaping! We also tried various items for our hamster to clamber over and pose on, and found a red cardboard tube from her cage was perfect to keep her facing the camera for the few seconds it took to take our shot! 

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As the world continues to adjust to lockdown, it can be easy to let hobbies slip by the wayside. However, even if your favorite photography genres usually involve going outside, there are still plenty of home photography ideas that you can have fun with indoors. One of our favorites is capturing pet portraits – not only do you get to flex your creative muscles, but you also get to capture a beautiful memento of your furry best friend.

Most of us love taking and seeing photos of pets, even if we don’t have them ourselves. Pet portraits have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and even if you’re not a professional looking to make a living from snapping other people’s adorable furry companions, there are many ways you can improve your own photos of your pets.

• Get more Home photography ideas
• Read more: Everything photographers need to work from home

In this feature we’ll look at the best ways to capture animals, including how to tame, treat and reward them for posing. On the subject of quirky expressions, we’ve dug around for advice from the pros on getting the most out of single subjects, as well as groups.

Plenty of pet photographers choose the controlled environment of a studio, and if indoor shooting is something you want to hone, then we've got plenty of tips for lighting and props. 

• 10 best online photography courses

Capture pet portraits in a home studio

Although working in a studio arguably offers less distractions, you still need to catch the attention of pets and limit the amount of noise, other animals and people. That being said, a helper that you're in lockdown with can be vital for keeping frantic pets calm and in position.

Studio lighting can be a confusing subject, but for most pros, the aim is to use external lights to bring out fur detail and catchlights in the eyes. Be mindful as you shoot light-colored pets, as their highlights are easily blown out. Dark-colored dogs can appear grey, too, so keep an eye on the white balance and set it manually.

James Kelly is a professional commercial and lifestyle photographer, but also shoots dog studio portraits full of character. “Trying to capture their personality
is a challenge I love. My advice is to have lots of patience.”

James’ approach is to take lots of breaks, and treat it as a fun session. “For me it’s all about getting that perfect stare down the lens, and I’ll often find myself laying on the floor straining my neck just to get low enough to capture the pose I want.” He likes to mix up his flash setup depending on his location. “I always use my main strobe which is a Godox AD600BM,” he says. “Indoors and out, it is battery powered so I can take it to any location or a client’s house without worrying about needing power.” A high-speed strobe is ideal for capturing the dog catching a treat or licking their lips. “I’ll sometimes pair the main strobe with a couple of Godox V860 IIC flashguns, which are used for lighting the backdrop and adding an extra bit of fill light.”

When we talk about using a studio, this could also cover a home environment. Don’t be afraid to use subtle window light, or keep things simple with a one-light setup. If you’ve got time to photograph your own pets as and when they behave, play around with one softbox at different heights. The size of a light and its distance from your subject will affect its intensity and final effect.

Indoor pet photography tips

The general advice for striking pet portraits is to get down to their eye level and keep a sharp focus on the eyes. You can always take a more creative approach, however, by working with props, fun compositions, and focal lengths. We’re not talking dog selfie kits, here…

Start off by reviewing your settings. “I always keep my aperture as low as possible,” says Alicja Zmysłowska. “When I’m doing my classic dog portraits I never close it more than around 1.8, as this helps me isolate the dog from the background and create depth in the picture. The blurred background with colorful bokeh gives images a dreamy feeling.”

Another way to generate a more artistic image is to come up with a theme or concept, whether this is a color scheme or set of similar props. 

Fun poses and expressions can also yield unique photos. “If I want dynamic shots I try to encourage the dog and keep them excited,” says Alicja. “Throwing treats or toys in the air to capture their expression is always interesting.” Try to find novel ways to get your subject to interact with the environment you’re in.

Some of Alicja’s dog poses are tricks that they were taught before the shoot, like hugging each other, or jumping up in the air and waving their paws. “It is good to teach your subject different tricks or to look for models that already know them.”

Other creative approaches include photographing subjects from behind, high or underneath, zooming in for a tight composition that includes only their paws or tail, or crafting your own colorful backgrounds. Be imaginative.

01. Use their favorite toy

Photographing an animal with their favorite rope or snack can add character, not to mention a playful sense of mischief. Think about fun behaviors that you can shoot, like catching a ball mid air, or pawing a bone. These can act as a focal point and help them to relax, too.

02. Capture fun poses

Pets don’t understand posing instructions in the same way that normal models do, so you’ll have to be creative when it comes to directing them. Dogs are arguably much easier to position and train than smaller animals, and toys and treats can be used as a motivation for good behavior. To encourage eye contact in a certain direction, for example, get an assistant or helper to hold a reward at a certain height.

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Whether we're pro or amateur photographers, right now we're all looking for fresh subjects that we can shoot at home. If your family members have had enough of sitting for portraits, why not turn next to your furry friends? 

The greatest challenge in any environment outside the studio is controlling the ambient light, but here, you only need one flashgun to get great results.

• Get more Home photography ideas
• 10 best online photography courses

A home environment can be filled with visual distractions and unphotogenic elements (we're not saying you're messy), so we'll also explain how to work these out of the frame for cleaner compositions. 

With a combination of shutter speed, off-camera flash and careful framing it's possible to produce images that appear to have been taken in a controlled studio setting, allowing you to work under any conditions – from your living room in lockdown.

Step 1: Position your pet

We didn't have a seamless background at home, but having the cat sit on a black cushion made it easier to control background brightness, as more light was absorbed by the dark material. Look for items around the home you can use.

Step 2: Make the flash directional 

Attach a wireless trigger to your speed light and place this off to one side, at a 90° to 45° angle, elevated slightly above the subject and facing down, approximately where you'd place a strobe.

Step 3: Set the flashgun zoom

Use the controls on the rear of your flash to increase the head zoom position. Select the longest zoom setting (in our case this was 105mm) to narrow the beam for a focussed effect. 

Step 4: Cut ambient light

Next, increase your shutter speed or stop down the aperture to reduce visible background detail. Start by lowering the ISO, choosing the base sensitivity if possible, then the speed or f-stop if this is insufficient.

Step 5: Increase flash power

To further darken the environment, increase the flash output and adjust camera settings to match. This will overpower ambient illumination even more, to help with the seamless background effect.

Step 6: Focus the light

 To reduce light spill further, consider adding a small flash snoot or honeycomb grid to your speedlight (if you've got one). This 9mm model fitted directly to the flash head to create an even more focussed light.

Step 7: Adjust the white balance

Many home settings feature light bulbs with a low Kelvin setting, which creates a warm colour cast. Use a Tungsten White Balance preset or make a custom setting for a more neutral, studio-like colour palette.

Step 8: Adjust your frame

Zoom in on the composition to exclude edge detail and fill the frame with your background (and furry pal). Limiting context will minimise the need for removing objects when you edit the images. Shoot multiple frames at a fast continuous burst rate to capture the perfect pet pose.

Read more: 

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Watch the video: Home photography ideas – Get great pictures of your dog!

Plenty of people around the world are either self-isolating or staying home at the request of the government. And while you may not be able to take the wildlife shots you may have been dreaming of now that spring weather is creeping into view, there's a good chance that you have your very own furry little beast to photograph.

Your dog will no doubt love the fact that you're around the house so much right now, so why not give your pooch some extra fuss and make it the subject of some great pet photographs! So, how do you go about it? 

First off, position. Holding the camera at eye level is such a natural posture that you start to take it for granted. However, if you take a shot of your pet from a normal standing position, the result will be a boring, unimaginative picture where your pet just looks small and insignificant. Instead, you need to get right down to your pet’s level – even if that means lying down with your camera practically on the ground.

This simple step makes a huge difference: now you’re shooting your pet from its own eye level, and seeing the world from the animal’s perspective rather than a human’s. If you have to shoot through long grass or flowers then all the better – if you choose your position carefully, and use a wide lens aperture to defocus the foreground and background, it can create a rather nice framing effect.

• Read more: Best pet cameras
• Get more Home photography ideas

You should experiment with focal length as well. A wide-angle lens used close up can produce a striking ‘dog’s eye view' of the world, while a telephoto lens produces a more pleasing perspective and helps you eliminate unwanted backgrounds and isolate your subject more effectively.

Most of all, look for a good setting. It’s all too easy to concentrate so much on your subject that you overlook the surroundings, but these are a vital part of the picture. Don’t just follow your pet around trying to get your shots – choose where you want to take the picture and then entice your pet to pose in the location you have chosen. It can be useful to have a willing helper for this part!

Finally, all the techniques that work well for human portraits – lighting, focal length, focusing on the eyes, the direction of the gaze – can be applied to pet photography. As far as the principles of photography are concerned, animals are people too! 

Depending on your ability and experience – and also how well behaved your furry friend is! – you can use a dedicated portrait lens to achieve great subject separation, shallow depth of field and minimal distortion. However, if you've got a rambunctious pup – or if you simply want more versatility – you would do well to use a standard zoom lens so that you can react and adapt. There's a very good chance that your dog won't stay and pose if you need to get further back! 

01 On level terms

You need to get down to your pet’s eye level, even if that means lying on the ground. This produces a much more interesting shot and the side effect is that you engage much more with your pet. It’s something unusual from their point of view, so that you’re sure to get their attention.

02 Eye-level portraits

It’s amazing that something so simple should make so much difference. Now that your pet is shown at its proper size in its surroundings and you see it at eye level, rather than from above. Using your kit zoom at its widest focal length can produce an interesting perspective too.

03. A longer view

Shallow depth of field effects, where the foreground and background are blurred, can work well, especially if you have a telephoto lens or a superzoom. First, set the camera to Aperture Priority mode, then set the lens to its maximum zoom and widest lens aperture. 

• Best budget telephoto lenses

04 Location, location

Take the time to scout around for a good setting. The long grass in this example is ideal because there’s no background clutter and the wide lens aperture throws both the background and foreground out of focus. These simple tips can yield a timeless portrait of your pet.

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At some point in a photographer’s professional career they will be asked to shoot a pet portrait. High street customers reliably want images of their pets, and many photographic studios will be visited by four-legged subjects on a regular basis. 

However, more photographers have embraced the benefits of remote working, freeing themselves from the overheads of a fixed base. This, combined with the common request by clients to have portraits taken in their home, creates the need to work without studio lights and their associated accessories. 

The greatest challenge in any environment outside the studio is controlling the ambient light, to enable the photographer to shape the illumination of the subject. In addition to this, a person’s home may be filled with visual distractions and unphotogenic elements, which must be worked out of the frame to create a clean composition. 

With a combination of shutter speed, off-camera flash and careful framing it is possible to produce images that appear to have been taken in a controlled studio setting, allowing you to work under any conditions. 

Take the lighting look with you wherever you go and learn to work with minimal kit for a painterly, high-contrast animal portrait your clients will love.

Place the animal 

While we lack a seamless background, having the cat sit on a black cushion will make it easier to control background brightness, as more light will be absorbed by the dark material.

Make the flash directional

Attach a wireless trigger to your speedlight and place this off to one side, at a 90º to 45º angle, elevated slightly above the subject and facing down, approximately where you’d place a strobe.

Set speedlight zoom 

Use the controls on the rear of the flash to increase the head zoom position. Select the longest zoom setting (in this case 105mm) to narrow the beam for a focussed effect. 

Cut ambient light

Increase the shutter speed or stop down the aperture to reduce visible background detail. Start by lowering the ISO, choosing the base sensitivity if possible, then the speed or f-stop if this is insufficient.

Increase flash power

To further darken the environment, increase the flash output and adjust camera settings to match. This will overpower ambient illumination even more, to help with the seamless background effect.

Focus the light

To reduce light spill further, consider adding a small flash snoot or honeycomb grid to your speedlight. This 9mm model fitted directly to the flash head to create an even more focussed light.

Adjust WB

Many home settings feature light bulbs with a low Kelvin setting, creating a warm cast. Use a Tungsten White Balance preset or make a custom setting for a more neutral, studio-like colour palette.

Adjust zoom

Zoom to exclude edge detail and fill the frame with your faux black background, limiting context to minimize the need for software object removal. Shoot multiple frames to capture the perfect pose.

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*Warning: this news story contains gratuitous use of puns. If this may offend you, please contact the industry watchdog*

What's better than a Nikon Z 7? A Nikon Z 7 with a cute puppy next to it, of course. 

That's right, Nikon has released a collection of desktop wallpapers featuring its cameras alongside cute canine companions. Sounds like a mastiff waste of time, but there's a pawsible explanation fur this - it's not just a puplicity stunt!

The rather fetching photos have been snapped by Nikon ambassador and pro photographer Tamara Lackey, who's apparently used to working with children and animals - quite the faux paw. 

For this commission, 40 mischievous puppies were required for the two-day shoot, plus a selection of Nikon's finest cameras for them to play with. From pups looking through the viewfinder (baited into the ideal position with some peanut butter), to those staring right into the lens from a millimeter away, to puppies dressed up for the holidays, there's something for everyone.

Tamara captured all the shots using a Nikon Z 7, proving it's got what it takes to resolve minute furry detail while keeping pace with the cavorting canines. You have to hound it to her - the results really do look the dog's danglies.

Head over to Nikon to download the wallpapers yourself or watch the behind the scenes video below with cuteness overload.

So what's next? Canon re-tail-iates with an EOS R surrounded by kittens? You purred it here furst.

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With all that pent up energy it can be hard to get a good snap of the dog on your smartphone with only wisps of hair and blurred fur as they zoom past. Opt instead for a DSLR and you’ll quickly see just how much more capable you are of capturing some great dog action shots as they bound through the air at full speed using our photography tips.

However, it’s still difficult to balance the exposure, get focusing spot-on and compose the image in a way that pleases the eye. Let alone getting your dog model to behave well enough for your dog photography in the first place!

That’s why having all your settings dialled in first, before unleashing the hairy bullet, can help improve your hit rate. Having a helping hand whilst you’re shooting is also a must if you want good shots. We photographed Rupert, a tan-brown cockapoo, during his evening walk with owners Jess and Ben. 

Although Rupert was only seven months old and had limitless energy, they did a good job of corralling him, aided by the temptation of snacks, to allow us the opportunity to get close photographs of him. So let’s take a look at what you need to do to get mid-action doggy portraits!

1. Continuous burst mode

The first adjustment you should make is to use Continuous High burst mode. When the shutter release button is pressed your DSLR will fire off photos for as long as you hold it down, so you can pick the best shot from the sequence.

2. Continuous autofocus

Engage Continuous autofocus (AF-C) along with Single-point AF, set to the central autofocus point, and keep this trained on the dog’s face as it runs across the frame. The camera will refocus on the animal as it comes closer to you, resulting in more in-focus shots.

3. Fast shutter, narrow aperture

We shot in Manual at 1/320 sec for a fast enough speed to avoid motion blur from the running dog, and with an f/8 aperture for a decent depth of field, ensuring the Rupert’s entire body was crisp. It was getting dark, so we set ISO2000 to maintain a good exposure.

4. Get into position

Shoot from a standing position down at the dog and you’ll end up with plenty of ground, and not much else in your photographs. Crouch down – or even lie down on the ground on your belly – to get a hound’s-eye view of the world.

5. Purposely underexpose

If the light is falling, you’ll have two problems getting a balanced shot: pushing the ISO will increase noise and lower definition; widening the aperture means your dog may not be in focus. Try underexposing by a stop, to maintain the same settings, then boost exposure in post.

6. Avoid distracting backgrounds

Boring gravel pathways and dirty, messy tracks are uninspiring and distracting, so look for natural, grassy surfaces and uncluttered backdrops. Evening light really helps too – in the main shot (previous page) we can see the sunset falling over a glorious countryside vista.

Tips for getting the most out of your shoot

7. Get some helpers and treats

We asked Rupert’s owners to help by standing close by. One stood just behind, camera-right, and the other a few metres at a diagonal camera-left and encouraged him to run back and forth for treats. Rupert then ran diagonally across the frame, giving plenty of time to shoot.

8. Shoot at the start of a walk

Try to start photographing as soon as possible when taking the dog for its walk. When dogs are let off the lead they have a habit of finding the nearest mud bath, and that can look somewhat less attractive in a photograph than a clean, neat pooch.

9. Wear waterproofs

It’s important to don the relevant attire for an outdoor shoot. A suit or smart dress might be appropriate for shooting a wedding, but when there are excited dogs, with dirt and fur all around, it’s better to opt for waterproof clothing, particularly if laying on the ground.

10. Give feedback

Provide plenty of positive feedback to the dog when they do something right. Pats or treats are great ways of encouraging your furry friend to perform the correct way. Make sure you give them breaks in between bouts of shooting, otherwise they might overheat.

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We're all familiar with 'urbex' – exploring and photographing dilapidated old buildings – but Alice van Kempen takes it a step further, as she documents in her book Furbex…

Recently, I started exploring abandoned places and buildings – better known as ‘urban exploration’ or ‘urbex’. I’m fascinated by how Mother Nature is taking back what once belonged to her.

I came up with the idea to let Claire, my bull terrier, pose as a model in these abandoned buildings. This resulted in a series called Furbex, urbex photography with a furry twist. 

The urban adventures with Claire were also a means to creating a positive image of a breed that is often misunderstood. The bull terrier is a sweet-tempered clownish dog; they love humans and their companionship. 

The photos were taken at sites across Europe, some of which no longer exist because they have since been demolished or restored. We strictly follow the urbex rules, but not all of our visits have been legal; sometimes it’s not possible to ask permission because the owners are deceased, or no one – not even the neighbours – know if there are any owners. We always leave the place untouched and use the motto, “take only pictures, leave only pawprints.” That means we never break anything to enter a site; there must be an existing entrance, otherwise it’s a no-go. No vandalism, no theft, we’re there to take photos. 

As for Claire and my safety, we don’t take any risks, it’s just not worth it. This means a lot of preparation at home and, if a location doesn’t feel safe, even after travelling hundreds of miles, we don’t go in. I’ve got special boots, and so has Claire. While entering a building Claire is kept on a short leash all the time, only allowed off-leash when she’s posing.

Gallery: Alice van Kempen's furbex images

When I started the project I did have a book idea in mind. I’m not new to book publishing, having self-published two bull terrier books – a history book and a coffee-table book – but this time I wanted to do it ‘right’ and chose to look for a publisher. Thanks to winning the Wildlife category of the Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition, I came into contact with Ammonite Press. When I showed them a selection of photographs they were very enthusiastic. 

I have worked with Nikon kit since I started as a pro photographer. I began the Furbex series using a Nikon D800 with Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 and Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8. Last year, I bought the Nikon D850 and recently the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 to replace the Tokina. The latter is my favourite lens for Furbex. I now use both cameras; D850 with 14-24mm and D800 with 24-70mm. 

The ruff with the smooth

There’s is so much to see and capture in these buildings. However, light conditions are far from ideal, nonetheless I only make use of existing light; it’s the best way to show the beauty and decay of them. 

In the scarce light, shutter speeds of one, two or even four seconds are required to capture Claire posing in rooms where daylight does its utmost to penetrate. The dynamic range of the D800 and D850 is a massive help in these spots. 

Different locations throw up different challenges: sneaking into an Italian castle in the middle of the night to avoid the villagers, then waiting hours for the first ray of light to appear; being inside an abandoned orphanage when machines suddenly turn up to level the ground – the only thing we could do was walk out with a poker face, wishing the spectators a good morning and leaving quickly…

Furbex: A Dog’s Life of Urban Exploration by Alice Van Kempen is published by Ammonite Press, £12.99

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Monday 14 January is Dress Up Your Pet Day (yes, it's an actual thing) and, love 'em or hate 'em, pets in people clothes make a popular photo subject. 

When we recently spoke to Sandra Müller about her latest book Dog People, we found out how and why she wanted to photograph animals looking like humans.

Meet Sandra...

"I have been a big animal lover since childhood – from guinea pigs to my aunt’s dog, who I spent entire summer vacations with. As a photographer, I can live a creative life and also spend a lot of time with animals and people. 

Today, I’m the proud owner of Maja, the ‘most beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog mix in the world,’ (of course, she is in the book) and have found my calling. 

I especially enjoy the closeness to animals and I love to work with them. I bought my first SLR camera at 14, and at 23 now shoot with a Canon EOS 5D Mk II."

See more of Sandra's work on her website.

The story behind Sandra's 'Dog people'

"These images aren't meant to be a fashion show for dogs and owners. 

I wanted to provide creative photographic answers to the question: “What kind of person would this dog be?” Whether it’s Great Dane Holly as a couch potato or ‘Gismo’ riding a Harley.

I specialise in portraits of people and dogs, and feel that it’s important to capture the personality of my subjects. 

The series is a colourful parade of dogs, from Giant Schnauzers to Pugs, from registered purebreds to street mutts.

83 images make up the book Dog People, published by teNeues, along with a humorous description of each dog explaining how the outfits were chosen."

How to photograph your own pets

Sandra’s shots are proof you don’t need expensive lenses to get stunning results. She’s used a budget EF 50mm lens and artificial lights to illuminate the dogs in the same way as a human portrait.

"I worked in a controlled studio environment using similar settings, so that each shot was visually consistent throughout the book (f/8 and ISO160). I also used the same lens: the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. 

It’s the lightest and least expensive Canon lens in the range, but still gives sharp images, excellent colour balance and contrast, and is great for portraits."

Sandra has great animal magnetism, and an understanding of her subjects has proved invaluable for capturing great dog portraits.

The catch light in the eyes makes the furry subjects look bright and alive.

Find out more about Dog People

About Dress up your Pet Day and animal welfare

If you decide to dress your furry friends, make sure that they're safe and comfortable. Don't force them to do anything they don't want to do.

The outfit shouldn't limit your pet's movement or their ability to breathe.

Discover more inspiration for Dress up Your Pet day at https://www.dressupyourpetday.com/about-us

• The best pet camera

Download project files to your computer from: http://downloads.photoplusmag.com/pp120.zip

Among the most enticing tools in Photoshop’s box of tricks are those that give you the power to reshape objects, people or even animals.

Chief among these pixel-pushing tools is the Liquify command. It acts almost like a mini-app within Photoshop, coming complete with its own toolbar, menus and shortcuts. With Liquify, you can smoothly nudge a shape into something entirely new. The most common – and controversial – application of this technique is to reshape the bodies of models for fashion magazine photo shoots, but it can be used for almost anything – including creating a caricature of a rhinoceros! 

You begin by creating a rough cutout of the rhino and copying it to a new layer, so you can reshape it without affecting the pixels in the background. Once done, you can get stuck in with the Liquify command. The trick is to emphasize the natural shape of the animal, so that at first glance you can’t quite put your finger in why it looks a little odd… 

STEP BY STEP: Box clever

Create a playful creature caricature using the Liquify filter

01 ISOLATE THE ANIMAL

Paint over the animal with the Quick Selection Brush (if it picks up any background, hold Alt and paint to subtract). Once you have a selection, go to Select> Refine Edge, increase Radius and check Smart Radius to improve it. Set Output to: New Layer. Hit OK.

02  FILL IN THE BACKGROUND

Go to the Layers panel, highlight the bottom layer and hit Ctrl+J to duplicate it. Ctrl-click on the rhino layer’s thumbnail. Go to Select>Modify>Expand and set 15px. Go to Edit>Fill and choose Contents: Content-Aware to create a rough backdrop minus the rhino.

03 RESHAPE THE BODY

Right-click on the top layer and ‘Convert to Smart Object’. Go to Filter>Liquify. Use the Forward Warp tool and a large brush size to nudge the edges of the animal into whatever shape you like. The Forward Warp tool is most effective with lots of short pushes.

04 ANGLE THE DETAILS

Continue pushing pixels with the Liquify tools. You can take the effect as far as you like, perhaps by making the details, like the eye here, more angular. If any areas go wrong, rebuild them using the Reconstruct tool in the Liquify toolbar. Hit OK when you’re happy.

05 TIDY THE EDGES

There will be messy patches around the edges of the animal. Click on the Create New Layer icon in the Layers panel and grab the Clone tool. Set Sample: All Layers in the tool options, then zoom in, hold Alt to sample the nearby background, and clone to tidy up.

06 FINISHING TOUCHES

Pick the Spot Healing tool, set to Sample All Layers, and paint to remove any messy spots. Finally, with the top layer highlighted, click on the Create Adjustment Layer icon in the Layers panel, pick Curves, then plot an S-shaped curve to boost the colours slightly.