Everyone thinks their dog is the cutest and funniest! To be honest, everyone is right to think that — what dog isn’t cute and funny in their own unique way?! We, as pet owners, want to share the joy that our dogs exude. Maybe you want to share your dog on Instagram or maybe you just want to have wonderful photos to look back on that really showcase who your dog is. Capturing your dog’s personality and all their silly quirks in photos can be easy with these helpful tips!
KNOW YOUR PUP
The main trick to capturing your dog’s personality is knowing them and knowing what makes them tick! What do they react to? Do they react with jumping and kisses when you ask if they want to go for a walk? Do they tilt their head and put their ears up when you say “squirrel?” These are things to keep in mind when you want to bring your dog’s personality to life in photos.
With my pup, Paisley, I know she is highly motivated by praise and food (I mean, she is a Labrador retriever so the food thing should be no surprise to anyone!) If we are out and about and I want to snap her picture, I will use some of these triggers to get her attention and show off her personality. One thing to keep in mind — don’t ever lose your dog’s trust by not following through. If you offered a treat for sitting or asked if they wanted to go for a walk to get their head tilting for a photo, be sure to do so after! Trust is key. When they comply for a picture, they deserve all the rewards!
LOCATION MATTERS
To bring out the best personality in your dog, sometimes you need to take them to their favorite spot! For Paisley, she LOVES anywhere near the water or mountains. Her vibrant, energetic personality comes alive when she’s on the beach or she’s hiking up a mountain. In these locations, not only does it make for beautiful photographs with the best surroundings, but it also brings out the best, happiest side of my girl, Paisley! Think about your dog’s favorite spots and what gets him or her the most excited. It’s just like us in a way. I’m happiest and feel alive when on the beach! Tune in to your dog’s personality and what location makes them come alive! This makes for the most genuine and epic photographs of your pup.
KEEP CALM & PHOTOGRAPH
Let’s talk about when your pup is at home and at rest. These can be some really sweet photographs and can show another side of your pup. In this case, you will not want to say anything to hype them up, but rather encourage them to remain at ease by using a calm voice or giving a quick belly rub. This can be the trickiest part of their personality to capture because they get so excited when you zone in on them. If Paisley wakes up to me taking her photo, all she wants to do is give me kisses and snuggles! Once I sneakily take her photo or keep my voice in a calm tone while she’s resting in a cute way, I’m ready for the snuggles!
As you can tell, there is a trend in how to capture your dog’s personality in photos! It’s all about KNOWING them, what they love and what makes them who they are. Use all of that to your advantage and let them be their most genuine selves. You will always come away with the perfect photo showcasing the best side of your pup!
What locations and triggers work with your pup? Leave a comment below and come say hi on mine and Paisley’s Instagram!
XO!
Markie & Paisley
Markie Walden is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in South Carolina. Markie and her husband, Rob, love spending time with their pup, Paisley. She is an energetic and loving yellow Labrador Retriever who brings joy everywhere she goes! When not off photographing her wonderful clients, Markie loves capturing Paisley in photos.
See Markie’s pup, Paisley, also on Instagram!
One comment
This is great! Some days I catch Nash’s sweet personality… other days he can be SUCH a sassy pants! LOL!