Dog Photography (Is that a piece of cheese on your lens?)

by Dave Aupperlee

OK, I’ll admit it. I can be a real pest with my camera. It seems the more I photograph certain individuals, the more shots I get of the “STOP” outstretched hand in front of the lens. I have given up on (human) family members. I don’t blame them. I have tormented them with my camera for years.

Dogs, on the other hand, could care less. They are always willing to stop and even pose for the camera. It doesn’t matter to them how their hair looks, what outfit they have on, or if it is not a flattering angle. All they want is the attention. That’s what I like about photographing dogs.

Take Angel, for example, my brother and sister-in-laws’ Coton de Tulear puppy. We had the good fortune of finding a dog-friendly beach during a recent camping trip in northern lower Michigan. Bonus! Angel came out of the water and was more than happy to strike a pose. Gotta love her. (In all fairness, she is a really cute fluffy dog when dried out.)

Then there are our two Old English Sheepdogs, Sophie and Lucy. Not exactly water-loving, but they enjoyed the opportunity to cool off in the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan. How about a picture? Sure, no problem. How’s our hair? Whatever….

German photographer Claus Dyba recently posted some tips for dog photography. While your camera gear may not be as sophisticated as his, there are some good pointers (including taping a piece of cheese to your lens) and some striking photos. Check it out at http://blog.pocketwizard.com/?p=4643

Seriously, taping a piece of cheese to your lens?