DOG PORTRAITS

The Secrets To Taking Awesome Dog Portraits By Elke Vogelsang

Published by Klassy Goldberg · March 25th 2014

http://500px.com/blog/1091/the-secrets-to-taking-awesome-dog-portraits-by-elke-vogelsang?utm_source=500px&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=march272014digesttest10am&utm_content=photo1

Here at HQ, we have a special spot in our hearts for dogs. So when we stumbled upon Elke Vogelsang's dog portraits, we were instantly smitten. Her ability to capture her four-legged subjects at their most expressive and playful is just extraordinary. Mostly shot in close-ups, each portrait brims with intimacy, a sense of humor, and the photographer's own technique.
So how does she do it? We asked this Germany-based photographer to share her personal story, her own tips to getting a good portrait shot, and her choice of gear. Ready to step into Elke's world and gather some handy tips? Scroll down, and prepare to be amazed!

ELKE'S TIPS TO HANDLING AND PHOTOGRAPHING DOGS

1. Be patient

"Give the dogs some time to get used to you being around and to relax. The dog's owner plays a major part in entertaining the dog, but sometimes the owners are even more nervous than the dogs. That's when you have to try to calm them down. Dogs, or any other animal, should never be hassled to do something."

2. Let the dogs explore the studio or the location

"The atmosphere should always be as relaxed as possible, which is especially important with portraits."

3. Ask the dog's owner in advance to bring the dog's favorite food or toy

"Of course, a well-trained dog is a plus, but sometimes your model has his or her own will. Then you have to try to persuade them with something they really like — whether it's food or a toy. Ask the owner in advance to bring the dog's favorite food or toy, but wait to see if it's really necessary to use these items. Sometimes dogs get overexcited when you show them their favorite food or toy. Take a few minutes to watch the dog and its behavior to see how you can try to get its attention. Every dog is different and every dog needs a different approach. This is something I really like about this job."

4. Get an assistant

"A well-trained dog is definitely a pro, but some just don't follow orders, so it's always good to have a person to assist you. Although you can produce gorgeous spontaneous shots while watching the action unfold, you will get more predictable results when you are able to direct the dog."

5. Get their attention by using sounds

"Some dogs react to food or toys. Some are just not interested in either. You could use a squeaky toy to try to get a dog's attention. Let your assistant hold the toy behind your head and squeeze it. But take care — some dogs won't sit and wait — they will jump towards the toy, which could ruin the portrait you are about to shoot. But you might also get a surprised look from a dog looking straight into your camera. Test a few sounds and see what happens. Try whistling or humming. You can download apps with animal sounds for your mobile. Start every noise at a very low volume. This usually works better than loud noises. Always take care not to scare the animal off."