When Finn came into my life three years ago I found I was always taking photos on my iPhone and DSLR of his edible face. Since starting my business I have perfected dog photography and thought you guys would want to hear some of my tips! Pet photography requires a lot of patience, but if you are patient enough, you will eventually get a great shot. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @finnandmecollection 

1. Natural Light

Like any photography, natural light is key. If you are using a flash, often your pup will get red eye and some dogs will get startled. So it is best to go outside or if you are not able to go outside, shoot in a well lit environment.

2. Setting

It is always a good idea to plan where you are shooting. Make sure the backdrop of your photos work for the aesthetic you are aiming for. I am lucky enough that a dear friend of mine is a fantastically talented interior designer and allows me to use her home and garden for many of my shoots. Paying attention to details is always important! For instance, make sure you don’t have a bag of trash or used coffee cup behind your subject!

3. Having an Assistant

When shooting dogs, it is always best to have a friend helping. Have your assistant stand behind you and call out your dog’s name to get their attention. Also, TREATS!! Use lot’s of treats. Grab your pup’s favorite snack and use them as a bribing mechanism.

4. A tired dog is a good dog

If possible, take your dog for a little exercise before your shoot. When your dog is tired he is less likely to be moving around and thus easier to photograph!

5. Shutter Speed

If you are on a DSLR, adjusting your camera to a high shutter speed is important. Because dogs move around a lot, a faster shutter speed will help capture your subject. Keep in mind that that the lens will capture less light and for this reason being outside and having natural light is ideal, while being inside you are put at a disadvantage.

6. Have Fun!

Try shooting from different angles to see what works best. This may include rolling on the ground a little bit, so don't wear white! If you play around with different shots, eventually you will find what works best.

6. Editing photos

You don't need Photo Shop to edit photos, there are lot of free apps that you can edit photos right from your phone. A couple of my favorites are Snapped and Afterlight. Usually you are going to want to adjust the brightness and contrast. Sharpening the photo (but not too much!) accentuates small details, such as fur which really enhances a photo!