The number one thing I get asked by my clients is “how do you take such awesome pics of the dogs???” Followed by “I wish I could do that, you must have an amazing camera!”

Truth is…90% of my dog pictures are taken with my phone, and most of the time my best shots are completely by accident! 

I’ll have more in depth posts going into detail my exact process, but here are my quick tips to getting instagram worthy shots today!!

Tip #1 Just keep snapping!

If I’m doing a photo shoot with my dogs, I’m taking about 200 pictures easily. Because if you wait for the perfect shot, its not going to come.

This is what I mean by accidental shots, as soon as you get  your dog settled, start snapping pics!! Chances are you’re going to have an awesome one in there.

The more pictures you take, the better your odds are of having an awesome one to work with. A lot of times I don’t even realize how good some of my shots are until I go back and go through all the ones I took.

Tip #2 Bring all the treats

Treats are an obvious one, but the right treats are key. Make sure the ones you bring with you are ones your dog loves. So many times Ive gotten all ready to take pictures and my dogs have no interest in the treats I brought.

Bringing treats that are small and quick to chew is also very helpful. Soft treats broken into smaller pieces are my favorite. They’re a quick reward and you can get back to snapping pics right away.

String cheese is a favorite of mine, my dogs don’t ever get it, so when I bring it out when I take pictures its like a brand new treat. Before I leave the house I cut a couple up into tiny pieces and put them in a plastic bag. Pieces of cut up chicken work as well!

Just make sure whatever treat you bring, you have it ready and its easily accessible!

Tip #3 Don’t be afraid to make ridiculous noises

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out in public and Im making noises like a crazy person. Remember there’s a bunch of things to distract your dog, you’re gonna need to grab their attention.

I’ve also started bringing a couple squeaky toys with different squeak noises along with me. This works really well but it does mean you now have to hold something else. Try some things out and see which one works best for you.  

Tip #4 Try out different angles

My favorite angle is from above. Your dog is more likely to look up at you than any other direction. Hold the treat or squeaky toy up in front of your dog, and whether they’re sitting or standing you’re pretty much guaranteed a great shot!!

Tip #5 Don’t believe what you see on instagram

Let me say it again for the people in the back…my first tip is to have realistic exceptions. I know that adorable dog without its leash, posing perfectly in the middle of the woods looks effortless…but its not…and usually are edited to make it look as though there’s no leash. 

When taking pictures of your dog, or any pets for that matter, realize that they are animals and are going to most likely be distracted and or not going to want to sit and pose 100 times.

Some of my best shots are candid ones of my pups having a good time. even ones of them sleeping end up being adorable. Go out and have fun!! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or your pup.

Practice makes perfect, once you get out there a few times you’ll fall into a rhythm and it’ll be second nature and you’ll get that perfect shot every time!!

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Stay tuned for more blog posts on how to easily edit your pictures! In the meantime I hope these tips helped! I can’t wait to see all the pictures you guys take!! Use the hashtag #dogsdontwearpantsblog so I can see them!!