Photographer’s Corner: Ultimate
Shots
By Robyn Martin
A few months ago as I was cleaning out an old hope chest, I came across
pictures I had taken over the years and thought, “When did I have time to take
so many pictures?” There were pictures of my daughter, pictures of my family,
and pictures of all of the dogs that I’ve owned. There were hundreds of
pictures. So many that I couldn’t remember who half of the people were – but I
knew all of my dogs! Most people take hundreds of pictures of their loved-ones,
but not of the family pet. Usually once the puppy stage is over, the camera goes
back into the closet – but there is so much more to capture.
Everyone at one time or another has had the perfect photo opportunity and was
caught without a camera. I take pictures until the battery goes dead just to get
the shot I want. So, how do you get “the perfect photo?” It’s not impossible,
but it does take some time and a little patience.
EQUIPMENT
The first step in getting the ultimate photo is having the
right equipment. You don’t have to own the latest in camera technology. However,
I do recommend that you stay away from disposable cameras if you want a good
quality photo. I love digital cameras. After the picture is taken, you can
immediately decide if you want to keep it or not. If you have a computer, you
can save the pictures to a file or disc without ever dealing with photo paper.
But if you are like me and want every photo printed, a good photo printer must
be purchased. Also, there are many new websites that will print your photos for
you, usually at or below the price of most photo labs. All you have to do is
upload the photos to their site and order the ones you want. They will send them
to you within a few days. You don’t even have to change you pajamas for that
purchase! Now that’s what I call convenience!
If you would rather get up, get dressed, fix the hair, and go out to get your
photos, then you should invest in a good film camera. Honestly, I like the
quality and clarity of the photos from film cameras better than the digital
cameras. However, you never know what you are going to get until you have them
developed. That’s the major drawback. There have been many times when I have
taken “the perfect shot” only to find out the lighting wasn’t right, or there
was a mysterious object floating across the top of the picture. Was it a finger,
an arm strap, or an alien? You may never know – and you just wasted 20 cents on
it. I could be sure that the shot didn’t have any faults, I would definitely use
a film camera.
There is one film camera that I would never use to capture a great shot –
especially of a dog – and that would be the Polaroid camera. Don’t get me wrong,
they are great for everyday use to capture a moment; but they are not good for
capturing professional looking shots. They have a strange way of making dogs
look.....well, not like dogs. The flash overpowers the subject and makes them
look as white as rice. There isn’t much of a focus range so it’s usually blurry,
and close-up shots are not recommended.
Speaking of close-up shots, you’ll never get a good close-up shot of your dog
if you use a flash, unless you have a zoom lens. If you are standing five feet
from your subject, the flash is going to focus on your subject and nothing else.
This will produce a very bright picture that is out of focus. If you want a
great close-up shot of your dog, interchangeable lenses are ideal. However, the
majority of Americans don’t have access to that type of camera. Most cameras now
have the built-in zoom feature and auto focus, which is a must if you want to
capture the close-up shots. A zoom feature of at least 10x total optical would
probably be best. Having the zoom feature on your camera is also great for
taking pictures from a distance. You can sit on the porch and take pictures of
your dog chasing a bug in the grass without him ever knowing you’re there.
LIGHTING
Now that we have our equipment, we can discuss the dos and don’ts of taking
great pictures. Lighting is the key. The best pictures are usually taken outside
in natural light. It captures all of the dog’s colors and features without the
shiny eyes you get when using a flash. It is a good idea to take outdoor
pictures in sunlight, with the light shining from the side or overhead. Never
take a picture with the sun in front of you, or shining toward the camera. Not
only will you be blinded for a few seconds, but you won’t get a good shot of the
dog. It’s also a good idea to make sure the sun is not directly behind you, or
your shadow will most likely be in the picture. Sunlight is especially good for
pictures when the contrast of the dog and the background are similar in color.
For example, if you have a Yellow Lab lying in the dirt, you could snap the shot
when the sunlight is coming from the side, capturing all the shadows in the
dirt. You might also try zooming in on your subject to fill the frame.
Otherwise, your picture may just look like a big yellow blob when you develop
it.
If there is not much sunlight, carefully consider your background. Don’t use
a “set-up” type background; instead, capture your dog’s image in natural
settings. This will make for more entertaining pictures. Don’t force your dog to
sit in a flowerpot; leave those pictures to professionals with their quality
background arrangements. Green grass provides a great backdrop, whether it’s
sunny or overcast outside. The bright green color of grass is always a perfect
contrast to your subject, regardless of its color. It’s also a more natural
environment for the dog, making him more comfortable and increasing your chances
of getting realistic poses. Also, don’t take outdoor pictures at night unless
you have a good quality flash on your camera (or a camera that’s specially
equipped for night-time shots).
I would only recommend using the “red-eye” flash when taking portrait-style
pictures – one in which the subject is not moving. This flash is ineffective and
pointless to use, because a dog is usually on-the-move and very active. When the
“red-eye” flash is engaged, the camera actually flashes twice. The first flash
is a subtle flash to offset the redness in the eyes. The second flash is the
main flash which captures the subject in the light. The biggest problem here is
movement; if there is movement, the picture will be blurry. You must be
absolutely still, and that’s a difficult thing to do when taking pictures of
your Jack Russell puppy. Add-on flashes are the best. The light that they
produce isn’t overpowering. Also, the brightness of the light is dependent on
the zoom of the camera. If you are taking a picture from 100 feet away, the
flash is going to be much brighter than if you are standing 10 feet away. This
gives you great exposure on each shot from any distance.
CAMERA SETTINGS & FEATURES
Most new cameras have a variety of settings for different types of shots. If
you don’t have an add-on flash, for instance, your camera may have a setting
that will allow you to take distance shots – still maintaining good picture
quality. These setting types are usually pre-programmed for the average
consumer, but you can always make adjustments to those settings according to
your preferences. If you’re not sure of your camera capabilities, consult your
Owner’s Guide. Don’t assume that you know everything about your camera; I’m
still uncovering new features on mine!
There is one feature that is an absolute necessity if you want to capture
great photos of your dog (especially if he is running around like a lunatic in
the backyard) – and most new cameras are equipped with it. I call it the “burst”
feature, although it can be referred to differently depending on the brand name
and camera model. This feature allows you to take multiple shots of your dog at
one time. I do a lot of photography at our performance events, so I use this
feature often. In order for me to get the shot I’m looking for, it’s often
necessary that I use this feature - capturing near simultaneous movements of the
dog. What was once difficult to photograph, is now possible – such as “in air”
or “in flight” poses. To capture a Malinois jumping through the tire of an
agility course; or an Old English Bulldogge strutting her stuff in the
conformation ring; or a Pit Bull pulling 1500 pounds of weight – these images
are now possible thanks to “burst” technology. With a multiple burst of 4
near-simultaneous shots, your chances of getting that “perfect” picture
increases. Again, every camera is different, but this one is worth your time and
attention if your camera has this capability.
The last point that I want to make about great picture-taking is to suggest
that you get on the same level as your subject. If you are taking a picture of a
Toy Poodle, you won’t get a true dimensional shot if you are shooting above the
dog or standing over him. Instead, get down on its level, or horizontal to its
location. This will produce a more realistic photo and appear as though you are
capturing the dog’s life, not just looking down upon him as though you are
superior. If your parents were always taking pictures of the top of your head,
wouldn’t you get a little upset? The same thing applies to animals. We want to
see their cute little mug! So make sure you shoot on their level. The only time
you should take a picture from above is when they are rolling around on the
floor. You definitely want that Kodak moment!
QUANTITY FOR QUALITY
Good pictures come with practice. As you experiment with lighting, camera
setting, and different backgrounds, the quality of your photos will improve.
When I go to an event, I average approximately 200 pictures per day. Granted,
the majority of them aren’t useable. But I’ve done well if I walk away with 50
great shots. The key to better quality pictures is to keep shooting. If you have
a digital camera, you have the ability to take hundreds of pictures – just keep
an eye on your battery power. If you have a film camera, make sure you have
plenty of film in reserve. Keep it fun, and don’t stress out in your quest for
the “perfect” picture. Try to resist over-analyzing pictures, backgrounds,
settings, etc. – just shoot and have fun! Remember, natural is always better.
Check your color contrasts, and make sure your lighting is adequate for what you
are trying to accomplish. If you need to add a flash, turn the “red-eye” feature
off so that your final product will be clear. Dogs provide some of the best
subjects to photograph because they are unpredictable and are naturally “hamming
it up.” If you want predictable shots, take them when your dog is sleeping or
eating. Otherwise, let loose....try something new....and before you know it, you
will have some “perfect” pictures that you will be proud to show off.