Photographing Dogs: It’s Basically Like Photographing Toddlers in Fur Coats

If you’ve ever tried to photograph a dog, you know the chaos.
The excitement.
The complete lack of regard for your fancy camera or careful posing.

It’s like photographing toddlers — only they can run faster and lick your lens.

Rule #1: Weird Noises Are Your Best Friend

Want that head tilt? That “alert and adorable” look?
Make a noise. No, a weird noise.
Whistle. Squeak. Snort. Do a high-pitched alien sound if you must.

The goal is not to impress the humans.
The goal is to confuse the dog just enough to make them look directly into your soul (aka lens).

Rule #2: Be Ready — Like, Always

You’re not going to pose a dog and then casually take 3 shots.
Nope.
You’ll take 317 photos in 3 minutes and hope for 2 winners.

Burst mode is your best friend.
Fast shutter speed is non-negotiable.
And that treat in your pocket? That’s your secret weapon.

Rule #3: Treats, Praise, and More Treats

Dogs are simple creatures.
They want food.
They want love.
And they want to smell every square inch of the area before sitting still.

Bring treats. Use treats. Bribe shamelessly.
Then offer dramatic praise like they just won the Westminster Dog Show.

Rule #4: Patience > Perfection

You will not get it right on the first try.
You will get nose smudges on your lens.
You will have a moment where you think, “This was a terrible idea.”

And then—suddenly—you’ll get the shot.
The ears up, eyes sharp, tongue out, tail-wagging money shot.
And you’ll remember why it’s totally worth the chaos.

Bonus Tip: Embrace the Outtakes

Just like with kids, sometimes the “oops” photos are the real winners.
The derpy face.
The mid-jump blur.
The moment they sprint off camera for literally no reason.

That’s part of the charm. Don’t fight it. Celebrate it.

The Bottom Line

Photographing dogs isn’t about control — it’s about connection.
Treat them like kids:
Make noise.
Get eye-level.
Pray to the photography gods.
And most importantly, have fun.

Because if you’re not enjoying it…
trust me, the dog won’t either.