The beauty of being a pet parent lies in the connection we develop with our pets and the memories we create together. When it comes to reciprocating affection, no other pet can compare to dogs. Your dog will smother you with hugs and sloppy kisses or even stare at you with adoration. Moments like these deserve to be captured and preserved. 

Taking photos of your dog is about more than saving memories. The unfortunate truth is that no matter how young your dog is, you will eventually have to part ways with them. The average lifespans for dogs are 10 to 13 years. So, having photographs is a way you can keep your dog’s legacy alive. 

You can look at photographs fondly and recall when they are just little pups or mark other momentous occasions, like going out to the park for the first time. While a professional session with a photographer who specializes in pet photography is ideal for capturing special moments, they won’t be with you all the time, so knowing how to get those special moments documented with your smartphone can be very handy!

USING A SMARTPHONE TO CAPTURE PHOTOS 

If you think you need your own expensive camera to take photographs of your dog, you are mistaken. Smartphone cameras nowadays can be high-quality enough for smaller-sized prints or sharing online with friends and family. You only need your smartphone to save some of the best times with your dog. 

Nowadays, most, if not all, smartphones come with high-resolution front and back cameras, perfect for photographs, including selfies. Smartphone cameras are a great way to take pictures of your dogs, especially candid moments because you always have your smartphone with you. Your smartphone makes it possible to take spontaneous pictures wherever, whenever. 

WAYS TO OPTIMIZE PHOTO QUALITY WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE 

If you are still not convinced that your smartphone picture quality is good enough, below are some simple ways to optimize the outcome. To get a good photo of your dog with your smartphone, you should do the following:

Take a Lot of Photos 

Taking photos, like most other things in life, can be perfected through practice. As you take more and more photos with your smartphone, you get better and better at it. The quality of the images you capture will improve since you will become more accustomed to your smartphone’s various features and settings. Through trial and error, you will figure out which settings are best for different shots. 

Taking many pictures has other advantages as well. You can immortalize your dog’s special moments since the smartphone camera is so convenient and easily accessible. It will allow you to capture some truly remarkable moments. Another advantage is that with time, your dog will get used to the idea of having their photograph taken. They will become familiar with the concept of having their picture taken and will pose accordingly. This will automatically improve image quality as your dog will appear with better facial expressions and face the camera.

Use Light to Your Advantage

Lighting plays a significant role in the final look of any photo. The way light can affect the final outcome of an image is extraordinary. It is light that ultimately determines what we see. So, being aware of light and how it plays off on elements that will become part of a photo is integral. 

Use natural sunlight when you can since it is bright and allows you to take photos that are full of vibrant colors. Natural light captures colors as they appear in real life. You can showcase the beautiful color of your dog’s fur or their eyes in the daylight. 

For best results, the light source should be behind the camera and illuminate the person, pet, or object you are photographing. If, however, you have to use artificial lighting, then make sure it is strategically placed. Even the best moments do not translate well into photos without proper lighting.

Capture Your Dog’s Features 

Like people, dogs have their best angles that produce positive images when captured correctly. You must know your dog’s features and how these translate them into photos. Being aware of your dog’s best angle means you can get photos using your smartphone that make them look their best. Try getting down on their level and be aware of how different focal lengths or zooming can affect their features, like a long nose!

Use Different Shooting Modes 

Smartphone cameras now come with more and more options. There are a variety of different modes and settings, and you also have the option to edit the photos using various apps once they are captured. Try out the different shooting modes to see which one works the best for you. Use the fast-motion or sport mode if your dog is being extra playful and moving about. The fast-motion mode will freeze the frame and help prevent blurry photos. You can switch to a panoramic view to get more of the scenery or use the shutter burst to take a bunch of shots fast. Just play with the various settings and options present so you know how to take the best photos.

Prepare Your Dog 

Don’t expect your dog to sit and pose for you. They may not get the concept of taking a photo, especially when you first begin. You can use treats and toys to encourage them to sit still and look at the camera. When they do well with following directions, reward them. It also helps if you keep your dog groomed and camera-ready. You do not want a nice candid moment ruined by dirty fur, eye boogers, or other messes. You can do this with a visit to a local groomer or yourself with some pin brushes to tame their fur.

MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME 

Our time with our pets is limited, making it even more important to cherish every moment we have with them. Having photos and saving these moments is the least we can do. Using a smartphone is a great option for capturing photos of your beloved pet. The great thing is that you can take as many as you like and delete the ones that do not turn out well. Another huge advantage of smartphone use is editing photos in minutes, not seconds. You can touch things up, like improve the colors or shading or remove unnecessary objects. Smartphones are a convenient and easy way to have your memories saved forever.

Thank you to Arslan Hassan for this guest post! Arslan Hassan is an experienced content writer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics.

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