Are you ready to dive into the adorable world of puppy photography?

We host regular Lounge calls in our Premium Membership, focusing on a particular topic each month, and this time we celebrated the joy of photographing puppies. We're sharing the bare bones of what we spoke about during the hour-long Zoom session here, but if you want to hear the whole thing, the replay is waiting for you in the Unleashed Live archives when you login or join the membership.

Let's start by acknowledging the sheer joy that comes from talking about, and of course, photographing puppies. If you're not jumping at the thought of a puppy shoot, you may be in the wrong industry! Puppies can be the most rewarding, yet challenging subjects. Whether you're photographing your own pups just for fun, or perhaps it's a professional shoot for a client, capturing the essence of these adorable creatures requires oodles of patience, skill, and sometimes a little creativity. 

This guide aims to explore the nuances of photographing puppies, breaking it down into manageable sections, ensuring both our two-legged and four-legged participants come away happy.

Let's explore three different puppy photography scenarios and how to make the most out of your sessions.

Photographing Clients' Puppies

1. Keep it short and sweet. When photographing puppies that belong to clients, it's imperative to consider their stamina and attention spans and it's up to you to educate clients as to the value of shorter sessions. Two-hour sessions might be the norm for older dogs, but are far too lengthy for puppies, who tire easily and need breaks. Sessions should be tailored to the puppy's age and energy levels, ranging from 15 minutes for younger puppies up to an hour for older ones.

2. Be safe. Puppies require vaccinations to keep them safe in different environments, and many regions, like Australia, recommend puppies not leave their home until after their third vaccination. Consider conducting shoots at the puppy's home or choosing low-risk, controlled environments like private gardens. Each country has its own set of guidelines, so be sure to know the rules in your area. 

3. Shoot candids. Candid photography is ideal for puppies. They allow the puppy to relax without much pressure, enabling you to capture natural expressions and playful antics.

4. Use a long lens. Using a long lens is beneficial because getting too close often results in puppies clambering all over you in excitement. Which is adorable but not always conducive to photographing them! Capture candid shots which are low-pressure and allow puppies to be in their natural state. Engage their interest with toys or sounds to elicit cute expressions.

Embracing the Chaos of Litters

Photographing a whole litter is on the challenging side of pet photography due to the sheer unpredictability and number of subjects involved. Ideal for those moments when they're discovering the world at 6-7 weeks old, these sessions require patience and lots of helping hands.

5. Gather helpers for group shots. Group shots can be magical but require coordination. Get your friends involved – you can never have too many hands when dealing with a litter. Ideally, have one helper for every two puppies, leaving you free to frame your shot, get your settings sorted and be ready to capture the perfect moment.

6. Elevate, but not too high. Position puppies on a low surface to prevent falls and ensure someone is always nearby to assist if needed.

7. Time the shoot carefully. Shoot when the puppies are a little tired but not ready to sleep. The ideal time is when they are alert, but not in manic play or exploration mode!

8. Hone your eye for detail. Capture individual personalities by taking candid shots of the puppies exploring their environment and interacting with each other. Also, include standard "stack" shots if relevant for the breeder.

Capturing Your Own Puppy's Moments

Your own puppy provides a unique opportunity to document their growth and capture the nuances of their developing personality. Photographing your own puppy not only helps you bond, but is a great exercise in patience and creativity. Here’s how to ensure your furry friend becomes an enthusiastic participant:

9. Utilise positive association. Every time the camera comes out, make it a cause for celebration! By associating it with treats and playtime, your pup will look forward to photo sessions rather than wanting to run and hide.

10. Take the pressure off by shooting candids. Allow your puppy to explore and capture these candid moments. Use these to train them to see the camera as a fun part of their day rather than a job.

11. Make your sessions fun and short. Avoid shooting for extended periods; instead, intersperse mini modelling moments with playtime.

12. Don't always take the camera. Occasionally leave the camera at home to enjoy un-pressured playtime. This prevents your puppy from associating the camera with "work", maintaining their enthusiasm for future shoots.

For more tips about photographing your own pups, you might like to check out this blog post: How to Train Your Dog Model in 5 Easy Steps

In closing, remember that photographing puppies is about celebrating their personalities and the relationships they nurture with us and their environment. Whether it’s a professional session with a client’s pup or bonding moments with your own, joy and patience are your best tools. Embrace these fleeting moments and document them with care and creativity. Happy shooting!