Dog Modeling - Tips & Advice Part 3

Hi!  I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving Day with their family, pups and friends!!  Since our family is so far away (in Michigan), my husband, the girls and I celebrated by ourselves but had tons of fun and lots of delicious food!  Yep, KC Adogus and Amore got their very own plates of turkey and sides! 

Did anyone get a chance to practice any of the modeling tips I gave in "Dog Modeling - Tips & Advice Parts 1 & 2?  I did want to add that as far as the "Angels Eyes" I recommended, we personally do not like the "Natural" version as much.  Amore's eyes just do not seem to clear up like the did with the regular "Angels Eyes".  Has anyone else tried the natural version?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on it as well!

So, I have a few more tips & tricks that I'd like to share.  Next week I'd like to begin a series on Pet Photographers to introduce you to a few of my very favorites!  They are from all over the US, from Florida to Texas to Puerto Rico!

Tip #6 - Professional Photographer
One of the quickest ways to get your pup to noticed is professional photos!  Professional photographers have the talent, experience, props, equipment and know how to capture your dog's inner model!  Magazine editors, blog writers, and pet fashion designers are all looking for beautiful eye catching shots.  If your picture is dark, blurry, or if it has a distracting background, chances are it will not be their first pick...or second....or third...  I definitely recommend that all dogs starting out have professional shots taken to build their portfolio.
 
It's important to do a little research before choosing a professional photographer.  You want to find someone who is well versed in working with pets, and pets in clothing!!!  They will know the key poses to best display the clothing your pup is "selling". 

Also, just like any other profession, some photographers are just better than others.  Make sure you check out other examples of their work to get a feel for their style.  Ask yourself a few questions when looking at their photos "If I saw this picture in a magazine, would it grab my attention"?  What emotions do you get from viewing their work?  "If I saw one of their images in a catalog, would it entice me to purchase the product that is being featured"?  Lastly, and I realize this is very subjective but it is actually easy to see when you are looking for it, "Does this photographer love what they do?"  Passion plays through in all aspects of life!  It is easy to see and cannot be faked!  You want a pet photographer that loves to photograph pets!! 

This is a picture by professional photographer Jenny Froh www.jennyfroh.com.  Jenny Froh Photography is based in Flower Mound, TX and serves the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
info@jennyfroh.com ~ 972-998-0941.  Her pictures are a great example of what to look for in a professional pet photographers work!

Tip #7 - Cameras
What if I can't afford to have professional photos taken? What if I don't have time to schedule an appointment? I know it is not always plausible to have professional photos taken. Professional looking photos can also be taken at home! A good example of this is Nikki from www.obsessivechihuahuadisorder.com. She takes beautiful photos from the comfort of her own home!  This particular shot of Bebe has definitely caught the attention of magazine editors.  It has been featured in BellaDog Magazine, Chihuahua Connection Magazine and Pet Age Magazine!

Of course a fancy camera is great to have, but you can still take good pictures with a "middle of the line" camera.  I think the most important thing is getting to know the camera you have!  (I am still learning mine)!  One of the easiest things to start with is finding your "Macro" button.  Your owners manual should tell you where it is and how to use it.  On my camera it is a little flower button on the menu.  Here is a good article that describes what the macro button does http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Macro-Button---Get-Creative-With-Your-Camera&id=997308.  Oh, and make sure your lens isn't smudged and dirty.  You would think that I would of known to clean mine, but I didn't even think of it until I read a tip in a blog.  I looked and mine looked like it had been licked by my dog....not really sure, but a quick wipe down and my pics instantly were much clearer!


Tip #8 - Lighting
Lighting is very important part of taking good photos!  A poorly lit room can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.  Please do not commit the dark photo offense.  You can purchase nice lighting kits with backdrops from Ebay for around $70 (I have one on my wish list)!  A picture using natural day light (like next to a window) can also work. 

You can get great photos in an outdoor setting as well.  The only problem I find with outdoor shots is that it is harder to control the backgrounds.  I just love the look of an all white or all grey/black background.  If you do shoot outside, just make sure to think about your surroundings before you start.  Always try to avoid harsh sunlight (like12 to 3 pm).  The best time to shoot is early in he morning (sunrise) or in the evening (right before the sun sets).
Here are a couple of my favorite outside shots:

Tasha after winning Most Photogenic in NYC.

Millie at a wedding in Puerto Rico.

Tip #8 - Crisp Background
I mentioned this briefly earlier, but I think it is important enough to stress again.  As a pet fashion designer, I LOVE photos with nice crisp backgrounds.  NO shenanigans!  Just the dog and the product (and a cute photo prop if you have one).  You can buy photo backdrops or use white craft paper.  Just make sure whatever you use is clean and smooth, no wrinkles please.  The backdrop should cover the entire photo area.  I prefer solid colors myself - white, grey, pink, black, etc.  If you get one with a crazy pattern you risk the pattern becoming out of style and you will end up with the look of school photos in the 80's....you know what I'm talking about!

Here are a few examples of my favorite style of backgrounds:

Trixie - Nicole Geller Photography

Olive - Jenny Froh Photography



Leo - Nicole Geller Photography


Hopefully these tips were helpful to some.  I realize they are very basic tips, but they were all things that I found very helpful when just starting out.  I will cover my last few tip topics in another post next week.  Until then, snap some pictures.  Practice makes perfect!  I would LOVE to see what you come up with.  Please feel free to email your shots at kelly@kocouture.com with the subject heading "Pet Photography Blog Photos"!

Thanks and Tail Wags,

Kelly



All photos are property of KO Couture and are under copyright protection!