CANINE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENT

Recently I’ve taken on a new project as a canine photography student!…

I haven’t enrolled in an accredited school or anything  –  no time #nodoodleway

Instead, I’m in a evening undergrad program at YouTube University, and on the weekends I turn into a “silent stalking student” of Jeanne Taylor #photographerextraodinaire

MY PHOTOS NEED HELP –

It is safe to say that I am not the worst photographer in the universe, but I am far from being on the better side for amateurs.

Every single time I pick up the camera I struggle to satisfy my obsession with mastering at least one of the settings and/or lens.

For the most part, when I raise the camera up to my face, I’m literally winging it.

Many of my photos (that you see) make it to the website because –

  • I accidentally did something right.
  • the camera fairies felt sorry for me.
  • after 90 exposures of the same shot, even Scooby Doodle Do could get it right.

PROTEGE’ –

A new career at this stage of my life is NOT what I’m striving for, however – it would be wonderful to see consistent improvements.

Therefore, whenever I can, I hang behind Jeanne and try to absorb some knowledge…

I embrace and accept that I will never reach the pinnacle levels of some professionals, yet observing has been an eye opener for me. #20/20baby

While there are plenty of “how-to” tips, self-examination has also taught me that it takes more then just “technique.” Habits can get in the way of success as well.

Two suggestions resonated when I read them.

I’ve got to –

relaxaccording to the experts, it’s important that I remember our pets are like emotional sponges. When I take photos, I get wound up like a rubber band. This could explain Jaxson’s refusal to cooperate at times. #dennisdoodlemenace

be quietHarley is a photographers dream Doodle. #seriously

He was born to be in front of the camera…

Harley is also accustomed to my repetitive commands.

Jaxson on the other hand, doesn’t seem to appreciate my hard core rap star wannabe sounds  –

Sit, Stay, Stay, Stay, Sit, Sit, Don’t move, Stay, Sit, Good boy, Sit, Stay

I must work harder on my “once should be enough” command method.

CHOOSING A PET PHOTOGRAPHER –

Many pet parents surrender to a professional photographer, and I totally “get-it.” 

As I read articles on the proper way to “choose” a pet photographer, I learned to –

  • THINK about whether or not I wanted someone who specialized solely on pets.
  • EVALUATE what I wanted to do with the photo’s (mantle, cards, marketing, etc…)
  • DECIDE what was more important to me – studio vs. outdoors.

But I would like to add one more tip to this list.

If you connect with someone who loves animals and cherishes every single moment in the company of yours…

…then you’ve found the right pet photographer, and together they will produce incredible memories…

So while Jeanne loves up on Harley & Jaxson, I will continue to do my Doodle Mom best and mimic each and every step she takes #likebobbybrown

Do you have pet photography tips to share?

Doing your best means never stop trying ❤️

15 Comments
  • Monika & Sam
    July 31, 2017

    All really good photographers take 87 million shots. The best advice I ever received from a professional photographer was “hold your finger down on the shutter and fire away.” Sure there will be a gazillion you’ll throw away but the right one will be magic and so worth it. He was right. Good luck being a shadow. You’ll be surprised how much you learn.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 1, 2017

      I try that also, but because I’ve got two subjects, it’s still a hit or miss LOL

  • Jeanne Taylor
    July 31, 2017

    Your boys make me smile. You make me laugh. It’s a win-win. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 1, 2017

      And you always get the best out of the Boys! 🙂

  • Pat
    July 31, 2017

    Beautiful pictures and handsome subjects! Great tips.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 1, 2017

      Thanks Pat –

  • Emma
    July 31, 2017

    My photographer is constantly working to be better. She doesn’t have enough time to take classes. It would be great to have someone just tell her what to do differently, but that isn’t happening. At least we see a big improvement over 5 1/2 yrs ago when she first started trying to take decent pics. Your boys always look good when you take their pics.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 1, 2017

      Your photographer is A-mazing. I am always in awe of all those PAWdorable (and clear I might add) photos of you in the kitchen. I can’t get my subjects to stand still in a pose for more than a half of a second. You should keep your photographer around…

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    August 1, 2017

    I wish I’d thought to have a pro take photos of Callie and Shadow when they were young – before Ducky joined us – but there’s no use in “crying over spilled milk”. And now, even if Callie were still with us, I couldn’t afford a pro. So, I use my own camera and do the best I can with it. Sometimes I use that tip Monika shared. But I definitely agree with whoever said all your photos of the DoodleBoys are great!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 1, 2017

      Thanks! You’ve got to see me go through my process. It’s so sad #supersad I love to watch people who know what they’re doing – there do it with such ease. I’m always impressed. I too wish I’d taken more photos of Leo, but like you said, the milks already gone…..

  • Two French Bulldogs
    August 1, 2017

    You already take fantastic pictures
    Lily & Edward

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 1, 2017

      Thanks so much my two favorite French Bulldogs!

  • Tiffany Bennett-Cuartero
    August 1, 2017

    Great photos and tips.

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    August 2, 2017

    I have worked with many amazing pet photographers and I’m lucky to have dogs that are great with having their picture taken since we do a session once a year. That last picture is absolutely GORGEOUS!

  • Jan K
    August 2, 2017

    I wish I had tips to share! I think I need to find a photographer to follow around as well, you certainly have found the perfect one!