Photographing Black Dogs

Here's our WOOF friend Raven, a black Chow Chow mix with the most gorgeous eyes! When she was a puppy she looked like a fuzzy black bear cub!

Raven reminded me quickly that black dogs are difficult to photograph! This shot is a good one, but since I took most of them in my shady backyard as the sun was setting, some of them looked like a blurry black blob or just lacked detail.

Here are some tips for improving your photos of black dogs:

Lighting can be a challenge, and when photographing a black dog this is intensified! Dog fur absorbs light, making the dog look darker. Black fur absorbs LOTS of light and throws the camera's functions out of whack! The camera measures less light when there is a lot of black present. Auto focus may not function correctly. If it is sunny this may result in a black silhouette or a grayish black dog with no detail. (the same kind of issues can happen with a very white dog or a bright white background)

• Avoid sunlight! Overcast, but still bright days work best for outdoor photos. Early morning or late evening typically works best.
• If it's a sunny, cloudless day...take the photo with the sun to the side lighting up the dog. (Like the photo of Raven above). Don't take the photo looking into the sun, the dog will lose depth and look flat. You want to show the texture of the dog's coat and the sparkle in their eye!
  

Focus on the eyes!

• Focus on the dog's eyes and try to make them tack sharp! Look for the reflection in their eye. You want to see expression and a sparkle... this can make the photo! The eyes are the window to the soul!
  

Avoid a dark background! Develop an eye for contrasting colors! A dark dog will get lost against a dark background. You will lose the dog's true color, shape and proportions. Look for a light or neutral background. Choose a background that compliments the dog's dark coat and show his or her beauty... like green grass or a light blue lake. Be careful with bright white backgrounds... they can cause yet another light issue! Also try the next tip...zoom in!

Zoom in! This will take the background out of focus and create contrast between the background and the dog. This is especially helpful if the background is unattractive or distracting.

Go ahead and try using flash! Typically when photographing dogs, it is best to avoid using flash since it can cause creepy red eyes and distort the dog's color. Some dogs are frightened or distracted by the flash. When photographing a dog with a black coat the flash can actually bring out shading and texture which may otherwise be lost. Try some photos with and without using flash.

Get down on the dog's level! Sit on your knees or even lay on the ground. This will give you eye contact with the dog and allow you to see things from their level rather than looking down on the dog. This is my #1 tip for all dog photography and especially important when trying to get a good, sharp black dog photo.

Be patient, take lots of shots, and allow plenty of time! Photographing dark colored animals is a challenge, even for professionals! It is fun and rewarding when you get an awesome shot. Enjoy the dog you're photographing, have fun without pressuring the dog to perform... this is when you'll get the best shots. If you strongly desire the dog to strike a certain pose or want to capture a certain expression, enlist the help of a friend, some yummy treats, and a squeaky toy!

Last, I couldn't write this article without mentioning the plight of homeless black dogs. For whatever reason, black dogs and especially BIG black dogs, are often overlooked at animal shelters. Some shelters even have a name for it: Black Dog Syndrome. For whatever reason, black dogs tend to sit in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized. Consider adopting a big black dog!

More about big, black dogs:
Black Pearl Dogs>
It's Hard to Find Homes for Big, Black Dogs>
Basic Black: Don't Judge A Dog by his Color>