Anyone who has tried to photograph a dog knows the problem. The moment you lift your phone, the tail wags, the head turns, and your subject trots off to sniff something more interesting. The good news is that you do not need a perfectly still dog. You need a little patience, a low position and a few habits that work with the animal rather than against it.
Start by getting down to the dog's level. Photographs taken from a standing height make a dog look small and rather distant, while a picture taken from the ground shows the world as the dog sees it. Kneel or lie on the grass, keep the phone low, and let the dog come to you. Tap on its face on the screen so that the camera focuses on the eyes, and wait for the little frame to settle before you press.
Let the dog set the pace
Do not try to force a pose. A dog that has just been for a run will settle down more easily than one that is full of energy, so take your pictures after a walk or a game. A favourite treat held just above the phone can bring the head up and the eyes forward. Use the burst mode if your camera has it. Holding the shutter button takes a rapid series of pictures, and among a whole series of frames there is usually one with the ears up, the eyes open and the paws in a pleasing place. Afterwards, look through them slowly and keep only the best. Action pictures work well too: a dog leaping for a ball or running across a field makes a lively image, especially in good daylight.
Be gentle and stay calm. Loud noises and sudden movements may frighten a nervous dog, and no picture is worth upsetting an animal or putting it in danger near a road or water. If the dog belongs to someone else, ask the owner before you begin, and respect it if they prefer you not to. Some of the best dog photographs are simply of an ordinary moment, such as a nap on the rug or a head resting on a knee.
