5 Tips for Photographing Puppies

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

Anyone who’s ever embarked on the task of photographing puppies knows it’s no easy feat!

These squiggling, wriggling balls of fluff move a mile a minute, have no training, and are distracted by everything. Because you know, they’re puppies.

But with these expert tips, you’ll be capturing the cutest puppy photos you’ll be sharing with everyone for years to come (guaranteed to get some major double taps on Instagram!)

P.S. And be sure to check out our 6 Tips to Take the Best Photos of your Dog at Home!

1. Get Them Sleepy

Make sure the puppies are a little sleepy when you start to photograph them, because once they’re awake, they are hard to get to sit still!

Puppies moving around end up a blur in your camera’s viewfinder… so play with them, tire them out and when they start to slow down pick up your camera.

2. Bring Props

Use props like baskets, crates, benches, etc to keep the puppies contained in one area.

They are much easier to capture when then are confined in one place rather than chasing them all around.

As an added bonus, puppies in basket? Cuteness guaranteed.

3. Noises Get Attention

Try to make all different kinds of noises to get the puppies’ attention! They are so curious when they hear a new noise, so when they hear a new noise coming from you, there is a better chance they will look at the camera.

If you’re super prepared, have squeakers, funny whistles and/or party kazoos on hand.

That way you’ll never run out of new noises to capture their attention.

4. Stay Close

If the puppies have freedom to roam, follow them closely!

After they run around, puppies almost always take a break to lay down when they get tired, and that’s when you want take advantage of the photo opportunity. Tired puppies are the best puppies to photograph.

5. Be Patient

Dog photography isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to capture active, excited puppies!

Make sure to be patient and when you least expect it, you’re going to capture the most perfect portrait.