Nom Nom Blog

How to Photograph Black Dogs

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

By The Nom Nom Team

What could be more warm and fuzzy than a jet black labrador/hound/retriever/terrier or grab bag mix of all the above staring deeply into your eyes? And yet, the adoption rates for black dogs can be lamentably low. Known as “black dog syndrome,” this often stems from a combination of aesthetic biases and misconceptions.

Superstitious associations with the color black have led to dark dogs being perceived as unlucky or scary. Additionally, their appearance can sometimes make them less photogenic in shelter photos, as their deeply pigmented fur can sometimes blend into the background, making it tricky to capture their details and personality and causing them to be overlooked.

Whether you’re looking to help raise the profile of shelter animals, or simply want to capture stellar images of your own black beauty, the following tips will help you photograph dark dogs more effectively.

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UTILIZE NATURAL LIGHT

Natural light is your best friend when photographing black dogs. Aim to shoot during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the light is soft and warm. This type of lighting will help to highlight the textures in their fur and prevent harsh shadows. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create strong contrasts and wash out details.

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT BACKGROUND

A contrasting background is crucial for making your black dog stand out. Opt for lighter or colorful backgrounds to provide a stark contrast against the dark fur. You might use a plain wall, a park with green grass or a bright blanket to help your dog pop in the frame.

ADJUST YOUR EXPOSURE SETTINGS

Black fur can sometimes fool your camera’s meter into underexposing the shot, making the fur appear as a solid black mass. To counteract this, slightly overexpose your images. Use your camera’s exposure compensation feature to add a bit of extra light, ensuring that details in the fur are captured without losing the richness of the black coat.

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PAY ATTENTION TO COMPOSITION

Composition can make a big difference in how your black dog is portrayed. Frame your shots to include interesting elements, such as the dog's eyes, ears or paws. Use leading lines, patterns and the rule of thirds to create dynamic and engaging photos. Make sure to capture different angles to show off their personality and unique features.

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FOCUS ON THE EYES

The eyes are considered the windows to the soul, and this is especially true for dogs. Ensure that their peepers are in sharp focus to draw viewers in and convey emotion. Use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to create a shallow depth of field, which helps to keep the focus on the eyes while softly blurring the background.

EXPERIMENT WITH FLASH

While natural light is ideal, using a flash can sometimes help bring out details in black fur. If you’re shooting indoors or in low light conditions, use a diffuser to soften the flash and reduce harsh reflections. Be mindful of your dog’s reaction to the flash and ensure it’s not too bright or startling.

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CAPTURE MOVEMENT & EXPRESSION

Dogs are absolute balls of energy and personality. Don’t be afraid to capture them in action—running, jumping, or playing. These candid shots can reveal their character and make for memorable photos. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and keep the images sharp.

EDIT WITH CARE

Post-processing can enhance your photos, but be cautious with black dogs. Avoid over-editing, as it can lead to loss of detail in their fur. Instead, adjust the brightness and contrast subtly to bring out textures and ensure the image accurately represents your dog’s beauty.

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HAVE FUN

Patience is key when photographing dogs. Take your time to get the right shot and enjoy the process. Dogs are eager to please and love to succeed, so building an on-set rapport with your pup can make them more relaxed and cooperative, and lead to better photos.