Holiday Photo Advice- Let's see those Doodle Holiday card photos (and the outtakes)

[David Sands]

Working with a high spirited Doodle and a camera can be rewarding and fustrating all in a matter of seconds. Here are a few tips for getting that great Holiday Photo. Please add your tips for we all want those legendary holiday pictures of our Doodles!

Tips- in no certain order

Walk your pooch prior to a photo session, bleed out that excessive energy and have a calm subject

Treats, your going to be using a lot of kibble to motivate and get Mr/Mrs Doodleface to pose. Have a training bag with kibble on your belt easily accessible

Cable Release or Remote, most cameras today have a port to attach a cable release to trip your shutter or others use a IR remote, These cost anywhere from 19 bucks to 90. It's a investment in photography gear you can use year round at night, w tripos or group shots. Invest in a release, it's makes a huge difference

Don't freak your pooch out- no one likes a 70-200 lens in their grill or lights flashing in their face. Have an assistant and have your settings pre set to your background make for better photos and a less stressed dog

Lighting, indirect or off camera lighting is best. If you don't have flashes and thousands of dollars in gear, it's okay. Be creative. I have used the flashlight on my iPhone to get some "fill light" in a Doodles deep eyes to bring them out. Think outside the box and get lighting off the lens axis- try it. It's digital so snap away and you'll be suprised and the improvement in photo quality will be visible

If you do use flash, bounce light off the ceiling to rain down soft muted light onto your subject. If you have a pop up flash, (don't laugh) I drape a  small piece of tissue paper over it to difuse that harsh little light and soften it some.

Use a tripod, use a tripod-  use a tripod

Get different angles. Move around and get low, go high- profile shots? silhouettes be creative. it's art

Smile, your dog thinks your crazy (we are). If it isn't working, try later. Dont push it. Smile.... Your dog knows if your stressed

Love to see more photos and tips/tricks you use to capture magic!

Dave/Flynn

[Minda and Callie]

Here is my attempt at a Christmas photo shoot with Callie. I have no idea how to use Lightroom, slowly trying things out, so the editing is not good. One day I will figure it out. Last one is my attempt to get my other dog in. Failure ;) Callie was a trooper through out the photo shoot, she just sat there and let me snap away. I didn't get my favorite doodle tilt head that I love from her but can't complain :)

[DJ & Chance]

I love the soft light in the first few images. I can bring out the eyes in photoshop if you want me to do that for you.

[Minda and Callie]

I would love that! Thanks!

[DJ & Chance]

Just a bit more eyes.  I didn't do much else--I am not a great editor :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Minda, nice work.   Lovely

[DJ & Chance]

P.S.  Callie has the same beautiful coloring as my Chance and she is really adorable.

[Minda and Callie]

Oh wow! That looks greatDJ! Thanks!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Awwww...you did a great job!

[Minda and Callie]

Thank you! I had so much fun doing it :)

[David Sands]

One is my favorite- Lots of things to do in LightRoom to make this one pop even more- Getting right in the camera is best to start with and this photo (first one) has the best potential and a winner. Message me for specifics

[Minda and Callie]

Thanks David! Message being sent :)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Mindy ~ love the lighting in the first one.  Callie is a beauty and that little muggle in the last photo is off the charts cute too!