Photographing Black Doodles

[Tegan]

Does anyone else have trouble getting a good picture of your black or dark coloured doodle?? I've had quite a hard time getting a good picture of Kali. The only times photos seem to work out OK is when it's very sunny outside, and even then sometimes it's a problem. Any suggestions???

[Scott Chalkley]

Let me first say that I am not a professional photographer. I haven't even taken a photography class. That said, try different settings and different flashes/or no flash at all.

I find it very difficult to take a picture of dark on dark. I usually find it easier to use back drops that are lighter such as grass or light hardwoods/carpets or a light colored wall such as white. The flash tends to make the dog look very shiny or bright colored so I agree that taking pictures during the day or in a well lit room makes the black color more natural.

But my pet peeve when it comes to picture taking is seeing their eyes. I think it is one of the best attributes of doodles since they are so expressive. My friends usually say they look almost human at times (or a human is trapped inside like tim allen in the shaggy dog). I try to get their attention when taking my pictures and again fool around with the same picture using different settings and flash types.

[Tegan]

I seem to manage either too light or too dark. I've got a great camera, a Nikon D70 but it's been a long time since I've done much with it. I took some photography courses in high school but I've pretty much forgotten most of what I learned. I'm trying to find a course so I can relearn the basics. I'll try what you suggested, and I should really look into getting a proper flash. The one that is built in is pretty useless.

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

I have a chocolate doodle and I have a hard time seeing her eyes in most pictures. The lighting has to be played with mostly...just thank goodness for digital cameras so we can keep shooting!!

[Libby, Rufus & Jacoby]

I sympathize with you, Jacoby is black as well and it is very hard to get a good photo of him. Thanks for asking this question - I'm getting lots of info from the replies!