5 Tips for Taking Better Pictures of Your Dog

It’s no secret that I love having my photo taken. It’s been years and years of practice to get these super model moves down pat!

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

And while I’m pretty much a pro infront of the lens, I do have a mom who’s got a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to capturing adorable shots of yours truly. So I thought it would be fun to pick her brain, and share some tips on how you can capture some great pictures like these of your own pets!

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

5 Tips for Taking Better Pictures of Your Dog:

1. Have Amazing Treats

Ammo the Dachshund - Pony Cookie - Howl Naturale

Until you find that amazing treat (or meat) that makes your dog do back flips, you’re not going to get them to be interested in your photo session. Good treats go a long way, and if your dog is willing to do anything to get them, then you might just get that shot you were looking for.

2. Get Down Low

Winter on the Farm // Ammo the Dachshund

Dogs aren’t that big (well unless maybe you have a great dane), so getting yourself on the floor and down to the dog’s level is going to give you a better picture every time.

3. Practice “Waiting”

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Teaching your dog commands such as “wait” (my term for stay put and don’t move) is only going to help you get that amazing picture. Using positive reinforcement and some yummy treats practice asking your dog to hold still for pictures.

4. Let Your Dog Be a Dog

Barkbox Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

As fun as some of the posed shots are, it’s even more fun for your dog just to play and be themselves. Some of the best shots come from letting your dog do their own thing and being there to capture the moment (or the mess).

5. Prop Up Your Pet

Purple Possum Dachshund Scarf Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Have a squirmy dog that won’t sit still? Prop them up on something high (and safe) so they don’t have room to roam. This will keep you from chasing your dog all over trying to snag a photo.

A Day at the Beach // Ammo the Dachshund

And there you have it, 5 tips to grabbing shots of your pet like a pro! Above all else, make picture time fun for your dog and I’m sure you’ll get that photograph! There’s many more where that came from, if you liked my mom’s tips for photographing pets let me know in the comments below and perhaps I’ll share some more soon!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

P.S. if you’re wondering what camera gear my mom uses to photograph me, be sure to check out my gear page!

I do it for the Cookies

Photo Studio with Ammo the Dachshund

It’s no secret that I’m no stranger to being in front of the camera lens. And frequently I’m asked how my mom gets me to pose so well for a photo – and honestly, it’s quite simple…

Cookies // Ammo the Dachshund

….COOKIES!

Cookies // Ammo the Dachshund

Cookies // Ammo the Dachshund

I’d do pretty much anything for a taste of cookie!

Cookies // Ammo the Dachshund

So next time you want your dog to sit still for a photograph, make sure you have your pockets filled with cookies! Your dog will thank you! Ammo the Dachshund

A Little Green

A Little Green // St. Patrick's Day with Ammo the Dachshund

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, so I decided to make sure I had the perfect green outfit to wear for the big day. It never hurts to be prepared.

A Little Green // St. Patrick's Day with Ammo the Dachshund

My clover tie was looking great, but I knew it needed a little something.

A Little Green // St. Patrick's Day with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh yes, the top hat totally makes the outfit!

A Little Green // St. Patrick's Day with Ammo the Dachshund

I’m ready for my night on the town with my Leprechaun posse. Don’t tell mom, but we like to get into a wee bit o mischief on St. Patrick’s Day. Only 4 more days to go!

A Little Green // St. Patrick's Day with Ammo the Dachshund

Sigh, I’m not sure I can wait that long! Ammo the Dachshund

Guinea Pig

Guinea Pig - Testing out the new Nifty Fifty Lens // Ammo the Dachshund

One of the things mom got for Christmas this year was a new camera lens.

Guinea Pig - Testing out the new Nifty Fifty Lens // Ammo the Dachshund

Dubbed a “nifty fifty” lens, mom’s new lens has been praised by professional pet photographers for it’s use in taking portraits of many a furry friends.

Guinea Pig - Testing out the new Nifty Fifty Lens // Ammo the Dachshund

While mom is busy learning how to take better pictures with said camera lens, I bet you can guess who her guinea pig has been.

Guinea Pig - Testing out the new Nifty Fifty Lens // Ammo the Dachshund

Although it’s still to-be-determined if this lens is capable of capturing my stunning good looks.

Guinea Pig - Testing out the new Nifty Fifty Lens // Ammo the Dachshund

Guinea Pig - Testing out the new Nifty Fifty Lens // Ammo the Dachshund

Oh, who am I kidding, the camera loves me!

Guinea Pig - Testing out the new Nifty Fifty Lens // Ammo the Dachshund

Regardless, it’s pretty exhausting being a guinea pig, and I think I’ve earned a 3 hour nap after this photoshoot.Ammo the Dachshund

Camera lens image from here.

The Mutt Room

On Saturday I took a trip to the Devon Horse Show Grounds for the Fall Classic Jumper Show.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

The Devon Show Grounds are known to be an uber friendly dog place, meaning dogs are allowed in the shops (many of which carry items for pets), we can sit in the stands with our humans, and we even have our very own water fountains.

Now I’m no stranger to Devon, however during this particular trip I did something a little unexpected and different.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

I took a trip to The Mutt Room! The Mutt Room is a mini portrait studio run by Brenda Carpenter (the official photographer for Devon events), and is designed so that your 4 legged friend can get a personal portrait session. Now seeing that I can never pass up the opportunity to get my picture taken, I just had to see what it was like to be in a professional studio.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Inside the studio it was filled with super fun dog portraits and there were treats and toys everywhere! This was totally my kind of adventure.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Brenda said I was a natural behind the camera as I showed her all of my amazing poses. I can hardly contain my excitement to see the results of my photoshoot – I’m sure my photos will make all the ladies swoon!

And now that I’m officially a pro behind the camera, I may just have to get an agent and start booking magazine shoots. I have no doubt you’ll see me on the cover of Vogue and Sports Illustrated someday soon!

P.S. Brenda does personal portraits of your pets! Check out her website to see how to book!Ammo the Dachshund