DOG PHOTOGRAPHY - How to compose and shoot portraits of dogs!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Q: How much does Alfie deserve a medal for this impeccable behaviour in this video?!? ❤️

[@dingogirl2006]

Alfie is fore sure the cutest =)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He's such a good boy ❤️

[@looseps]

Love him he's amazing

[@kimhoogkamp1040]

Alfie is such a sweetie!!! Very well trained!!

[@jameswilliamson7288]

He is incredible. My Isla is patient with me, but Its sometimes a bit of a struggle getting her into position. Try as I might I can't get her to lie with her chin on the floor.

[@kevinleonard4226]

Step one: have a superbly trained dog. ;) Love the video

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

*superbly trained most of the time 😂

[@jamescarro771]

WOW amazing pictures and amazing dog 🐾🐾

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much for your kind words 🙏

[@scottvillalobos8453]

The most amazing thing to me is the obedience of your dogs, their enthusiasm, and patience. Your work is amazing, I wonder though, would you be willing to post or make a video of a not so well trained dog on location? Love your you channel, your a fantastic teacher and a real person who's personality is refreshing. Not afraid to laugh at yourself, and with your animals. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

That's really kind, thank you so much Scott 🙏 it takes a lot of hard work but it's so worth it. We do have a KZbin video on how to deal with boisterous dogs in studio, here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6rPhoCPjK12oZY and I'll add your idea for a location shoot to our suggestion box 👍

[@Siftedheart]

Alfie is amazing and so are you!! Thank you so much for sharing your life and your knowledge ❤️🙌

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Aww thank you so much 🙏

[@jer3006]

The photo tips are amazing, thank you, but I am mesmerized by your and Alfie's partnership in this and so many other videos. Alfie instantly executes your commands precisely and so completely. Even with joy, you might say. Never once have I heard him say, "Duh," or "I'm kinda busy right now, how about later?" So watchable, brightened my day. ⭐

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you enjoyed it Jer!

[@Jude2408]

Just try posing Maremmas - they take a message and maybe get back to you, lol

[@patthompson1253]

A rewatch from last year - thank you again for producing the material. My dogs are good but you take them to a whole new level. Pat

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you Pat and thank you for your continued support, it means a lot 🙏

[@paris08141]

Great video and your dog is absolutely amazing!! What a great model!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much!

[@ruthgunnink6498]

I’ve just searched for dog photography and you were the first one to come up. You. Are. AWESOME ! I’m soooo happy I’ve come across you. I just bought my first Sony camera. a7 lV. I’m in love with it. I decided about a month ago that I wanted to do dog photography! I’ve been in photography for Many years. I waaaaant your lens ! 😁 So I am studying how to do dog photography. Thanks so much Ruth

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for such kind words Ruth and we wish you all the success in dog photography and photography as a whole 🙂

[@stuartcarter2373]

9:22 "so basically, I've left Dan". Highlight to this video. Poor Dan. He can do nothing wrong. He's some sort've hero!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He's a good egg!

[@PhotoVideoGraphics]

Hi Jessy, I absolutely love all and each of your videos. I have learned so much from your tips. Thank you for taking the time to make these awesome videos and sharing them with all. Can I please ask you to make a video showing how to train any of your beautiful dogs how to hide and back up? Thank you for the difference you make in You Tube. Keep up the great job you do. Blessings

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for such kind comments. Of course, if you just use the request box on our website (thattogspot.com/the-request-box/) to submit your video requests then we will have them on record although we cannot guarantee that we will do them. 🙂

[@geetasreebordoloi9689]

Alfie is so amazing!!😍 He knows all the tricks and commands!!😍 I'm also teaching my pup to do some💕

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

The best! He is one in a million for me ❤️

[@Nadine.22]

This was an awesome video, thank you! I would love to see more videos like this (location scouting and shootings). Can you tell me what new tool you used here (the display/system on top of your camera to show us your camera view)? Thank you and well done!

[@MeMe-fg5sr]

Please make more videos like this! These are super helpful to see how you choose your compositions and locations.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you!

[@kimhoogkamp1040]

Love your videos Jess! Thank you for always being so consistent posting such in depth content. I look forward to each and every one!! Always a ton of information!! LOVE your new piece of equipment enabling straight through the camera viewing!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

So glad this was helpful Kim!!

[@carlennis9413]

Alfie is amazing !! Great video

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 😊

[@carlennis9413]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Pleasure, just found your channel, some fantastic videos

[@katyeah1213]

So helpful! Thank you so much! ❤😊

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're very welcome 😍

[@gfxmaniac]

Love your photography. Keep on :)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for your kind words 😀

[@ahmedm.fathie6124]

Smartly done video from a smart girl and a smart and obedient Model. You have surpassed most of the guys. Good for you ! Dr. Ahmed Fathie Ph.D.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

that's so kind, thank you 🙏 and thank you for your support

[@jameswilliamson7288]

That's me motivated to get up early tomorrow morning and lie in some muck. 😂 Thank you once again for providing us with so much inspiration. 🙏

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You got this!

[@AUsmanAcoustics]

You've got a nicely trained Dog. ❤❤

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

aww thank you 🙏 it takes a lot of work but it's worth it

[@AUsmanAcoustics]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Yeah it does. ♥️ You're welcome.

[@kimmobley333]

Beautiful shots, and great pup.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you very much!

[@nigelwallace248]

Super video Jess, cool new toy as well which really helps the training and advice you are showing in your videos. Thank you.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eoslove2022]

,,,one of the best photo technique tutorials I've seen,,,packed with a ton of tips!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Wow, thanks!

[@aspenacreschickenfarm]

Good morning, I love all of your content. You are such an inspiration! Could you please share the viewing screen you are using in your setup? Thank you

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for you kind words 🙂

[@paulbell9957]

Just found your channel and enjoying going through it. Some great hints and tips. This was great. Beautiful images, and I love your chemistry with Alfie, your control over him and his trust in you is amazing. When you told him to hide and he put this paw over his nose I looked at my dog and thought, why can't you do that :D Great stuff :)

[@ringeradi]

Awesome video, it's super helpful to see HOW you do the shots and learn about the thoughts behind it. I've heard so much about having clean, smooth backgrounds behind subjects and to avoid distracting things like bright light spots and sticks in line with the head, and you look at this as foreground and BG interest. What a great point of view! Thanks for making these videos, always look forward to them.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Not all of us are lucky enough to have perfect outdoor locations, so we do what we can to use those elements in the images! For qualifications or awards, you need as little light bokeh as possible (currently, as it stands now in more print competitions)

[@Ally123234]

When you said hide and he did I died 😍

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He listens to our every word and it is one of his little tricks we have taught him 😊

[@frettchen94]

What a great video! Love it! 😍 Such a beautiful location and amazing dog! Thanks for your work ❤️ I'm a bit jealous because of the eye Af. Such a great tool 🥺

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you very much!

[@wanneske1969]

That command 'hide' is hilarious

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Masking tape is my friend for that one!

[@eoslove2022]

invaluable tips,,,thank you, Jess

[@PointerSari]

oh wow! That was really super helpful! Thanks for all of your videos!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alainalain6454]

damn this dog is so well trained and good listener

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He is amazing ☺

[@jessbuck2407]

Alfie is a superstar!! This is so helpful, thank you.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful! Really, I am!

[@Emmimin]

Thank you so much for your videoes! I learn so much from them all. And it helps me develop as a photographer. So thank you for sharing your talent and knowledge❤

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You are so welcome!

[@JackieWernberg]

That dog is amazing - so well trained !

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He is an absolute superstar bless him. We've worked together with cameras for years so he's a seasoned pro and loves his job!

[@JackieWernberg]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I have a little mixed breed mutt who I think has a bit of border collie in her. She's very smart and undergoing training. Maybe one day she'll be nearly as good as Alfie !

[@pollypowell3907]

Excellent! Really appreciate the focus on composition. (Pun intended) Taking the time to visualize the shot...trees, cleaning up the area. All things that I typically forget because I get so excited to be out there shooting. Gotta slow down to hurry up. Hey, thank you for bringing such great content to the world and building the community that continues to flourish.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I'm so glad it was helpful Polly! Hopefully I can do more stable videos with this little tool in the future, I need to learn to hold the camera away from my face!

[@iant7374]

Absolutely brilliant again! Thanks Jess and Alfie is amazing so patient and obedient!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He's a complete legend bless him ❤️

[@martinstokes5596]

Thankyou for sharing this..its all very helpful..

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

My pleasure 😊

[@dominiqueprin7616]

Bonjour. Super video !!! je deviens de + en plus fan de vos vidéo. attends avec impatience chaque semaine votre nouvelle vidéo. Quelle monitor utilisez vous ? je m"apercois que vous l'utilisez souvent . Bonne journée Hello. Great video !!! I am becoming more and more a fan of your videos. look forward to your new video every week. Which monitor are you using? I see you use it often. Have a nice day

[@Bella12243]

thanks so much! Really enjoyed all the info and actually seeing your in camera settings as you shoot!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Awesome I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@shynncat9647]

Could you make a video about how to teach a dog this poses you usually use for the pictures?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Nobody likes my training videos 😟😟😟

[@ardi_arti_andi]

Your dog is so smart

[@jan_phi_lip]

Super helpful! Alfie is such a great model☺️

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you! He's a legend!

[@TeamHoff1]

Have to say these videos are excellent motivation, inspiration and amazing value for us all. I've seen people offering online courses for huge sums of money that are nowhere near as useful as these. Have you thought of doing a book on all of this? I love books! So far I have only found one good book specifically on Pet Photography.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Aww thank you Scott! Yes, I do have a book but it’s only gifted out at workshops at the moment as the two go together better than either alone 🤓

[@suerichardson1289]

Love watching your videos! Such great info and your dogs are fabulously trained. I'm afraid I have a lot of work to do there. Can you please tell me what you use to attach your phone to your camera?

[@thefrenchexpedition]

wow these photos! so you like external monitor better than viewfinder?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No, absolutely not! The monitor is recording my viewfinder so I can't use the viewfinder and it's an huge pain in the backside 😂

[@lifefootsteps7506]

Great photography, editing bit heavy for my liking. You have great model, my spaniel needs shutter 1000 to have it crisp.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

If we were all the same the world would be a very boring place. You do you sir! 💪

[@daemon1143]

Don't know why I haven't watched this one before now; very enjoyable thank you. Do you find yourself cropping more with your long prime than with your fast zoom? I know I do. I get lazy about belly crawling to get the right composition. Love a fast zoom though.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you enjoyed the video. In answer to your question, I don't find myself cropping more no.

[@daemon1143]

@@ThatPhotographySpot just me getting old and lazy then :)

[@kombiv6]

what a great Dog wow , respekt

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 🙏 He's an absolute legend 🥰

[@hevoskouluttajataru]

awesome

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you!

[@JaninaFischerFoto]

Hello from Germany, can you please gibe me the link for the recorder monitor above your Sony? Thank you!

[@lukeduke1143]

Great video again ! Took few things from this . But also future idea I am so curious how you change background colour in your edits !

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Ah, wait for this Friday! All will be revealed 🤓

[@salvagedcargo8799]

So great!! Which external monitor are you using?🩵

[@lisapeterson6097]

Alfie is amazing!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He’s my little bestie!!

[@vandenmeersschautphotography]

This video is so helpful Thank you!❤️

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I'm so glad!

[@vandenmeersschautphotography]

@@ThatPhotographySpot i hope there are more videos coming soon. Could you also make a video of how best to control a puppy because they don't know commands yet? This would help me a lot.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I have this planned for november/december time hopefully ☺️ There is a puppy shoot from March in studio which may help though!

[@nicolelboyd5214]

Wonderful content, thank you so much!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sovary6177]

this is so so useful tysm!!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem!!

[@bebemathews2824]

You do you teach your dogs these tricks!!! The is so well behaved I need help with my new pup LOL LOL. also what camera body you you like using?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Time and patience, lots of rewards, repetition and fun. He is used to holding positions for a long time for new or inexperienced photographers whilst I teach or show or share or check. He is a pro at this and it's why he is in this video and not Pippi, who is much less secure and more active 😂 I shoot with a Sony A7riii

[@bebemathews2824]

@@ThatPhotographySpot my older dog happy is just the most photogenic dog just like yours! He loves having his picture taken. Thanks!

[@wenken24]

How did you train Alfie?? I have a 5 month old Border Collie and we are struggling with a stay?? I love your work!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Time, positive reinforcement, high reward frequency and very clear criteria. I would suggest speaking to a good dog agility trainer and ask them to teach you a fully proofed startline wait. A classic obedience stay won't be ideal for photography in the field (usually!).

[@matthewyun1238]

I have an aussie and lookin to get into shooting him as a hobby. What camera would you recommend as a starter on a budget?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

The list is endless! The best option would be to ask in the Facebook group, people are so helpful in there 😎

[@SanMiguelBulls]

Your videos are amazing, can you please do a tutorial on how to add more blur to an image using photoshop, thank you

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I don't add blur so this isn't something that I feel confident providing - it's not something I do. A duplicated layer with a field blur would probably be the best way, masking is out away from the subject and the focal plane of course.

[@saranicole6528]

Loved this! Do you ever shoot two subjects at once? Do you have any tips at getting 2 dogs tack sharp in one shot?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Yes, but rarely. If they're in the same shot, they need to be exactly aligned on the same focal plane (eyes level with each others in comparison to the lens). If they are not, you will need to shoot them separately (at least focus on them separately) and merge the images together as a composite.

[@robinmcconnell6488]

Alfie is just amazing 😃 my Tara is practicing head down pose at the moment 🥰

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Aww that will be so cute!

[@seeyoosoon]

A great boy to photograph

[@seeyoosoon]

Ok, great girl.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

He is a boy! He’s awesome!

[@saranicole6528]

How do you get such a clean image with an ISO at 1000? Great video! I absolutely love seeing your process.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

If the image is exposed well to begin with, not much noise is added afterwards. However, I buy my cameras based on the noise levels at different ISOs and it's one of the reasons why I chose the camera I have 😊

[@saranicole6528]

@@ThatPhotographySpot You are amazing, thank you!

[@thefatcricketer9952]

at 10:30 the dogs got more understand of where to stand With Jess directing than some people haha

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Haha he is like my mind reader, we work really well together bless him ❤️

[@wenckek7992]

Really a very great video! But can you tell me how to make the eyes not so light in color when you bright them up. I like to have a darker eyes but very sharp.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Just don’t work on the iris - that’s all that is done there 👌

[@IWnaturally]

So useful, thank you! Can I ask what camera strap you have?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

This one is a Joby camera strap: amzn.to/34mQRdi

[@allyho4390]

This was a super helpful video! Are there any tips on having the animal eye focus work consistently? I have sigma and Sony lenses and often the auto focus will focus on the nose or collar and doenst pick up the eye. Thanks!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

How far away are you? And does the dog have hair covering the eyes or do they have dark eyes? Both and the distance make it very intermittent!

[@allyho4390]

Pretty far when I use the 85mm, but yes to the hair and the eye colour (light brown), she has eyelashes that sometimes get in the way. Thanks for the reply though, some helpful things to consider!

[@photographywithprissy1351]

As I was watching this video I realized that one of the trees closer to the end said "help". Anyways this is an awesome video

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you liked the video!

[@photographywithprissy1351]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I do💖

[@78skj]

The only way I can make my Border Collie follow instructions like this is through treats. The only problem there, she starts drooling the moment she sees them. 🥴

[@ShannonShepherdOTCH]

Can you tell me what kind of field monitor is attached to your camera?

[@Genzo20]

First of all thank you for all the super contents you are creating !!! Second thing, I have a question. On the second photo you took you had f2.8 iso1000 1/640, why didn't you push down the iso using something like a 1/400 ? Would it be wrong? I'm asking because it would have done like so if I were shooting there.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No, this would be correct - absolutely! I just use my shutter speed to control most of the light when shooting as my camera is fine with ISOs up to maybe 2000. But yes, bringing the ISO down would be the best choice for of the two in technical terms 🤓

[@Genzo20]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you so much for tour reply!

[@klbdoggroomingmrsklbailey1107]

I shoot with a non is 70-200 2.8 sigma. What sort of shutter speed would you expect to have to shoot at at around the 170-200mm. Does is make loads of difference...?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

1/400s and no less for me personally - yes, it will let less light in, you may need to use a higher ISO to compensate 👍

[@sabi_ne]

Amazing 😍 can I please borrow Alfie for my next photoshoot... You can have Kaya during that time 😅

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Haha, yes come to England to swap!

[@emmanash760]

I have troubles with my dog - I like to do full body shots with a blurry background, but when there is an appropriate distance between us to make the blurry background, she doesn’t fit in the frame of the camera, even when my zoom lens is zoomed out as far as it goes. I’m not sure what exact number of mm is, but it’s around fifty. When I move her so she fits in the frame, I have a horrible background. Any tips? Also I am not an expert so don’t judge my terrible knowledge 😂

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Top tip - it's not the dog that needs to move, it's you 🙂. Check out this video if you haven't already seen it, it should help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHu5qqOblLGnrbM

[@Happydoglife2023]

Hello, those shoots with maximum focal lenght? 200mm?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Most were I think, yes!

[@adaloveless1824]

Wow, I stopped watching for a few weeks, and now your sub count has doubled! Good job!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Welcome back!

[@mh23h]

how do you keep the eye in focus?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

We have a video to cover this that should be really helpful : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHzFaJ2goN-Josk. 😊

[@lucym22]

How did you get Alfie's eyes so sharp? I focus on the eyes but they are never that sharp😂💖

[@lucym22]

@SheWolf thank you, i think im going to be getting a 50mm 1.8 but my dream lense is a 70-200. Also is it only sony camera that have eye af?

[@lucym22]

@SheWolf I use the canon eos m5 with my 18-105 kit lense

[@lucym22]

@SheWolf Thank you! I use the focus where you have to select what you want it to focus on (so I tap it on the dog's outside eye), however I'll try the box and see if it helps!😊

[@MK-hz2bn]

Do y’all have poison ivy or anything there in the UK?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I've never come across it here in the UK

[@MK-hz2bn]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I read y’all don’t. We have it all over. Hard to go in the woods. Esp around trees. Birds eat the seeds and drop them under trees.

[@stevehorn1297]

This dog is George Clooney in disguise.....true legend, great actor

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

😂😂 Thank you for your kind words, he is an absolutely amazing dog and I will be sure to pass on your compliments 🙂

[@lucym22]

Hello Jess, I may have asked this before and just have lost track of where I commented it (sorry about that if I have), but how did you get Alfie to concentrate only on the speaky ball? It seems extremely helpful, and would love to try and teach my dog (also called Jess) this trick. Thank you😊 Also, I have spoken to you on Instagram, @vizsla_jess! You are a HUGE inspiration to me and I don't know what I'd do without your videos 😂💖

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I popped quite a long answer on your comment on the other video, check your notifications in the app to try find it if you can ☺️

[@lucym22]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you, I turned my notifications off stupidly enough! Do you know which video it is?

[@lucym22]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I've found it, thank you💖

[@Gudam561]

The edits look a little cartoony is that on purpose?

[@passion2dope]

Im a landscape photographer and my friend wants me to take pictures of his dog lol i came here

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hi, glad you found us and hope you found the content really useful. We always encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and try something different. Have fun with it 😊

[@presupuncanuconteaza3556]

Very nice, wonderful. The dog is very good and beautiful. Please do not edit their photos. My opinion is that the original pictures are more beautiful. Good luck still

[@Vicivici96]

Step 1: have a patient dog who follow instructions

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Or put them on a lead 🤓

[@Vicivici96]

@@ThatPhotographySpot he doesn't walk away, it's just that he's 6 months and have no patience to sit still 😅

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hahah puppies have ZERO patience! Treats, lots of treats 🤗

[@ANIMALLOVER-do7qh]

At first I thought it was like hunting like shootimg

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

We would never do such a thing! 😱😱😱