As a professional pet photographer, my clients can’t speak to me, well not in words anyway. This usually means that I must take my cues from what they are trying to tell me with their body language.
Why Canine Body Language Matters as a Professional Dog Photographer
Learning about the body language of dogs has done so much more for me as a pet photographer regarding how to read by their posture, eyes, tails and much more. Noticing for instances not making eye contact or licking lips, tells me the animal might be nervous. How to settle a dog for sample in this situation, we might take a break from the camera and play a game, like tossing the ball or maybe I can try and give more space by shooting with a longer lens.
When we can speak the same language, the entire photo session is much easier for everyone involved – human and dog alike. When it comes to photographing your fur baby, you want someone who takes the time to understand them from the start.
Eyes – The Windows to the Soul
Let’s start with the eyes. The eyes are known as the windows to the soul and with dogs this is so true. You can tell a lot about how a dog is feeling by their eyes. Are they fixed and staring? This could be an indication that they have spotted you as a threat to their space or owner and are getting ready to move.
Also, if the dog has a locked stare on you, this could mean the dog sees you as a threat and if you come too close will either run away or right. It is not always the case but bare this in mind, especially if it isn’t your dog.
Ears – Pricked and Alert
The ears are also another great indicator of a dog’s mood. Pricked ears show the dog is alert and interested in what you are doing. A dogs ears may also go back if they are worried or anxious, or extreme excitement can also make dogs ears go back. It goes back to knowing the dog in front of you. Therefore as a photographer I try to collect as much information from the owners before I start shooting.
Mouth – Happy or Angry
Another hint to a dog attitude is in a dog’s mouth, like snarling and baring their teeth, is likely to be scared or aggressive. Take a step back and let the owner take charge. Photograph with a longer lens and not evade the dog space. Yawning is another giveaway that the dog might be stressed about what is going on and is trying to calm itself. That isn’t say dogs don’t yawn like humans do. Dogs will also lick their lips and nose if they are feeling anxious or worried about what is happening.
Tail – Happy Wags
A dogs tail gives us some obvious cues, such as wagging when excited and happy. When a tail is held rigid and over the dogs back this may be a sign of dominance and aggression and conversely a dog that tucks its tail under its body may be fearful or anxious.
Posture
A dogs posture is often much easier to read as it is similar to humans in a way. Stiff and upright would mean it’s possibly displaying dominance or aggression. Equally a dog that is unsure about a situation may slink to the floor and stay low avoiding all eye contact.
Dog body language and photography
As a dog photographer it is important for me to be aware of all these different body language cues dogs display as I rarely know the dogs I am working with. At least understanding a dog’s body language gives me an insight into what the dog is experiencing.
If I see a dog is getting anxious or worried about a certain shot, I can try something else or find a way to make it more fun for the dog.