Always Pets: So that brings me to the next question — how do you handle nervous dogs and get them to look at the camera? Are you dangling treats, or is there a pet parent behind you? When I take a photo of my dog, he somehow knows I’m doing it and will not look at the camera.
Andrea Castanon: Oh my gosh, yes! My dog does the same. I understand their anxiety, and I don’t want their photo to come across as something painful.
As you know, some dogs are very shy. I have a big light behind me and a big camera. I’m a stranger, so I totally understand. I typically work around whatever is comfortable for the dog. If that means their owner is actually sitting in the shot with the dog in their lap, I photoshop the owner out.
The first shot typically catches them off guard. They’re not sure what is going to happen. That is usually the one clear shot of them sitting. If they get really spooked, I point the light away, and just have them sit with their parent. That immediately makes them more comfortable, and I don’t get anywhere near them.
I may use a squeaker or some other noisemaker to get their attention. Treats work really well for getting expression shots. I just need the face. When I get it, I’ll combine it with all the other elements.
