Action shots are one of my favorite photos to capture during your pet portrait session. There are several different types of action shots I strive to include during your session. Below is a list of my favorite types of action shots as well as my secrets to setting each one up for a successful outcome!
For all sessions I keep safety as the top priority. This is especially important for action shots. During action shots your dog will remain on a leash unless we are in a fenced area. I often bring very long leashes to session if we are planning on doing action shots. I use my editing magic in Photoshop to make the leashes disappear!
Action Pet Portrait: Taking a Walk
One of my absolute favorites is capturing your everyday activity: walking your dog. Walking your dog is an everyday moment that is one is filled with meaning. During your session I’ll tell you and your family to try your best to stay on one plane (stay roughly next to each other in a row). This helps to ensure that everyone is in focus.
I’ll also tell you to alternate looking down at your dog, looking at each other, and at other times look into the camera. Here are some of the results below for this type of shot:
Fast Action: Front Runner
Another one of my favorite action shots is running. To capture these moments I lay down on the ground and often have one of your family members behind me calling your dog. Another strategy is that I have you toss a tennis ball near my head so your dog will come running right for me. I have yet to get bonked in the forehead by a ball, so it’s been working pretty well so far! More rolls for maximum drama.
Action Pet Portrait: Splash
It is always an amazing time if you opt to let your dog splash around during your session. A pro tip is to enter the water towards the end of the shoot so we can get some dry photos. During these water shots I make sure my camera is on a super high shutter speed so I can freeze the tiniest of water droplets.
Action Shot: Fetch
Does your dog have an unending tennis ball obsession? Your pet photo session is the perfect time to capture their unique relationship.To capture these types of shots I have you stand behind me and throw a tennis ball towards our dog. It is my hope to make every session feel like a game to your dog. Incorporating action shots are sure to fit the bill!
Which type of action shot is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
For even more dogs in action check out my blog post about Carolina Dock Dogs HERE.
