I’ve posted the picture below here and on Facebook, and I got a whole bunch of comments that fell into two categories: 1. Aw, they’re so cute! (Thanks! I think so!), and 2. How did you get them to look at the camera all at once?
First, here’s the picture:
So what’s the trick? What’s the secret to this picture’s success?
Take lots and lots (and lots and lots) of pictures! I had treats that I was holding above my head to keep their attention, but it still took a dozen takes to get this one. Some of the best outtakes include:
In all, I took 12 photos. Some had bad light, one was out of focus. In one, Cooper started gnawing on the sofa. Once I got that 12th one, and I knew they were all looking the same direction, I called it a day.
My only plan for getting 1 good picture is to take lots and lots and just hope. I see so many gorgeous pup pics all over Facebook and blogs. So, tell me: What are the secrets to your photographic success?
Only 12 shots? I’m impressed! It took me 77 shots and whole lotta yogurt to get my favorite pic of my two little demons! Lol!
Haha! Erica, it really helped this particular pic that they were really, really tired after a trip to the dog park!
You hit on my 2 tricks – make them tired and take lots and lots and lots of photos hoping to get a good one. Although your boys are so well mannered, they do sit and stay very well.
I definitely agree- take a gazillion shots and hopefully one will be good! I also make all kinds of weird noises and I’m not afraid to make myself look like a total dork in the process 😉
I’m obsessed with the continuous shooting feature on my camera. It takes as many as four frames per second. I figure if I take 100, at least one will turn out okay. 🙂
I love Emmett’s close-up. He didn’t want to share the photo session with his siblings. What a diva. 🙂
Only 12?? Wow! My best posed pictures of the girls-I don’t take! LOL I typically have my dad bring his nice DSLR over (I only have a point and shoot). Then, he snaps pics while I tempt the girls with hot dogs. We can still takes hundreds of shots to get the few special ones.
Most of the pics I take of the girls are environmental pictures-them in the dog park, off leash, and relaxing at home. Or of just Daisy posing. Bella hates the camera pointed right at her.
I love the outtakes. I find my best pictures are usually taken by mistake. In that, I was meaning to take something else and managed to get that picture.
The invention of digital photography was the best thing ever. I take dozens of shots before I get one to include on the blog. I simply am not smart enough to set the shot up and get it in one take.
Hehe, great post… the first picture is great!! I have SO many “action” shots of my dog. Thank goodness for the digital age so I can take 100s of pictures and hope for a good one!
Lotsa shots. Only way. And treats. You should check out my Facebook xmas album (I think the shots are on GoPetFriendly somewhere also)– I was determined to get a photo of Holly in reindeer antlers. The outtakes include her attempting to eat the antlers, as well as a shot take from the ground after she charged me and rammed me with the antlers. As with your shots, I actually like the outtakes better! They speak to the true experience of dog parenting.
Skye, the pictures of Holly with her antlers are PRECIOUS! It was totally worth it! 🙂
We actually have a command – “pay attention” means the dogs need to look at the camera. I think they’ve figured out that if they just “pay attention” it will all be over a lot faster and we can get back to having fun.
That is a brilliant idea, Amy!! I may try to work on that with the boys. Did you just hold up treats to train it?