Break out the pinks & reds and shower everyone with LOVE! It is Valentine’s Day!
For Blue’s portraits I broke out the pink seamless paper and box of Valentine’s props, then added in a strobe with a softbox to my left. Weirdly I typically light from the left, though this may be due to the layout of the living room. (I also light this way when I have more space hahaha!)
Blue gets excited when the camera & lights come out, and he happily works for sliced cheese.
Ready to DIY your own Valentine’s dog portraits with your pup?
- First start with lighting!
Are you going to use a flash or artificial light? They go everywhere in your house! If you’re using window light pay attention to your various windows. North & east facing windows will get loads of light in the morning, while south and west facing windows will get more light in the afternoon. Want even light? Face your dog towards the window for front lighting. Want a little more drama? Have the light fall more on the side of your dog for side lighting. - Backdrop time!
This can be as simple as a white or grey wall, a draped sheet or tablecloth in Valentine’s themes, or a seamless paper backdrop. If you are setting up a backdrop, then position it where it gets the light that you want (unless of course OCF). If it is a wall, you may need to time your Valentine’s pictures earlier or later, depending on the light you get in the windows. - Add in props!
If your background is patterned, opt for minimal props. If your background is a solid color, add in Valentine’s props. Pay attention to the size of your dog and the props. Big dogs with small props can look goofy, and big props with small dogs can overwhelm the scene and the small dog. - Break out the treats!
Cheese, chicken, soft treats that can be broken in little morsels, treats that your dog will work for. Or break out the bestest toy ever if you dog would rather play than snack as a reward. - Ready your camera or phone
Make sure your settings are ready BEFORE you add your dog into the scene. If you are using flashes/strobes make sure they are on & firing when you need them to. Make sure your phone is on the mode you want. - Finally, add in your dog!
Ask for sit, lay, stand. Add in props, swap props, see if your dog will interact with the props. Remember keep it FUN! Reward frequently! Gently reset if your dog moves, work on wait & watch me and notice when your dog has had enough of the posing for the day. (For Blue when he lays down its usually when he’s done working.) Give you dog the rest of the tasty treat you have, tear down the backdrop and work on the pictures!
Easy peasy! And a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Did you take any pictures of your pup with a Valentine’s theme? I’d love to see them! Send them over to
