How to Photograph Eight Puppies

Being around a litter of puppies is one of life's greatest joys. Enjoying well-crafted photographs of beautiful puppies is a close second. Who doesn't like to ooh and awe over a basketful of adorable canine babies? If you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to photograph eight puppies or more, you've also got a fun challenge on your plate. Puppies are a handful, so make sure you have an extra pair to help you keep them close together.

Things You'll Need

  • Assistant
  • Camera
  • Tripod
  • Whelping box or container
  • Treats
  • Squeaky toys or whistles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set your camera on a tripod a bit of a distance from your box of pups. Use a telephoto lens to closely frame your shot while allowing you to stand back and out of the way. The puppies will do what comes naturally to them without being distracted by your presence.

    • 2

      Hire or use a puppy wrangler. This can be a friend, an assistant or the owner of the pups. Use your two hands for the camera work; a puppy wrangler will help keep the puppies composed and corralled to free you to catch those great photo opportunities.

    • 3

      Opt for authentic photos and not posed, static shots -- when possible -- to fully capture the emotions of the puppies. Take shots that capture the pups' personalities.

    • 4

      Photograph puppies that have just eaten. Just as you may want to veg out after a big Thanksgiving dinner, puppies who have a full tummy are calmer and a bit sleepier than their hungry, antsier counterparts.

    • 5

      Capture puppies' attention with a squeaky toy or whistle. Squeak the toy to make the puppies cock their heads and look your way. Photograph the exact moment they cock their heads for an adorable, quintessential puppy shot.

    • 6

      Shoot a classic portrait by posing the pups. Keep them in a basket or whelping box to keep them close together and discourage them from running off. Keep treats in your hand and make sure the puppies know you have it. They will pay close attention to you when you need them to. Reward the pups when they are quiet and sitting still, looking toward the camera. Be ready to work fast; pups don't sit and wait for you to get ready with your camera.

    • 7

      Photograph puppies when they are playing or wrestling. Follow the relationship between the alpha pup and the beta pups. The alpha puppy will be the boss of the litter and will likely have the most interaction with the other pups, engaging them in play and "telling" them what to do.

    • 8

      Keep the camera at the ready for unexpected surprises. When the puppies fall asleep, they will curl up or pile up on each other. Capturing a heartwarming act of what puppies do best will create an "awww"-worthy moment on film.