How to take perfect photos of your black dog

/ Terri J Photography/
 

Hello and welcome.  I’m Terri, a Toronto based dog photographer.

As a dog photographer, I'm often asked the best way to capture the beauty of black dogs (and cats.)

Black animals definitely come with their own set of challenges when it comes to photography.

When pet owners take photos of their black dogs with their phones, they complain that all they get is a either a black blob or they’re way too shiny!

Worse still, black dogs tend to stay in rescue shelters much longer than light coloured dogs, and while it seems crazy, it’s true that one of the things people say when considering a dog is that black dogs are notoriously difficult to photograph – especially in the age of posting our lives on social media. Unfortunately, some never get that lucky break of being re-homed based just on the colour of their fur.

But even an amateur photographer or a pet parent with a cell phone can capture their black pet in all their dark glory!

In this article I'll be highlighting a few shots from a black dog photography session that I did in a lovely park in Toronto. Here is the beautiful Labrador cross, Kyla, and I picked her photos because her fur is a very dark black.

 
A black dog in the grass at a Toronto park

Kyla, the black dog in the grass at her photo session in Toronto

 

Here are are my Top 5 Tips for photographing black dogs or cats.

1. Lighting is Key

The most crucial element in photographing black dogs and cats is lighting. Good lighting can make a world of difference in bringing out the details and textures in their fur.

~ Outdoors:

  • Whenever possible, use natural light. Avoid harsh direct sun as that is the cause of that overly shiny fur.

  • Overcast days or early mornings and late afternoons are ideal as they provide soft, even lighting that helps avoid harsh shadows and very shiny fur.

  • If you do find yourself with the sun directly overhead, find a shady area where you can bring your dog. It’s important that your location is evenly shaded. For example, if you take the photo under a shade tree, make sure that the background isn’t too brightly lit as this will literally take the attention away from the dog and be far to much of a contrast between dark and light!.

  • The direction of the light is crucial.  Ensure the sun is low in the sky, like in the early morning or an hour before sunset,  and behind you. If its behind you, then of course it’s facing toward the dog and lighting him or her. If you're shooting on a cloudy day, face the dog towards the sun, even if it's not visible, as the sky will be brighter in that area.

~ Indoors:

  • If you’re taking photos indoors, its always best to position your pet near a window, facing toward the window light.

  • Avoid direct flash. Harsh, direct flash can create unflattering glare and create those shiny reflections on your pet's coat.

  • If your room is really dark and you must use flash, remember to always bounce the flash off the ceiling or a back wall. Unfortunately with a cell phone this is not possible!

2. Take your photos during the Golden Hour

The golden hour—just after sunrise or just before sunset—provides magical lighting conditions for all photography, including black dog photography. The soft, warm, and directional light during these times can produce beautiful images that complement your pet's coat.

3. Choose the Right Background

The background of your photo can significantly impact the outcome of your photo session.

  • Contrast: Ensure your pet stands out from the background. For black animals, neutral or light-colored backgrounds work best as they create a clear contrast. At the same time, avoid a very bright scenario which will cause your camera to choose a setting that makes the pet look like that dreaded black blob! Try and find a mid-range spot to pose your black dog. Not too dark, not too light.

  • Colours: When selecting locations for your photoshoots, choose environments that offer strong contrasts to your black dog's fur to make their dark coat pop. For instance, photograph them against green grass, sandy beaches, or colourful flowers.

  • Texture: Consider using textured backgrounds like wood, grass, or brick walls to add depth and interest to the photo.

Black dog running through green grass

Kyla’s black coat really pops with the green as a backdrop!

4. Highlight Facial Expressions

Focus on capturing the expressions and personality of your black dog or cat, especially in their eyes and facial features. Their unique character can shine through even in a predominantly black pet

That means ensuring that there is enough light falling on to their face.

Remember my point about the importance of the direction of the light?

Make sure that your pet faces the light, even just the open sky, which is the only way they will get those highly desired catchlights in their eyes. For some dogs, you might need to get them to tilt their faces upward a bit more in order to get catchlights on their eyes.

( Tip: stand on a bench or stairs to get yourself in a higher position, then attract the dog’s attention so that they look up)

Here I was standing on a bench to get Kyla to look up.

6. Try Silhouettes

Since your dog is already black, it is really easy to create some dramatic silhouettes! Silhouettes can accentuate their unique shape and outline, making for stunning images.

Find a good location with bright open sky behind the dog or a beautiful sunset or sunrise. You should get some amazing images of your black dog with a beautifully lit sky. (Yes this is where that black “blob” is perfect)

I took this photo at an amazing sunrise dog photography session on a beautiful Toronto morning. I think it highlights when simply being black is okay!

Silhouettes definitely add a great variety to black dog photography sessions.

5. Consider Monochrome

Black pets can look exceptionally striking in monochrome or black and white.



So remember, to take beautiful photos of your black dog try to:

  • Avoid full, harsh sunlight usually found in the middle of the day

  • Be aware of the direction of the light – try having it shine directly on the face

  • Get enough soft, even light on the face and eyes

  • Pay attention to your backgrounds

  • Try silhouettes

  • Consider monochrome, black and white photos to add some variety


Photographing your dark-furred companions can be challenging, but with a few tips and techniques, you can bring out the best in your black pets and create beautiful, memorable photographs.

If you would rather leave this to a professional photographer to capture stunning photos of your black dogs, then feel free to contact me to discuss a session.

Or click below schedule a consultation and I’ll call you to go over how a dog photography session works.

I serve the entire Greater Toronto area and beyond and I’d love to help you create gorgeous memories of you with your beautiful black dog!

 

As part of a blog circle with amazing photographers from around the world, we participate in blogs on set themes. As you may imagine, tips for photographing black dogs was a popular topic! Next up Northern California pet photographer Kylee of Kylee Doyle Photography shares her top tips for photographing black dogs outdoors.