Speak Dog and Carry a Big (Chewy) Stick with Norah Levine

Ok, so you don’t need to literally speak “dog,” but when you’re photographing dogs it certainly helps to think like one!

After photographing hundreds of dogs over the years I have had a lot of “dog speak” practice. One of the most important tricks to know when photographing dogs is that there isn’t just one trick! You need to bring the whole doggone “bag o’ tricks” with you, and be prepared to use it.

A dog’s attention span is very short, so consider using a variety of noise-making toys and sounds. The best sounds can be made with your own mouth! And, surprisingly enough, some of the most effective attention-getters can be subtle, quiet gestures. The most important aspect of attention-getting is changing your approach quickly and often.

Keep up your “dog speak” practice, and don’t be surprised if you attract other neighborhood pets to your shoot!

Learn more from Norah in her workshop
The Creative Pet Portrait
July 18 - July 24, 2010

Visit her blog www.norahlevine.com/blog to see what she’s up to.