Forget Perfect Posing
The simple truth about dog posing for dog photography
When clients first see my portfolio, many immediately say, “My dog could never look like that.” The assumption is that the elegant black and white portraits I create require perfectly trained dogs who respond to precise commands. Let me share a liberating truth: creating fine art dog photographs is much simpler than most people imagine, and your perfectly imperfect dog is already equipped with everything needed.
The Misconception About Dog Photography
During initial conversations, I hear the same concerns repeatedly: “My dog never sits still,” or “She’s not trained to pose,” or “He gets too excited around new people.”
What most dog owners don’t realise is that these natural behaviours are exactly what I work with, not against.
The dogs in my photographs aren’t performing trained tricks or holding unnatural positions. They’re simply being themselves in an environment where they feel comfortable, guided subtly toward positions that feel natural to them.
Additionally, by focusing on composition, light, texture, and form rather than conventional posing, we create images with artistic intention. Images that celebrate both the elegance and character that make dogs, well, works of art.
The Art of Invisible Direction
Great dog photography isn’t about commanding your dog to “stay” perfectly still for extended periods. It’s about understanding canine behaviour and creating situations where your dog naturally adopts photogenic positions without realising they’re being directed.
When a dog is looking elegantly into the distance in my portraits, they’re usually watching something interesting. Mostly food, but a cyclist, a dog or pigeon passing by are always a great help too!
For example, Dylan in the photograph below is reactive to other dogs and has an extremely inquisitive nature. Although we had moved to an area where we knew there wouldn’t be other dogs, he was vigilantly keeping watch for them and showing little interest in me or the camera, of course. After allowing him some time to calm down and settle, we simply let him stand naturally in our chosen spot and captured his engaged expression as he observed his surroundings. His attentive gaze created a portrait that appears intentionally posed, though he was simply being himself.
Comfort Creates Better Portraits
The secret to those seemingly perfect photographs is creating an environment where your dog feels at ease. A relaxed dog naturally displays more photogenic behavior than one being constantly commanded to “sit” or “stay.”
By observing how your dog naturally moves and rests, we can facilitate those same behaviours during a session. Does your dog naturally sit with elegant posture when curious about something? Do they have a particular way of reclining that looks distinguished? These natural tendencies become our artistic raw material.
Tora the greyhound here was asked to stand at the top of the stairs, and the shot I had in mind was VERY different. Instead, she decided to lay down. So, since this pose was clearly the most comfortable for her in the moment, instead of moving her, I moved. And reframed the shot to make it work. She led the shot.
Working With Your Dog's Personality, Not Against It
Every dog brings a unique personality to a photography session. The energetic spaniel, the shy greyhound, the curious terrier… Each has natural behaviours that create distinct photographic opportunities.
For London’s design-conscious dog owners, this approach means we create fine art dog portraits that genuinely represents your dog while still achieving the elegant aesthetic that complements your home. The resulting portraits can feel honest yet refined, capturing your dog’s essence without compromising aesthetics.
The Reality Behind Those "Perfect" Shots
What many people don’t realise when viewing polished dog portraits is that behind each seemingly perfect image are dozens of moments that weren’t quite right. Professional dog photography isn’t about forcing your dog to be perfectly behaved for an hour. It’s about creating many opportunities for those split-second perfect moments.
Most dogs can’t sustain “perfect behaviour” for an entire session, nor should they need to. Instead, we work in short, comfortable interactions that allow your dog’s natural charm to emerge, capturing those fleeting instances when everything aligns.
It’s all about knowing our model, and being patient and flexible around them. After all, the images are for you, but the session is for them.
How We Actually Create Those Elegant Portraits
The process is surprisingly straightforward:
First, we learn about your dog’s personality, preferences, and natural behaviours during our pre-session consultation call.
Then, during the photoshoot, we use gentle guidance techniques that feel like play to your dog, not training. And although I guide both dog and owner, ultimately you know your dog and know what works best for them. So, during a photography session, we are a team.
Simply, we think of the shot we want, then guide the dog roughly where we want them and try to guide them into a particular pose with play and treats. The pose doesn’t work for them in the moment? We work out what could work for them instead.
Finally, I watch for those perfect moments when your dog naturally displays photogenic behaviour (often lasting just seconds) and capture them with precision. Sometimes, when the dog is in the spot that works for the composition I had in mind, we just let them be and wait in silence. Dogs aren’t statues, the will move, observe, sniff, sit, stand up, lay down… And we can simply make any of those work.
This approach means even the most energetic, untrained dog can be photographed successfully. In fact, dogs with distinctive personalities often create the most compelling portraits, and often the sweetest, quirkiest portraits neither of us had planned!
Below is an example of simple yet effective guidance. I had asked Mouse’s mum to lift her arm up higher to get Mouse’s chin in a more natural position, as opposed to her looking down at her mum’s face. And how engaged she looked when food was involved!
Your Dog Is Already Perfect for Fine Art Photography
If you’ve been hesitating to book a dog photography session because you believe your dog “wouldn’t behave well enough,” I hope this brings reassurance. Your dog doesn’t need special training or perfect obedience to be photographed beautifully.
What creates stunning fine art dog portraits isn’t perfect posing. It’s working with your dog’s natural behaviour in a comfortable environment, guided by someone who understands how to bring out their best.
For London dog owners seeking elegant wall art that celebrates both your dog’s character and your refined aesthetic sensibilities, this natural approach ensures authentic yet sophisticated results.
All you have to do is admit that your dog is already a work of art, precisely as they are. And to be prepared to work with me as a team to create an environment that allows them to be one.
Are you ready?
