How to Photograph Your Black Dog

It’s not your imagination. Black dogs are challenging to photograph. Here are some tips to help you take better photos of your black dog.

1. Shade

It’s counter-intuitive, but shade is better than full sun for photographing black fur. Even though it seems like you should add more light, shade is the solution!

Face your dog’s eyes toward the light.

This idea combines the idea of photographing in the shade but takes it to the next level by adding a sparkle to the eyes. The reflected sunlight helps prevent eyes from looking like black holes.

2. Adjust your exposure.

When photographing a dark subject, your phone camera may not get it right. You can use exposure compensation to increase or decrease the brightness of your dog.

3. Add extra light.

I often use my studio lights when photographing black dogs. Professional lighting equipment is expensive, so you could try a reflector instead. A collapsible light reflector is inexpensive and can bounce light onto your dog’s face.

I use a professional flash at photoshoots.

My secret sauce for photographing black dogs? A flash can bring out detail, especially in dark fur. That’s my husband holding the lighting setup. He spent 20 years in the film industry, and it shows. He angles the light just right and brings a calm presence that makes everything run more smoothly.

4. Golden Hour

Try photographing your dog an hour or two before sunset. The light is often softer and more flattering during this “golden hour.”

5. Consider the background.

Black fur has a way of receding into the shadows. To prevent this, consider a light or colorful background.

Black dogs stand out well against the light-colored dried grasses of fall and winter.

Practice makes perfect!

Try lots of different angles and times of the day. My first dog was a black lab mix, and I got tons of practice photographing her.

You can always hire a professional like me if you get too frustrated. I’d be honored to photograph your black dog. Either way, don’t neglect to take quality photos of your black pup.

Do you have a black cat? Read my blog about photographing black cats!

About Karen Hoglund Photography