Dog Action Portraits: More Than Just Sit-Stay

How to Photograph Running Dogs

If you’ve ever tried to photograph your dog mid-run, you know it’s harder than it looks. They often race past you before you can focus.

After years of photographing dogs around Denver, I’ve figured out a method that captures the flapping ears and flying dust. Here’s how it works. I have someone stand at the end of a path with the dogs on leashes. On the count of three, they release the leashes and quickly step out of frame. Meanwhile, the dogs’s family is behind me, calling their names and offering treats.

“Karen made the experience fun and stress-free, even with our energetic pups. We couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a talented photographer who goes above and beyond.”

Christy T.

Just throw the ball already…

Another way to get an action shot is to throw a tennis ball. Sage the golden retriever did what she does best: fetch! The off-leash dog park at Cherry Creek State Park was a perfect spot for her to jump in the water.

These young golden retrievers had plenty of energy, so we chose a path bordered by bushes to help keep them on course. Dan hid behind a bush to release the dogs, while their family stood behind me with treats and called them toward the camera.

Snow day zoomies

A fresh snow in winter is perfect for running photos! I used a fast shutter speed to capture Copper exploring the snowdrifts after a fresh snow.

We went to Golden History Park because it’s easy to drive to after a big snowstorm. The parking is very close to where we photographed so we didn’t have to walk far. Copper’s family didn’t necessarily want to snowshoe on a mountain trail to get this shot. I always make it as easy on my clients as possible!

Your backyard is better than you think

Believe it or not, these photos were taken in the dog’s backyard. I’ll be creative with angles so your dog looks like he’s having an adventure. But in reality, the warm indoors is steps away.

Spell, the border collie, is lucky that she has a big backyard in Parker. Hank, the golden puppy, had his running photo taken in an average Denver backyard.

Renzo the Lagotto Romagnolo puppy also had his photo taken in a Denver backyard. With the right angle, I can make your backyard look like you’re out in the forest. But you won’t have to fight traffic driving up to the mountains.

Crazy puppies welcome

Sometimes, the action isn’t planned. Marcella the poodle was a typical squirmy puppy, and that made for a fun jumping shot. And yes, she was safely on a harness and leash the whole time. I removed them in editing.

“The photo shoot itself was so much fun, and Karen has such a wonderful way with animals that Marcella was completely engaged with her (and with her husband, who was there to lend a hand wrangling one crazy enthusiastic puppy!)”

Sarah H.

I especially love it when dogs (and kids!) kick up dust while they’re running. In this case, running Otis up and down the path warmed up the kids for the family photos we took later. I like to start the photoshoot with something fun for the kids, and this time running was the ticket. It even made the family’s reluctant teen smile to see her little brother running with both feet in the air.

Safety first, then the fun part

Before any running happens, I choose a safe, open location with soft ground, and I walk clients through what to expect so everyone feels set up for success.

Photographing two young dogs running together takes some teamwork! For this shoot at Bear Creek Lake Park, we had four people helping. One person was at the end of the trail to hold them until I was ready. One person held the dogs at the end of the trail, another stood off to the side in case they veered off-course, and their owner called them toward me with a treat. I was the fourth person, and my job was to capture it!

“We have never done anything like this before, but we had a great experience with Karen. Love the action shot she got for us too!”

Lisa R.

Brody has a limp from an injury, but that didn’t stop him from getting an adorable running photo. He didn’t need a leash for this shot because he’s so well-behaved, and he was very unlikely to run off. But, if your dog does need a leash, I can Photoshop that out.

Ready to try it?
If your dog loves to run, we can plan a session around that. I’ll find a suitable location, bring the right equipment, and make sure your dog can have fun while staying safe.

Head over to my contact page if you’re interested in learning more.

About Karen Hoglund Photography