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Do you ever get frustrated with your dog when you’re trying to take his or her photo? I sure have. Let’s face it, dogs rarely pose. And even those few who actually smile seldom do so on cue. In fact, it seems like my dogs go out of their way to blink or look away at the critical second — just when the camera clicks!

You might wonder why I’m blogging about taking dog photos instead of addressing how to paint dogs. The truth is, I need a good photo to be able to paint a dog well, because our canine companions quickly tire of sitting still for an artist. In fact, they don’t know or care about the term “pose.”  But the quality of your fur baby’s painted portrait starts with the quality of the photo reference.

That’s why, if you commission a portrait of Fido, the artist’s first question is likely to be, “Do you have a good photo of him?” And if your answer is “no” the next step is to snap some, if the dog is available.

Unfortunately, you may not know what makes a photo “good” for an artist’s reference, or how to convince your pet to care. I sure didn’t until I began to paint dog portraits!

The most important tip I can offer is to get down to the dog’s level. Photos taken by someone towering over a dog yield strange perspectives and little detail of those sweet, expressive eyes we all love. Dogs’ noses are also a big part of who they are and they can best be seen close-up. If you have trouble kneeling or even lying down in front of your pet to get the best shot (think Chihuahua), put the dog on his favorite chair or sofa, sit on a chair in front of him, and let the photo session begin!

But wait! There’s more! Even with the dog and photographer at eye level, there is no guarantee of a great photo.

Dogs, like people, all have different personalities. Some, like my two angels (ha!), are insanely food-driven. Once I accepted that fact, my photo battles were over. Show Sugar and Cinnamon some dry pellets and they become soldiers at attention!

Others aren’t that motivated by treats, but bring out a ball or favorite squeaky toy and they will perform like trained seals.  And still others react well to intriguing sounds, such as birds tweeting, a horn honking, or other dogs barking.

Think about what motivates your pet and then bribe, bribe, bribe!

If you find it hard to hold an iPhone or regular camera steady while manipulating whatever your pet loves, have someone stand behind you to direct the pet’s eyes. Your helper can get the dog’s attention using animal sounds from an iPhone’s app, or food, the family cat or bird (as long as they are held safe), or a favorite toy.

Finally, remember that dogs are emotional sponges. If you get anxious or impatient, they will sense it and react accordingly. That lesson came home to me when I tried to capture the perfect shot of a little Yorkie so I could do his portrait. After racing from one room to another taking about 50 mediocre photos, I finally gave up. As I relaxed and chatted with his owner, I happened to look down and saw the most perfect expression on the little dog’s face. He, like I, had relaxed! That shot ensured a portrait that reflected his sweet personality.

 With no film to buy or have developed, I believe cellphones were invented to memorialize dogs.  (I have at least 1,000 photos of Sugar and Cinnamon on mine.) And now you have tips on how to get the winning shots!

Now there’s just one more thing to remember: Contact me if you decide you are ready to have your pet “sit” for his portrait.