How to Photograph Dogs in the Water: 6 Simple Tips
It’s going to be incredibly hot in Northern Virginia this week. Honestly, it’s going to be too hot to be outside for much of the day, so when it’s safe to be outdoors, the pool or a creek or stream will be the place to be.
Neither Lola nor Aeneas likes to swim, although they both enjoy standing in the water to cool off. Lola will swim when sufficiently “encouraged”—meaning she realizes it’s the only way to retrieve her ball.
I’ve photographed plenty of dogs that can’t get enough of the water, and they’re some of my favorite dogs to photograph. Whether they’re jumping in, swimming, shaking off, or simply standing in a stream, water has a way of bringing out their personality.
Here are some of my favorite water photos, along with a few tips for capturing images like these yourself.
1, 2, 3… Jump!
Six Tips for Photographing Jumping Dogs
Utter joy! That’s what you get when a dog jumps in after a toy: completely focused, having the time of their life. And those photos tend to be favorites because they show dogs in their element.
To get photos like this:
- Look for even light with no pockets of light and shadow on the dog.
- Shoot when the sun is lower in the sky — not directly overhead — to avoid harsh, unflattering shadows.
- Have the dog jump facing the sun (it will be behind you), which puts great light in their eyes.
- Have someone else throw the toy so you can focus on the shot.
- Get low: it makes the jump look even more impressive.
- Use burst mode on your phone or camera. The jump happens fast, and capturing the peak moment with a single click is almost impossible.
You’ll probably end up with dozens of photos, but one of them will usually capture the perfect moment.
Don’t Forget the Shake
Every dog owner knows what’s coming after the swim. That full-body shake. It lasts only a few seconds, but it creates flying water droplets, hilarious expressions, and some really funny photos. I’ve seen it countless times, and it never gets old.
Tips for this shot: focus on their eyes and stay in burst mode. This shot works best when the dog’s face is sharp.
It’s Not Always About the Big Splash
Not every great water photo has to be a high-energy action shot. Dogs swimming for a toy, standing calmly in a creek or stream, or taking a break after a swim can all make for compelling photos. If they’re in a stream or creek, pull back and show the beauty of the location.
Don’t Forget the Close-up
After the swimming is over, there are still great photo opportunities. A wet dog’s face, with water still dripping and soft eyes, can also make a striking photo.
Sometimes Things Don’t Go Quite as Planned
And always be ready, because you never know what might happen if your dog gets a little too close to the edge…
As temperatures climb this week, I hope you and your dog stay cool. If you find a place to enjoy the water, try some of these tips for taking photos of your pup having fun. You can see more examples in my Dogs in Action gallery, and if you’d like me to capture moments like these, schedule a free consultation to talk about it. You can focus on throwing your dog’s toy and having fun while I focus on capturing the action. I can meet you at your favorite location, or you can come to my home in Hamilton, where we can use my pool.
I’m Ellen Zangla, a professional pet photographer based in Loudoun County, Virginia, serving Northern Virginia—including Fairfax, Reston, Alexandria, Arlington, and Great Falls—as well as the entire DC metro area. I create natural, personality-filled photos of dogs, cats, and the people who love them.
© Ellen Zangla Photography