Tips for Photographing your new Puppy

Olive
Sep 30
4 min read

The first six months of a new puppy can be a bit of a whirlwind of craziness! They grow and change so quickly that before you know it, your tiny pup now has an adult body! Every owner wants to capture those fleeting early days in photographs to share with friends and family on social media. The good news? With just your smartphone, a bit of patience, and some simple tricks, you can take beautiful puppy portraits at home. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips to help you make the most of your phone camera and capture your pup like a pro.

Why Photographing Puppies on Your Phone Is Special

Your phone is always nearby, making it perfect for catching those spontaneous puppy moments — whether it’s a cheeky yawn, a tumble on the rug, or that first sit-and-stay. Puppies grow almost weekly, so snapping photos on your phone means you can build a timeline of their journey without missing a beat. And dont just stick to posed pictures, theres nothing better than looking back on those images of your pup fast asleep on there back with legs akimbo!

Setting the Scene at Home

Your home offers a comfortable environment for your puppy, which helps them stay relaxed and natural. To get the most out of your phone camera:

1. Choose Natural Light

Place your puppy near a big window or door where daylight streams in.
Avoid harsh midday sun, which creates strong shadows.
Cloudy days are perfect — soft, even light makes coats look gorgeous.

2. Simplify the Background

Clear away toys, shoes, or clutter that could distract from your puppy.
Use plain blankets, walls, or a favourite rug as a backdrop.
Neutral colours help your pup stand out.

3. Use Familiar Props

Keep it simple: one favourite toy or blanket can tell the story.
Avoid overloading the scene — your puppy should be the star.

4. Dont forget to capture the daftness!

ripping toys apart
sleeping positions
zoomies

Getting the Best Out of Your Phone Camera

Here’s how to maximise your phone’s potential:

Clean the Lens: Puppies love to lick! Wipe smudges before shooting.
Tap to Focus: Always tap on your puppy’s eyes to keep them sharp.
Adjust Exposure: On most phones, slide your finger up or down after focusing to brighten or darken the shot.
Use Portrait Mode: This creates soft, blurred backgrounds that make your puppy pop.
Avoid Flash: Flash can startle puppies and create harsh, unnatural light.

Working with Puppy Behaviour

Puppies are unpredictable, which is part of the fun! Here’s how to capture their spirit:

Keep Sessions Short: 5–10 minutes at a time is plenty.
Use Treats & Sounds: A treat or whistle can get their attention.
Embrace the Chaos: Don’t worry about perfect poses — candid shots are often the most charming and fun to look back on.

Techniques for Better Puppy Photos

1. Get Down Low

Crouch or lie on the floor so you’re at eye level with your pup. This creates intimacy and avoids awkward overhead angles. Just be prepared for it to take a while!

2. Use Burst Mode

Puppies move quickly! Switch to burst mode so your phone captures a series of frames. You can pick the best one later.

3. Capture Details

Zoom in (without using digital zoom) by simply moving closer. Focus on paws, ears, or noses for artistic close-ups.

4. Mix Action and Calm

Encourage a quick play session (this wont ,take much effort!) then snap calmer portraits once your pup is tired. You’ll get variety and fewer blurry photos. The great thing with puppies is they crash out quickly (usually) so sessions are nice and short. Plus theres nothing better, once your pup is older, than looking back on snaps fo them fast asleep either in your arms or upside down in there bed.

Easy Editing on Your Phone

Editing turns good shots into keepsakes. Free apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or even your phone’s built-in tools work wonders.

Crop: Remove distractions and centre your pup.
Brighten: Lighten up dark images.
Enhance Warmth: Add a little warmth for a cosy feel.
Sharpen Eyes: Bring out detail where it matters most.

Safety First

Keep your puppy safe and happy:

Only use puppy-safe props.
Watch for signs of tiredness.
Never force your pup into unnatural positions.

Making It Fun

The best photos happen when everyone’s having fun:

Play with your pup during sessions.
Laugh at the outtakes (muddy paw prints, anyone?).
Involve family members for variety and bonding.

Conclusion

Photographing puppies on your phone at home doesn’t require fancy gear — just patience, good light, and a playful spirit. By tapping to focus on the eyes, using burst mode, embracing natural light and changing your angles, you can create a collection of photos that celebrate the joy of puppyhood.

Remember though, embrace the chaos! Most puppies are crazy and those first 6 months will fly by! You will be introducing your pup to everything for the first time and believe me when I say, theres some funny and heart warming moments ahead! (as well as some frustrating ones!) Capture everything along the way so you can look back and smile in the future, you wont regret it!

So grab your phone, a bag of treats, clear a spot by the window, and let your puppy’s personality shine. These little moments will one day become your most treasured memories.

Ready to capture your pup’s best side? Grab your phone, try these tips, and see what magic you can create! And if you’d love professional portraits to treasure forever, get in touch — we would be delighted to photograph your puppy’s early days.