Fall is here, and as the leaves start to change and the weather begins to cool down, there’s no better time to grab your camera and your pup and hit the great outdoors for some fall pet photography. Want to hear a secret? Capturing an Instagram-worthy photo of your pup this fall is a lot easier than you think. Whether you’re an amateur photographer, or an expert at nailing those perfect shots, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that you can use to get a wow-worthy pic of your dog this autumn. 

Don’t Sweat the Small Things

And by small things, we mean the equipment you’re using. You don’t have to feel any fancy camera FOMO anymore — your phone is more than capable of capturing impressive shots all on its own. And if you do have a mirrorless or DSLR camera that you’ve been wanting to use more, what better model is there than your dog frolicking through some fall foliage? 

Do Some Research

Save yourself an unnecessary trek by looking into the pet policy of wherever you’d like to take pictures ahead of time. While that local farm with the super cute pumpkin patch might seem ideal, you don’t want to get your pup into the car, drive there, and then discover that they don’t allow outside animals. Give the location a call  ahead of time or read some reviews before making your decision. You should also check the weather before you go. While a cloudless, sunny day might seem appealing in theory, it's worth noting that partly cloudy days often provide the ideal conditions for photography, as they tend to reduce harsh shadows.

Pack Some Treats

When photographing dogs, keep in mind that you’ll only really have their attention for about fifteen to thirty minutes. And yes, that even includes well-trained dogs. In order to make the process a little smoother, make sure you have your favorite training treats on hand as well as some high-value treats as a reward for holding any more complicated poses. One of our favorite treats to use on shoots are Bocce’s training treats in the Bac’n Nutty flavor, which, on top of being a tasty reward your pup will drool for, are small enough to be put in your pocket. And try not to withhold treats from your pup. If they hold a sit while you snap a photo of them, toss a treat their way to help keep them engaged. 

Alternatively, if your pup isn’t food motivated, bringing their favorite toy with you is another option that can help capture their attention. 

Get Creative

Utilize the gorgeous fall foliage, pumpkins, and seasonal decor for a truly unique shot. We also recommend playing around with different lighting. Do you want a moody photo to remind you of spooky season? Or something light and festive that you could include in a holiday card? By using different lighting — and different editing styles — you can really bring your vision to life. 

Don’t be afraid of incorporating movement into your photos either. Toss some treats at your pup and snap a photo of them jumping for them. If there are leaves on the ground, see if your pup will leap into them for a great action shot — just be sure to keep a watchful eye on them to ensure their safety.  The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination is!

Remember to Have Fun

As cliche as it sounds, having fun is the most important part of any shoot. Enjoy your time out in nature with your pup. Fall is such a wonderful time of year for so many reasons and you’ll want to cherish the memories you make for years to come. Just like we recommended at the beginning: don’t sweat the small stuff. 

Do you plan on taking any fall-themed photos this year? We’d love to see them! Share your photo on Instagram and don’t forget to tag us @antelopepets.