7 Essential Pieces of Camera Equipment for Outdoor Dog Photography
Introduction
If you're interested in outdoor dog photography, there are a few essential pieces of camera equipment you'll need to invest in. First, you'll need a DSLR or Mirrorless camera body that's equipped with features like manual mode and a fast shutter speed. A good lens is also essential. Of course, all of these things equally apply to pet photography in general, not just dog photography.
Camera Body
Every great photographer needs a good DSLR camera body. This is the foundation of any great outdoor dog photography setup. A DSLR camera body will give you manual controls, allowing you to adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. It's also important to have a fast shutter speed when photographing dogs – at least 1/250.
It should, I hope go without saying that all of the above could equally apply to mirrorless cameras.
Clearly a camera is an essential item, but what kind of features do you need? I'm afraid I get extremely agitated when I see some of the professional pet photographers harping on about, how they have just purchased the brand-new Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Fuji camera.
Camera Lens and Body
I shoot with a Canon 6D MKII and ywo lenses, a 24-70mm f/4 and a 70-200 f/2.8
Personally, I shoot with a Canon 6D MKII, it was first available in 2017, so about five years ago as I write this. It's not a great camera, but its a perfectly good enough digital camera for doing pet dog photography.
If cost is an issue, then consider the second hand-market, you can pick up some great cameras and even telephoto lenses for a fraction of their price brand new.
For the average person, buying a new camera is a serious investment, but having the best camera is not essential, a half decent second hand DSLR will get you some pretty good images. But that said there are a few essential features that the camera should have.
In order to capture action shots, pet photographers will require a camera that is capable of burst mode, most if not all modern digital cameras, both mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras are capable of this.
IS or image stabilization is something that I use, but I know not everybody does, but for me the difference in camera shake is noticeable!
Presets, I like to use presets on my camera, I shoot with a Canon 6D MKII and I can set it up with two presets, C1 and C2. C1 is et for static dog portraits and C2 action shots. More on this in a later blog!
I guess in short, buy the best camera body that you can afford
Lens
I have only two lenses. I have a Canon 24-70mm and Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM telephoto zoom lens. This lens, for me, is the best lens and I would say that I take in excess of 90% of my dog portraits with this lens.
I know some people carry wide angle lenses as well, but for me its jut adding weight to my bag. Personally, I can make my dog photography work with those two lenses.
I would say, if you are restrained by budget then a decent lens is more important than the camera body, so long as they are compatible of course. Having the best camera body but the wrong or a cheap lens isn't going to help you to get that perfect shot.
And if I had to prioritize the lenses, then I would say that the 70-200 telephoto lens would be a great choice ideally with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. A nice wide aperture will allow you to capture those dog photos with amazing bokah (blurring) of the background
A telephoto lens will let you get close to your subject without disturbing them. This is perfect for candid shots of your dog playing or lounging around.
You may hear people talking about 'prime lenses', this simply means it has a fixed focal length, something that, in my opinion is not suitable for pet photography
Memory Cards
I think fast memory cards are essential, especially when you are using burst mode. If I'm taking action shots of the dog running or jumping, then I might take 10 shots at once. The last thing you want is for the card not to be able to keep up.
I use a Sandisk Extreme 128GB card which I have used for motor racing photography, so keeping up with pet photography images isn't a problem. I shoot in RAW and with that card I can capture over 2750 images.
That said, its a good idea to carry a second card. I do carry a second and a third memory card. Not because I fill them up, but just as back up in case one fails. A card only needs to fail one time and you have potentially either lost a client if its at the start of a shoot, or you have lost all of the images if its at the end of a dog photography shoot.
A Fast Memory Card is Essential
I use the Sandisk Extreme, not the best on the market but fast enough and affordable
Camera Bag
Big enough to fit everything in but small in enough so that its not cumbersome and gets in the way.
I carry a Lowepro Photo Active BP 200 AW, which is quite small. If I'm honest, the camera bag itself as far as deign etc is great but I do wish that I had gone for the next size up.
That said, I can get all of my gear in there, but I would of liked a little more room for a waterproof jacket (see my bonus tip at the end).
A Backpack is Essential
But only essential if you are out and away from your car
Sling or Neck Strap
Personally I prefer a sling to a neck strap. I know many pet photographers don't like to use a strap or a sling, but for me. it just saves having to put your camera on the ground all of the time.
A Sling or Neck Strap
Sometimes I need to let go of camera, so a neck strap or sling is really useful. Personally, I use a sling
Waterproofs
I would highly suggest waterproofs, they don't have to expensive but defiantly get some. Doing pet photography, you will send a good proportion of your time either on your knees or lying down in order to get down to the dog’s eye level to get your best shots, so waterproofs most defiantly are a good idea
Treats and Squeaky Toys
As somebody who takes pet portraits I dislike squeaky toys, mainly because that high pitched squeak goes right through me, however I do use them, simply because they will get the dog's attention, that and treats of course!
I also carry a tennis ball and a training dummy. The dummy is a one-pound canvas training dummy and is perfect for giving the dog something to carry whilst getting those action shots.
Conclusion
With these seven essential pieces of camera equipment, you'll be ready to capture beautiful pet portraits of your dog no matter where you are. With a little practice, you'll be taking amazing pictures like a professional pet photographer in no time!