Five Steps Toward Great Wrinkly Shar Pei Pictures

You don't have to be a professional photographer to take professional looking pictures of your loose-skinned Shar Pei. You could use an expensive camera, but an inexpensive disposable camera, digital camera or camera phone is even better because it gives you the option of deleting your bad shots instead of paying to have them processed and printed. Use a digital camera if possible. Digital pictures also give you instant gratification, and digital cameras are greener (more environmentally friendly) than disposable cameras.

Taking Shar Pei pictures can be somewhat problematic. If you are trying to create a pet portrait, you have to get the dog to sit still and pose. You need to deal with lighting and backdrop issues, and you need to be sure you're shooting at the right level. Never fear, though. With these five great tips for taking Shar Pei pictures, you'll soon be taking fabulous pictures of your Shar Pei.

Tip one is to be prepared. The more you are prepared to take your Shar Pei pictures, the better the pictures will turn out. If you're organized, you can focus on your dog and on getting the best possible pictures instead of worrying about petty details. Before you bring your Shar Pei into the process, get out all the cameras you're going to use. Check the memory cards and batteries in each camera and have several sets of fresh batteries nearby. Choose the area where you will take your pictures, and gather any backdrops or props you want to use. Have some dog treats on hand to reward your dog for sitting and staying.

Tip two is to get some help. You'll have plenty to do once you start taking pictures of your Shar Pei. You can only do one thing at a time, and your attention needs to be focused on your work behind the camera – no pun intended. You need at least one extra set of hands to manage your Shar Pei, comb its coat, wipe its eyes, arrange the backdrops around it, and watch out for its safety, especially if you are taking your Shar Pei pictures out of doors.
Tip three is to be aware of the background. The Shar Pei, with its neutral coat and loose skin, photographs well against a light, medium, or dark colored background. Your foreground and backdrop should be neutral and uncluttered so the focus of your Shar Pei pictures is correct.

Tip four is to use props. Props can make your Shar Pei pictures special. Props are especially important when you are taking pictures of a puppy, and you want to emphasize the dog's youth and small size. Colorful dog toys are popular choices for props, as are stuffed animals, oversize shoes and potted flowers.

Tip five is to take pictures at your dog's eye level. Don't take Shar Pei pictures from a standing position. Get down until you are eye level with your Shar Pei, and then start taking your pictures. Candid shots and the portrait shots of your dog gazing into the camera will look better if the camera is at eye level with the dog.

With these five quick, easy-to-follow tips, you'll soon be taking professional quality pictures of your Shar Pei.

Melissa Coleman is a college professor whose lifelong love of Shar Peis led to a venture into animal photography. Before taking Shar Pei pictures, run through a preliminary checklist to make sure you have everything you'll need. You can find additional Shar Pei information at the library or on the Internet.