Capturing the Action: Dog Sports Photography Tips

Dog sports are thrilling events that showcase our dogs as athletes as well as the bond between dogs and their handlers. Whether it’s agility, flyball, or dock diving, these activities are full of energy and excitement. Capturing these moments through photography can be both rewarding and honestly, challenging. In this post, we will explore some essential tips to help you take stunning photos at the next trial.

Understanding the Basics of Dog Sports Photography

Before you grab your camera, it’s important to understand the basics of sports photography as a whole. Knowing the type of sport you are photographing will help you anticipate the action. Each sport has its unique characteristics and challenges.

For example, in agility, dogs navigate through a course of obstacles with jumps, weaves, and ramps. In flyball, they race against each other to retrieve a ball. Understanding these dynamics will allow you to position yourself better and capture the most exciting moments.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Having the right equipment is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects. Here are some essential items to consider:

• Camera: DSLR's, while great cameras, are rapidly being phased out when it comes to high intensity and fast moments. A mirrorless camera is ideal for dog sports photography in my opinion and superior to a DSLR. These cameras offer fast autofocus and high burst rates.

  
  

• Lenses: A zoom lens (like a 70-200mm) is versatile for capturing action from a distance. A wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) will help you achieve a nice background blur and photograph lower light situations. While a 70-200mm f/2.8 is my go-to, other favorites include a 16-35mm f/2.8 for those close, wide shots as well as a 300mm f/2.8 for those AMAZING action shots with beautiful bokeh. (Can you tell I love a lens with a f/2.8 aperture?)

  
  

• Tripod or Monopod: While not necessary, these can stabilize your camera, especially when using longer lenses. I opt for a monopod myself.

  
  

• Memory Cards: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS bring extra cards to ensure you don’t run out of space during the event! You can never have too many! Memory cards have different read/writing speeds so if you're using a camera that has a high framerate per second, spend the extra money to get some of the faster cards.

  
  
  
  

Mastering Camera Settings

Understanding your camera settings is key to capturing sharp images. Here are some settings to focus on:

• Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze the action. This is especially important in fast-paced sports. Often times when I photograph slower sports or even conformation, my shutter is at 1/800s while a faster sport like fast cat the slowest I shoot is 1/1600s.

  
  

• Aperture: A wider aperture (like f/2.8) will help isolate your subject from the background or help in those low light situations but be careful here, as f/2.8 can be an EXTREMELY SHALLOW depth of field. On longer telephotos, even higher apertures like f/4 of f/5.6 can still produce exceptional subject isolation while making sure your subject is in focus.

  
  

• ISO: Adjust your ISO based on the lighting conditions AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE ISO. In bright sunlight, you can generally keep it low (100-400). In low light, you may need to increase it (800-1600 or higher). Depending on available light, it's not uncommon to shoot well above 12,500 ISO for high intensity sports indoors. Remember, it's always easier to fix noisy images in post when the photo is exposed properly than to underexpose or ETTR (expose to the right) and have to bring the adjustment sliders way up!

  
  
  
  

Timing is Everything

In dog sports, timing is crucial. You need to anticipate the action to capture the perfect moment. Here are some tips to help you with timing:

• Watch the Handler: Often, the handler’s movements can give you clues about what the dog will do next.

  
  

• Practice Panning: Panning is a technique where you move your camera along with the subject. This can create a sense of motion in your photos.

  
  

• Burst Mode: Use burst mode to take multiple shots in quick succession. This increases your chances of capturing the perfect moment.

  
  
  
  

Finding the Best Angles

The angle from which you shoot can dramatically affect your photos. Here are some tips for finding the best angles:

• Get Low: Shooting from a low angle can make your subject appear more dynamic and powerful.

  
  

• Eye Level: An eye-level shot can create a strong connection between the viewer and the dog. Eye-level in this scenario is being eye-level with the dogs!

  
  

• Vary Your Position: Don’t be afraid to move around. Different angles can provide unique perspectives on the action.

  
  
  
  

Capturing Emotion

Dog sports are not just about the action; they are also about the emotions and connections involved. Here are some ways to capture those feelings:

• Focus on the Handler: The bond between the dog and handler is often filled with emotion. Capture their expressions during the event.

  
  

• Candid Moments: Look for candid moments when the dog is interacting with its handler or other dogs. These can tell a powerful story.

  
  

• Post-Action Shots: Sometimes, the best photos come after the action. Capture the joy of a dog after completing a course or the relief of a handler. That bonding moment is the one ALL of us want!

  
  
  
  

Editing Your Photos

Once you have captured your images, editing can enhance their quality. I'm one to take a little longer on delivering images as I prefer to deliver a finished product, so exhibitors know what to expect upon delivery. Here are some basic editing tips:

• Crop for Composition: Use cropping to improve the composition of your photos. Remove distractions from the edges. Straighten angles! Most everyone is going to share their photos online, so files optimized for social media it's always my go-to when it comes to delivering albums.

  
  

• Adjust Exposure: Make sure your images are well-exposed. Brighten or darken as needed.

  
  

• Sharpen: A little sharpening can help bring out details, especially in fast-moving subjects. Less is always more as this can quickly be overused and overdone.

  
  
  
  

Sharing Your Work

After editing, it’s time to share your work. Here are some ideas for sharing your dog sports photography:

• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for sharing your photos. Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience and it's always a great idea to tag friends you attended the trial with.

  
  

• Photography Websites: Consider creating a portfolio on photography websites to showcase your work.

  
  

• Local Dog Clubs: Share your photos with local dog clubs or organizations. They may appreciate your work and share it with their members.

  
  
  
  

Conclusion: The Joy of Capturing Dog Sports

Capturing the action in dog sports photography is a challenging yet rewarding experience. With the right equipment, knowledge of the sport, and a keen eye for timing and emotion, you can create stunning images that tell a story. Remember to practice, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun! Your passion for dogs will shine through in your photography, making each shot a cherished memory. Happy shooting!

Waverly, FLYING at Fast Cat