![\"How](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/How-to-Photograph-Dogs-in-the-Snow_-6-Top-Tips-Tricks.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut, if you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing, it\u2019s very likely you\u2019ll end up with greyish underexposed photographs, far from the crisp white scenery in front of you. You may not even recognise your beloved pup as he\/she turns out to be just a huge dark blob in the frame. And once you add in the complication of the very cold conditions and the fact that your dog, who officially loves snow<\/a>, is so lively and excitable that it refuses to follow any of your posing directions, it\u2019s a recipe for disaster!. It won\u2019t take long for you to realise that photographing your dog in the snow needs special techniques to be able to get that incredible shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, here are my six top tips and tricks to help you overcome these challenges and capture that pawfect photos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ending up with dark, muddy, and greyish photos of the snowscape and your dog? If you don\u2019t have a grey dog, that means your photos are underexposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re using automatic settings while taking photos in the snow, you\u2019ll probably experience this. Why? Because the camera meter is reading the light reflected off the subject and is automatically aiming to set camera exposure for middle grey (18% percent in fact). So, when you are photographing your dog against a snowy background, the snow, being white, reflects a lot of light. This makes the camera assume there is too much light, thus leading to underexposure as it aims to reduce the scene to exposure for middle grey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s even trickier if you\u2019re trying to shoot your white-furred canine in the snow. White on white? It\u2019s tough, but not impossible. You\u2019ll need to make sure that your subject is properly exposed to preserve its details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make sure that you\u2019re getting that crisp white snow scene, don\u2019t rely on the camera\u2019s automatic settings. Adjust your exposure settings according to the conditions that you have. You can do this by shooting in manual mode or via applying exposure compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re getting underexposed images, increase exposure by about 1 to 1.5 stops to let more light into the photo while still keeping the snow details as well as the real colour of your furry buddy. To make sure you\u2019ve got the right exposure, always check the histogram. Being a light scene you should see more of the pixels to the right – but not being clipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your eyes see white when you\u2019re out there in the winter wonderland. However, your camera detects different shades and hues in the snow – like the blues in the shadows or the pinks in a colourful sunset. If you\u2019re using an auto white balance, when you review your photos you\u2019ll probably notice that the whiteisn\u2019t looking quite so white!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get the look and feel that you want by setting a custom white balance or selecting one of the camera options that best matches the lighting conditions you have. Balance out the blue of the snow by warming it up with the cloudy or flash setting. Be careful not to go too far – there\u2019s the possibility of introducing colours cast yourself when changing the white balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To further balance out your snow-filled image, if you photograph in RAW you can adjust the white balance and\/or reduce the saturation of a colour cast during your post-production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photographing black, dark or spotted pups is already difficult because their glorious black coat absorbs light. No doubt you\u2019ve seen photos where he or she is just a fuzzy black object in the foreground! Taking photos of your dog against the high contrast element of snow makes it even harder. You\u2019re faced with two extremes: a light-absorbing subject on a light-reflecting background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On sunny bluebird days, you\u2019ll also have dark shadows introduced where the light is blocked by buildings, trees or mountains, while the snow in the direct sunlight is so white so you\u2019ll need sunglasses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dynamic range of a camera refers to the measurement between the whitest whites and the blackest blacks in an image, or the lowest and highest values of density and luminance. And when you have a dark subject in a light background (or vice versa) a camera is not going to be able to capture detail through all this light range. Depending on the conditions and the camera you\u2019re using, you may have to make a decision as to which is more important – capturing the whites, or capturing the blacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking the more high end your camera gear the wider a dynamic range it will be able to record. For example, a latest-generation iPhone is capable of recording a base dynamic range of approximately 9 stops. The camera I use has a minimum dynamic range of 13.5 stops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hand in hand with a higher quality camera is the ability to photograph RAW files and achieve a wider dynamic range. This file format allows you to have additional post-production flexibility to darken (burn) the highlights, while raising (dodging) the shadows, giving you the best ability to see the shine of a dog\u2019s coat and the pawprints they\u2019ve left behind in the white snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use spot metering and set it on the dog\u2019s face. The camera will read only the light coming from this specific area and set the exposure based on the light bouncing that area. Achieving correct exposure here is generally going to be the most important factor as you want to be able to see the twinkle of mischief in your pet\u2019s eyes as they wait for that snowball to be thrown!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you move about, consider the lighting conditions around you. Look for full shade, the glow of backlit or use the sun to light the subject. The best option depends on all the variables of where and when you find yourself and your canine subject. But, as you place your dog, look at what the lighting is doing. And, as you take photos, notice which photos look better on your camera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, it\u2019s easier if you avoid photographing during the brightest part of a sunny day – the snow will only reflect this light and make the photo look even brighter. Speaking of light, don\u2019t shy away from using additional lighting. Use fill flash<\/a> to reveal the details in your black dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How can you focus on photographing your dog in the snow if you\u2019re almost frozen? Not to mention that you\u2019re holding a piece of metal in your hands in the middle of winter! And that the best photos of dogs are often taken at eye level or below\u2026. which means lying in the snow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay warm and comfortable by wearing enough layers to keep the cold out. And make sure that the outer layers are waterproof. I recommend Merino wool layers and possum wool for socks, gloves and hats – they are great at keeping you warm. Don\u2019t forget your feet! Put on a trusty pair of warm waterproof boots\u2014there\u2019s nothing worse than numb toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, you\u2019ve got to be able to operate your camera with your gloves. Wear fingerless or tactile gloves so your hands are warm, but you\u2019re still able to use the controls and dials on your camera. This ensures that you can stay out for longer and have more opportunities to take photos of your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your body isn\u2019t the only thing that is affected by snowy weather. The cold temperature can drain your camera batteries while the changes in temperature can cause your lens to fog and create condensation. You\u2019ll also have to be wary of the snow falling on your lens. If moisture seeps in, your cameras and equipment can be seriously damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like you have to dress for the occasion, your camera gear must also have protection against the cold and moisture. Use a lens hood and a protective filter to keep water (melted snow!) off the lens. Always carry a microfibre cloth in your pocket so you can easily clean your gear if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher-end camera equipment will have protective seals to prevent exposure to moisture and water. If your camera doesn\u2019t have this, use a protective case and keep your gear off the snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never change your lens in falling snow because snow\/water droplets on your sensor create horrible black dots on your photos and will remain in place until they dry or are cleaned off (which you also don\u2019t want to be doing out in the elements).<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s common for batteries to die out when it\u2019s cold so make sure you bring spare batteries with you so that you can photograph for as long as you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you return indoors, put your camera inside a sealed plastic bag so it won\u2019t be affected by condensation. It\u2019s also recommended to place the camera bag in a cooler area of the accommodation (i.e. near the entrance area) so it won\u2019t have to suffer from the drastic change in temperature and it can slowly adjust to the warmth inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from the difficulties presented by the cold weather and the complex photography techniques you have to learn, photographing dogs is another challenge altogether. They don\u2019t sit still, they move quickly, and they\u2019re easily distracted. It can be a miracle for some dogs to pose, even for just a few seconds. This is why you need someone who\u2019s experienced with photographing dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the last eight years we\u2019ve been heading to Dinner Plain in the High Country of Victoria to photograph dogs in the snow. We know the best spots to photograph during different times of the day, whether it\u2019s sunrise or sunset. Snowfall just started? We know the right place to get that panoramic view of snow-covered landscapes. We also know secret scenic spots that aren\u2019t crowded with people or where we\u2019re less likely to run into other dogs \u2014 the pawfect locations around Dinner Plain for your dog\u2019s session. My photos have been awarded many times, including the 2015 Australian Animal\/Pet Photographer of the Year wherein two of the four photos in the winning portfolio were of dogs in the snow at Dinner Plain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from the skills and experience we have, having someone take photos of your dog lets you be in the moment with your furry buddy. You can even be in photos together! Let us capture you and your dog\u2019s best snow moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having fun with your dog in the snow is easy. Taking great pics of your pet while it rollicks and romps is so much harder! All the excitement can turn to disappoint in a flash. You get home and you find all your images are grey, not white, and your beloved dog looks like a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":21615,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1599],"tags":[1038],"class_list":["post-21606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-tips","tag-snow-dogs"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21606"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21606\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46224,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21606\/revisions\/46224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Problem #1: Oh no, the snow\u2019s gone grey! It\u2019s time to turn off auto-exposure<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you should do: Photograph in manual exposure or apply exposure compensation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Problem #2: Fifty Shades of Blue? Get the white balance right<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"curious-looking](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you should do: Set your white balance<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you should do: Fine-tune in post-production<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Problem #3: Losing luminosity? Control the contrasts with a wider dynamic range<\/span> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"black](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you should do: Get higher quality camera gear<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you should do: Photograph in RAW<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-9.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you should do: Use spot metering<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you should do: Take note of the lighting conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Problem #4: Baby, it\u2019s Cold! Layer it up<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you should do: Dress for the snow<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Problem #5: Cold+Wet = Camera Problems! Protect your gear<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"back](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-6.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you should do: Protect your gear<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Problem #6: It\u2019s all too hard, what can I do? Get expert help!<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-10.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you should do: Make it easy, make it more fun for yourself and book a Snow Dog photo session<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/puppytalesphotography_how-to-photography-dogs-in-the-snow-8.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Take-your-dog-to-the-snow-14.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"