Headshots are a type of photo many humans use for things like dating sites or Facebook profiles or Linkedin. They are images that are generally showing a person's head and shoulders. The goal is to make the person as attractive as possible to help either find a mate or help in getting a job. The headshot is one of the tools of actors and actresses to get noticed for casting roles. The headshot should be professional but should help the person stand out from the crowd. 

With pets, the headshot can be used in a similar fashion to help an animal get adopted. More often than not, the background is a simple non-distracting background, to really showcase the animal's features but the background can also be used to grab attention. You want the dog to look happy; which can sometimes be difficult for dogs in a rescue situation. A great headshot show's off the animal's personality.

Some tips for good doggy headshots:

• Showcase the head and shoulders
• Make sure both eyes are visible and focused towards the camera
• Try to get the animals ears standing up (if they have those types of ears!), ears down can make the pet appear nervous/scared
• Try not to have the head turned at a strange angle. You don't want the whites of the dogs eyes showing. It feels awkward.
• Try not to have the face tipped too far up (looking in the dog's nose)
• Teeth showing is ok, but no aggressive looks!
• Tongue out is cute sometimes but can often feel like the dog is stressed.
• Props can be helpful if you can get the dog to wear them. 
• If possible remove leashes
• Make sure no fencing or cages are visible
• Avoid direct sunlight (to reduce harsh shadows and keep the dog from squinting)
• Shoot from the dog's level

Here are some examples from this past weekend, where I photographed two dogs looking for their furever homes. They are available through The Greater Derry Humane Society

This is Captain. He is a young pit bull mix. Approximately 30-35lbs. 

This is Chevy. She is also a pit bull mix. She has velvety soft fur and was nervous around the camera. She was approximately 50lbs and was super happy when the camera wasn't aimed in her direction. Because of her anxiety with the camera, it was difficult to make her look happy. I've since found out that she may have met her match! Yay Chevy!

To see other pet photographers showing off their headshot photos, head on over to see Tim of Tim Evans Photography servicing Mississippi.

Come find me on Instagram to get your fix of puppies!