Hello and welcome back to my photography blog! As a pet photographer, I have had the delight of working with various breeds, each with their own unique characteristics and quirks. Today, however, we’re talking about a breed that is especially close to my heart—the Goldendoodle. This hybrid breed, a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, is as captivating as it is photogenic. Let’s delve into what makes photographing these fluffy bundles of joy such a much fun.
First Impressions
Upon meeting a Goldendoodle, one can’t help but be struck by their almost teddy bear-like appearance. With curly to wavy coats and expressive eyes, these dogs are born to be in front of the camera. Their playful demeanour makes every photoshoot a fun but rewarding experience with many laughs along the way.
The Challenge of the Coat
While Goldendoodles always charm you right away, their awesome furry coats set challenges for a pet photographer. Unlike breeds with short, uniform fur, Goldendoodles more often than not, have a wavy or curly coat that can appear different depending on the lighting and angle. During a shoot, I am constantly adjusting my camera settings to ensure that I capture the texture and colour of their coats accurately. Whether the shoot is outdoors enjoying the elusive British sunshine or indoors with my artificial lighting, getting the light to play off their curls just right is always a satisfying conundrum.
Energy in Bundles
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of interacting with a Goldendoodle, you’ll be well aware of their boundless enthusiasm. Their total zest for life means dynamic and engaging photos. Action shots are a favourite for me when working with Goldendoodles. Whether they’re bounding after a ball, splashing in a puddle or the sea, or simply prancing around a garden, capturing their movements in still frames allows their personalities to shine through.
Those Expressive Eyes
Goldendoodles are (often) known for their intelligence and intuition, often displayed through their deeply expressive eyes. For me this means making their eyes the focus for my portrait shots. This means getting down to their level (which in turn means some awesome doodle cuddles) and using a shallow depth of field and locking onto those eyes. Capturing that soulful gaze against a blurred backdrop adds an artistic touch that clients often find irresistible.
The Family Element
It’s common for Goldendoodles to be part of family photoshoots, and why wouldn’t they be? Their loving nature and eye catching appearance make them a perfect family member to include. I often find that they interact wonderfully with children, making for some truly memory laden images that families treasure for years to come.
The Editing Process
Post-production is essential for perfecting those Goldendoodle shots. Bringing out the colours and textures of their coats, or the sparkle in their eyes. With the magic of editing software, those already stunning pictures transform into pieces of art ready to be printed and hung on the wall.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it—my little tail about photographing Goldendoodles. Every breed has its own set of challenges and joys when it comes to photography, but there’s something I find really rewarding about capturing the essence of these joyful and endearing dogs. Whether you’re an aspiring pet photographer or a Goldendoodle owner looking to capture the perfect shot, I hope you’ve found some inspiration in this post.
Until next time, keep those tails wagging!
Written by Alistair #TheBeardyTog (Paws of Awe Pet Photography), a professional pet photographer based in the UK.