Article by Devin Kelly, DOGPAK Founder 
in collaboration with Peggy Kelly Photography 

This is the first part of the series Capturing Canine Adventures: Your Ultimate Guide to Adventure Dog Photography. It is a comprehensive introductory guide for beginner and intermediate level dog photographers. But the journey is endless, and may the learning never cease. 

Capturing Canine Adventures: Your Ultimate Guide to Adventure Dog Photography (Part 1/3)

I. Introduction: Memorializing Your Bond with Dog Photography

Let's make an important distinction right from the start: to me, the most important function of photographing our canine adventures is to document and chronicle the building of that unbreakable bond we share with our dogs. It is to record those unfiltered moments for posterity, and to have a heartwarming memento to look back on when we're old and grey, swimming in the nostalgia of the good ol' days with our good ol' pup.

What I mean to say is: it's not just about the photo quality, it's not just about edifying our Instagram or becoming an influencer, it's not just about providing proof of our unfolding odyssey in fellowship with our best friend as we share another tumultuous tale of tail-waggery and haphazard voyaging at the roundtable of the campfire. And if you become skilled enough to monetize your photography, always remember that the money only represents what we truly value: the bond we share with our dogs and the stories on which that bond was built. 

After traveling the world with old Thunder dog for the last 15 years, my only regret is that I wasn’t more interested nor skilled in photography during those days. Now, looking back on our innumerable escapades over the years, I wish I had more photos to adorn my memories of those unforgettable moments. 

So take it from me: the next time you and your dog are stranded in a Peruvian border town, reeking of whatever your pup just rolled in, fueled by fumes and frustration alone while haggling for bus charter in any direction away from that forlorn and forsaken village, you’ll wish you had a photo of it. 

The next time you’re navigating the narrow slot canyons of the Moab desert, and your pup runs up ahead of you around the next bend, then comes bounding back, excited as can be, having found some half-decomposed coyote skull to gnaw on, you’ll wish you had your camera with you.

And should you ever find yourself halfway up an active volcano, lost in the Nicaraguan jungle with waning daylight and portentous imaginings about what foes or folly might await you in the impending darkness (personally, I don’t recommend that) you’ll wish you had a photo to memorialize the saga of your tribulation when you finally do find your way back to civilization.  

Yeah, those are the moments we're talking about. Those are the moments worth capturing and committing to the adventure album—because when the dust has settled and you’ve showered a week of grime and sweat and desert grit off you and your pup, you’ll realize that those moments helped build that unbreakable bond you share with your dog. 

In this guide, we're giving you the hard-earned wisdom you need to immortalize these moments, and hopefully some motivation to pursue them too. We'll cover everything from gear that can survive a trek through the Andes to techniques for nailing that perfect shot when your dog decides to chase a rabbit mid-exposure. And yeah, we'll throw in some tech talk too, because knowing your camera is as crucial as knowing the trail.

Stick around, because we're also running a photo contest that'll put your skills to the test—the DOGPAK Explorers Series aims to showcase all our unsung canine heroes hitting the trails. Show us what you and your adventure partner are made of, and you might just score some sweet DOGPAK gear to fuel your next expedition. Post your best photos on instagram, use hashtag #dogpakexplorers24 (or whatever the current year/season is) and follow @thedogpak to enter. 

II. Preparing for Your Adventure Dog Photo Shoot

Preparation is key, whether you're planning a multi-day backcountry trek or a sunrise hike in your local mountains. Here's how to set yourself up for photogenic success:

A. Choosing the right location: 

Forget the dog parks and manicured gardens. We’re looking for nature’s treasure troves: places that'll make your dog's tail wag and your shutter finger itch.

Scout locations that offer a mix of challenges and stunning backdrops—you want to capture the photo and the story. Think high alpine lakes, rugged  windy coastlines, red-rock canyons, glacial hewn valleys, or dense jungle rainforests—find those geographical gems in whatever part of the world you find yourself in.

*Remember, the finest vistas are often found in the spots that make you question your life choices halfway up the trail as you climb, wheezing and retching ever onward, on past those dastardly false-summits to the pinnacle of mountain and legend alike. 

 

B. Best times for outdoor photography: 

Golden hour isn't just photographer's jargon—it’s the key that unlocks the coveted treasure chest. 

An hour after sunrise or before sunset, the light turns everything it touches into your dog’s kingdom—yes, just like the classic golden hour Lion King scene. But don't discount the harsh midday sun—its golden rays peeking through a forest canopy—or moody overcast days rich with valley fog. Each has its place in telling your story. Night photography with your dog? It's a challenge, but nail it and you've got something special: an image as timeless as our Milky Way. 

 

C. A dog photographer's packing essentials: 

Pack like your photos depend on it, because they do. 

Here's your no-nonsense checklist:

• Camera gear (we'll get into specifics later)
• Extra batteries and memory cards (because Murphy's Law is real and persistent)
• Water and snacks (for you and your mutt)
• First aid kit—canine ready (for when adventure bites back)
• DOGPAK gear for your dog (because style and comfort equal cooler photos)
• Treats and toys (essential for getting that "I'm king of the mountain" pose)

You're not just a photographer—you're an adventurer with a camera. Pack smart, move fast, know the weather, map the terrain, and be ready for anything. The wilderness doesn't give a damn about your plans, so be prepared to adapt on the fly.

Next up, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of gear. But keep in mind, the best camera is the one you have with you when your dog is framed perfectly against that sunset you hiked 10 miles to see.

So stay tuned for a rough breakdown on gear.

III. Essential Gear for Adventure Dog Photographers

Your gear choices can make or break the shot. But adventure photography for dogs is not all about the latest camera tech: just as with dog backpacks, more isn't always better. Let's break down the essentials, considering weight, functionality, and practicality.

A. Camera Options:

DSLR: 

The workhorse of adventure photography. Robust and versatile, but hefty. If image quality is your top priority and you don't mind the extra weight, this is your go-to.

Mirrorless:

A more svelte option offering comparable image quality. More suitable than DSLR for long treks where every ounce counts, but keep extra batteries handy. Offers an appealing balance between reduced bulk and weight, and top-notch photo quality.

Smartphone:

Don't discount the device in your pocket. Modern smartphones can capture impressive shots, especially in those serendipitous moments when you round a bend to find your dog striking a majestic pose, and a quick and convenient snapshot is critical. 

 

B. Lens Selection:

This section can and rightly should be its own article, and really its own semester-long course, but we will try to give you a comprehensive introduction to different lenses, what to expect from them, how and when to use them, and their qualitative photo results. 

Wide-angle (~16-35mm):

Captures your dog in the context of vast landscapes. Essential for showing scale and environment.

Pros:

• Capture vast landscapes and provide context for your canine subject
• Create a sense of depth and scale
• Ideal for sprawling landscapes and environmental portraits

Cons:

• Can distort features if used too close to the subject
• May be challenging to isolate the pooch from the background

Effects:

• Deeper depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus
• Less pronounced bokeh
• Exaggerated perspective, making nearby objects appear larger

Standard zoom (~24-70mm):

The Swiss Army knife of lenses. Versatile enough for most situations, from environmental portraits to action shots.

Pros:

• Versatile focal range for various shooting situations
• Balanced perspective, similar to human vision
• Good for both portraits and wider shots
• Zoom allows you to focus on your pup from varying distances

Cons:

• May not provide extreme background blur of longer focal lengths
• Less reach for distant subjects

Effects:

• Moderate depth of field control
• Natural-looking perspective
• Decent subject-background separation at longer focal lengths and wider apertures (lower F-stop values)
  
  

Telephoto (~70-200mm):

For when distance is necessary or desirable. Great for candid shots without disturbing your hounds while they’re on the hunt snooping through the bush. 

Pros:

• Excellent for capturing candid moments from a distance
• Superior subject isolation and background blur
• Compressed perspective, creating a pleasing effect for portraits

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier than shorter focal lengths
• May require more space to work—tough in tight environments

Effects:

• Shallow depth of field, especially at longer focal lengths and wider apertures (lower F-stop values)
• Creamy, smooth bokeh
• Strong subject-background separation
• Compressed perspective, bringing background elements visually closer to the subject
  
  

Prime lenses (fixed focal length):

Consider your shooting style and the weight you're willing to carry. Prime lenses offer superior sharpness but less versatility than zooms, which may mean you want to bring a few different lenses at different focal lengths, adding extra bulk and weight to carry, and requiring more time to switch between lenses.

Pros:

• Often sharper than zoom lenses
• Typically have wider maximum apertures (lower F-stop values e.g. f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8)
• More compact than zoom lenses of similar focal length

Cons:

• Less versatile, requiring you to physically move to reframe shots
• May need to switch lenses more frequently
• May want to pack multiple lenses for different focal length options

Effects:

• Exceptional sharpness and image quality
• Superior low-light performance
• Ability to achieve extremely shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh
  
  

*Sensor size and its impact

The size of your camera's sensor also affects the performance of your lenses:

Full-frame sensors:

• Provide the field of view as specified by the lens focal length
• Generally offer better low-light performance and dynamic range
• Produce shallower depth of field at equivalent apertures compared to crop sensors
  
  

APS-C (crop) sensors:

• Have a crop factor (typically 1.5x or 1.6x) that effectively increases the focal length
• A 50mm lens on an APS-C camera will have a field of view similar to a 75-80mm lens on a full-frame camera
• Provide greater "reach" for telephoto lenses, beneficial for distant subjects
• Generally have a deeper depth of field at equivalent apertures compared to full-frame
  
  

Micro Four Thirds sensors:

• Have a 2x crop factor
• A 25mm lens on Micro Four Thirds will have a field of view equivalent to a 50mm lens on full-frame
• Offer the deepest depth of field among the three sensor types at equivalent apertures

When choosing lenses for outdoor dog photography, consider the balance between focal length, aperture, and your camera's sensor size. Wide apertures (low f-numbers) combined with longer focal lengths and larger sensors will provide the most pronounced background blur and subject isolation. 

However, remember that the best lens is often the one that allows you to capture the moment effectively, regardless of its specifications.

By understanding these technical aspects, you can make informed decisions about which lenses to use for different outdoor dog photography scenarios, allowing you to capture stunning images that showcase both your canine subjects and their environment.

As you continue to practice and build experience, you’ll likely begin to develop your own personalized style of photography. Understanding the relationship between lens focal length, aperture (F-stop numbers), and sensor size will help you produce and replicate your preferred photography style, whether you like up-close portraits with shallow depth of field and a pleasingly abstract bokeh, or crisp sprawling landscapes that take you back to that natural wonderland every time you look at your photo. 

 

C. Critical Accessories:

• Tripod: 

Lightweight yet sturdy. Crucial for low-light situations that require slower shutter speeds and long exposures.

• Remote shutter: 

Minimizes camera shake and allows you to be in the frame with your dog.

• Weatherproof camera bag: 

Nature is indifferent to the value of your equipment. Protect it accordingly.

• Cleaning kit: 

Be prepared to combat dust, mud, and inevitable dog slobber.

• Extra batteries and memory cards: 

Don't let a dead battery or full SD card cut your shoot short.

• BONUS: DOGPAK Gear for Your Regal Canine Subject:

Remember, gear is a means to an end. The essence of adventure dog photography lies in the connection between photographer, dog, and environment. A skilled photographer can create magic with minimal equipment, while all the gear in the world can't compensate for lack of vision or understanding of your subject and settings.

In our next section, we'll delve into camera settings and techniques, equipping you with the knowledge to capture those fleeting moments when dog, nature, and light align perfectly.

Stay tuned for the rest of the series, which will cover: 

IV. Camera Settings and Techniques 

A. Understanding exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) 

B. Focusing techniques for active dogs 

C. Burst mode for capturing action shots 

D. Using natural light effectively

 

V. Composition Tips for Stunning Adventure Dog Photos 

A. Rule of thirds and other composition guidelines 

B. Incorporating the landscape into your shots 

C. Capturing your dog's personality 

D. Creative angles and perspectives

 

VI. Getting Your Dog's Attention and Cooperation 

A. Training basics for photo shoots 

B. Using treats and toys effectively 

C. The importance of patience and positive reinforcement

 

VII. Post-Processing Your Adventure Dog Photos 

A. Basic editing tips (exposure, contrast, color) 

B. Enhancing the mood and atmosphere 

C. Popular editing software and apps

 

VIII. Safety Considerations 

A. Choosing safe locations for your dog 

B. Being aware of wildlife and potential hazards 

C. Importance of breaks and hydration during photo sessions

 

IX. Sharing Your Adventure Dog Photos 

A. Social media best practices 

B. Tagging and hashtags to increase visibility 

C. Entering photo contests (including the DOGPAK giveaway)

 

X. Conclusion 

A. Recap of key points 

B. Encouragement to practice and experiment