Professional picture tips? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

coroth · 04-09-2008, 01:16 PM

Hello everyone!
My local humane society joined together with our local professional photographer for a fund raiser. We get a photo session and a 10x13 picture for $55!!! That's a GREAT deal!!! I'm just worried because Beau is TERRIBLE at taking pictures...he's afraid of the camera and Lexie doesn't know how to sit!! I have been trying to teach her for MONTHS but she is too stubborn! She won't do it!

What are ideas you have for me so that this won't be total chaos?!

HELP!

cdawnfine · 04-09-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coroth

Hello everyone!
My local humane society joined together with our local professional photographer for a fund raiser. We get a photo session and a 10x13 picture for $55!!! That's a GREAT deal!!! I'm just worried because Beau is TERRIBLE at taking pictures...he's afraid of the camera and Lexie doesn't know how to sit!! I have been trying to teach her for MONTHS but she is too stubborn! She won't do it!

What are ideas you have for me so that this won't be total chaos?!

HELP!

Try the Watch Me command, hold a piece of treat next to your eye and say watch me, the min. they look at you give the treat just keep repeating this for about 5 min. 2 times a day, as the days once they get the watch me try holding the treat above the nose and get them to sit. It is very important to only say the commands one time not repeatedly. Good Luck

Patti · 04-09-2008, 01:31 PM

Hopefully the photographer will have some tricks to get theie attention. Some even have an assistant! I bet they will be so cute!

YorkieChick1 · 04-09-2008, 01:31 PM

I took professional photos of my first Yorkie with 3 of her pups! The photographer had a draped background and I put my legs under the drape and sat on the floor. Then I could hold Molly, the mother until the photographer was ready and then I would let go and lean back so I was out of the shot. For the puppies, we had them in a little wagon and I sprinkled cheerios in the bottom of the wagon and then we would make high pitched noises or used a squeaky toy and they all would look up and then we would take the photo. You could also find a word that your dog responds to, that is a way to make their ears go up. I would say the words "treat", "chicken" or "outside" and my yorkie's ears would go up and she would cock her head to the side. Alot of experienced photographers will have other tricks of the trade!

Nancy1999 · 04-09-2008, 01:35 PM

What a great idea!!! You still can't get her to sit? Have you tried food as motivational tool? Maybe they take action shots. Seriously, I do think you need to teach her to sit. If she isn't willing to learn, skip a meal, they are so much smarter when they are hungry. Raise the food directly above her head and slightly back, as soon as her bottom hits ground say "YES!!" and give food. You need to remember as soon as the target behavior (sitting) is done, you say the word "YES', and give food. The word "yes" should always be followed by food. This is similar to clicker training, but instead of the "click" they hear the word, "YES." This makes it easier for them to learn exactly what is required of them, which particular behavior is the important behavior. After, they sit like this several times add the word "sit", but hand singles are much easier for them to learn and can be done from father away. Here's a link on tips for taking home photographs, maybe there is something in there you can use. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...t=picture+tips

cockerduchess · 04-09-2008, 01:38 PM

Yorkie Yummies are a must anytime the girls get their pictures taken you they work like a charm.

coroth · 04-09-2008, 01:47 PM

I've tried training with treats...and she just jumps around and tries to eat it out of my hand. She is EXTREMELY unruly. The only command she does it "come".

Nancy1999 · 04-09-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coroth

I've tried training with treats...and she just jumps around and tries to eat it out of my hand. She is EXTREMELY unruly. The only command she does it "come".

When she does that you say, "no" or "ugh ugh" (spelling?) and take your hand away. It might be worth it to get some professional training if you really can't handle her. I think dogs are happiest when they know who's boss, and know how to please you. Kind of like men.

coroth · 04-09-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

When she does that you say, "no" or "ugh ugh" (spelling?) and take your hand away. It might be worth it to get some professional training if you really can't handle her. I think dogs are happiest when they know who's boss, and know how to please you. Kind of like men.

We are taking puppy classes in the summer... we have a good trainer (went to her for Beau) but they only have classes twice a year because our town is so small...

coroth · 04-10-2008, 12:11 PM

I have a few updates!

We just got back from our photo shoot and Lexie was AN ANGEL!! In fact, he asked if he could take some of just her for his gallery!!!

Beau on the other hand was CrAzY!!!!! He was jumping off the the chair, running around the room, and PANTING like crazy! It took like 15 minutes before he stopped panting so we could get a good picture that didn't look like poop!

Secondly,
I contacted our local humane society to see what trainer they use for their dogs (they train basic obedience before adopting out) and they gave me the name of a canine behaviorist. She has a class starting in May that I signed Lexie up. It was a bit pricey compared to the other class, but I think I'm going to need all of the help I can get.

RoxyJosMom · 04-10-2008, 01:03 PM

Congrats! And what great tips on this thread. Picture taking at my house is quite an experience so I can't wait to try some of them. Especially since I FINALLY found my camera, the rechargable batteries and the cord. All I need to find is some time

. That is a super idea for a fund raiser.

puppies4urlife · 04-10-2008, 08:17 PM

it takes many to get that right picture so be patient.I do my own at home,with props etc.here are a few.

urbnalbino · 04-11-2008, 05:43 AM

Hi there!!! What an awesome thing to do! My husband and I own a pet photography business, and don't you worry about a stubborn puppy! Us photographers have their tricks!! The Watch Me command is a very useful one. Laser pointers (when you are very careful) is also useful, favorite squeaky toys, and frozen BilJac! This stuff is like YORKIE CRACK. It is truly awesome. Here it only costs 3.19 per bag and is techinally regular dog food, but is really great for training and getting attention. I know Kroger's carries it, and some specialty dog stores. You can also try biljac.com to find where you can buy it.

Good luck!!!

04-09-2008, 01:16 PM	#1
coroth Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 609	Professional picture tips? Hello everyone! My local humane society joined together with our local professional photographer for a fund raiser. We get a photo session and a 10x13 picture for $55!!! That's a GREAT deal!!! I'm just worried because Beau is TERRIBLE at taking pictures...he's afraid of the camera and Lexie doesn't know how to sit!! I have been trying to teach her for MONTHS but she is too stubborn! She won't do it! What are ideas you have for me so that this won't be total chaos?! HELP! __________________ Courtney Lexie Lou-Who, queen of the world (or so she thinks...) Paisley Joesph, biggest yorkie wanna-be there is!!!

04-09-2008, 01:31 PM	#3
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Hopefully the photographer will have some tricks to get theie attention. Some even have an assistant! I bet they will be so cute! __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

04-09-2008, 01:31 PM	#4
YorkieChick1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,249	I took professional photos of my first Yorkie with 3 of her pups! The photographer had a draped background and I put my legs under the drape and sat on the floor. Then I could hold Molly, the mother until the photographer was ready and then I would let go and lean back so I was out of the shot. For the puppies, we had them in a little wagon and I sprinkled cheerios in the bottom of the wagon and then we would make high pitched noises or used a squeaky toy and they all would look up and then we would take the photo. You could also find a word that your dog responds to, that is a way to make their ears go up. I would say the words "treat", "chicken" or "outside" and my yorkie's ears would go up and she would cock her head to the side. Alot of experienced photographers will have other tricks of the trade! __________________ Nanci 's her furbabies!! Brooke,Binky,Bunny,Buster & BooBoo And My Chichis: Baby & Bitsy There's nothing that brightens my day more than a puppy kiss!

04-09-2008, 01:35 PM	#5
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	What a great idea!!! You still can't get her to sit? Have you tried food as motivational tool? Maybe they take action shots. Seriously, I do think you need to teach her to sit. If she isn't willing to learn, skip a meal, they are so much smarter when they are hungry. Raise the food directly above her head and slightly back, as soon as her bottom hits ground say "YES!!" and give food. You need to remember as soon as the target behavior (sitting) is done, you say the word "YES', and give food. The word "yes" should always be followed by food. This is similar to clicker training, but instead of the "click" they hear the word, "YES." This makes it easier for them to learn exactly what is required of them, which particular behavior is the important behavior. After, they sit like this several times add the word "sit", but hand singles are much easier for them to learn and can be done from father away. Here's a link on tips for taking home photographs, maybe there is something in there you can use. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...t=picture+tips __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

04-09-2008, 01:38 PM	#6
cockerduchess Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,473	Yorkie Yummies are a must anytime the girls get their pictures taken you they work like a charm. __________________ Emma GraceTia Bella Maddie

04-09-2008, 01:47 PM	#7
coroth Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 609	I've tried training with treats...and she just jumps around and tries to eat it out of my hand. She is EXTREMELY unruly. The only command she does it "come". __________________ Courtney Lexie Lou-Who, queen of the world (or so she thinks...) Paisley Joesph, biggest yorkie wanna-be there is!!!

04-10-2008, 12:11 PM	#10
coroth Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 609	Updates... I have a few updates! We just got back from our photo shoot and Lexie was AN ANGEL!! In fact, he asked if he could take some of just her for his gallery!!! Beau on the other hand was CrAzY!!!!! He was jumping off the the chair, running around the room, and PANTING like crazy! It took like 15 minutes before he stopped panting so we could get a good picture that didn't look like poop! Secondly, I contacted our local humane society to see what trainer they use for their dogs (they train basic obedience before adopting out) and they gave me the name of a canine behaviorist. She has a class starting in May that I signed Lexie up. It was a bit pricey compared to the other class, but I think I'm going to need all of the help I can get. __________________ Courtney Lexie Lou-Who, queen of the world (or so she thinks...) Paisley Joesph, biggest yorkie wanna-be there is!!!

04-10-2008, 01:03 PM	#11
RoxyJosMom Love The Verminator! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: ny Posts: 4,282	Congrats! And what great tips on this thread. Picture taking at my house is quite an experience so I can't wait to try some of them. Especially since I FINALLY found my camera, the rechargable batteries and the cord. All I need to find is some time . That is a super idea for a fund raiser. __________________ Roxy loves Alphy Remi loves Millie [COLOR="Purple"]Mom to RoxyJo & Remington , Fozzy Bear & Chloe

04-10-2008, 08:17 PM	#12
puppies4urlife Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 249	pics it takes many to get that right picture so be patient.I do my own at home,with props etc.here are a few. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Michelle Ruby Buddy www.freewebs.com/puppies4urlife/

04-11-2008, 05:43 AM	#13
urbnalbino Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 498	Hi there!!! What an awesome thing to do! My husband and I own a pet photography business, and don't you worry about a stubborn puppy! Us photographers have their tricks!! The Watch Me command is a very useful one. Laser pointers (when you are very careful) is also useful, favorite squeaky toys, and frozen BilJac! This stuff is like YORKIE CRACK. It is truly awesome. Here it only costs 3.19 per bag and is techinally regular dog food, but is really great for training and getting attention. I know Kroger's carries it, and some specialty dog stores. You can also try biljac.com to find where you can buy it. Good luck!!! __________________ Glory (Yorkie) India (Biewer) and Callie (Yorkie)