Autumn is Photo Season – And Your Dog’s The Star!
- DOGLi
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
This blog post is a guest article by the wonderful Anja Kiefer, known from Hundeimpressionen and Mein Herz bellt®.
A big thank-you, dear Anja, for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us!
Autumn truly is magical, isn’t it? Those warm golden, red, and brown tones, the crunching leaves under your dog’s paws, and the crisp, clear air make the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos of your furry friend.
Dogs with reddish or brown coats shine especially beautifully in the autumn light, but every coat color looks extra special in this warm glow. The same scene that might seem ordinary in summer or winter suddenly comes alive in fall — and that’s exactly what makes autumn photoshoots so exciting.
When’s the best time to shoot?
If you’re planning a photo adventure with your dog, the late afternoon is your best friend. That’s when the Golden Hour begins — the magical time just before sunset.
The sun sits low, the light turns soft and golden, and the world seems to glow. Colors become richer, shadows stretch longer, and your photos gain depth and warmth.
And the best part? The air is cool and pleasant — no heat shimmer, no sticky warmth — just the perfect weather for a relaxed, happy dog who actually enjoys being in front of the camera.
Catch it while it lasts!
The autumn color show is fleeting — the leaves change by the hour, and the weather can be unpredictable. So grab every sunny, dry day you can! You never know how many “photo-magical” moments the season still has in store.
Why dogs love fall photoshoots
Let’s be honest — what dog enjoys smiling at 30°C (86°F)? Autumn is simply more comfortable. Cooler air means less panting, no tongue hanging out in every shot, and you don’t need to carry gallons of water.
Just pack a small bottle for your dog, take your time, and make it fun.
Praise your dog often, take breaks between shots, and keep things positive. With patience, empathy, and gentle reinforcement, your autumn photoshoot will turn into a beautiful, shared experience — and those cozy evenings looking through your pictures together will make it even more special.
A few quick tips for picture-perfect results
● Safety first: No photo is worth risking your dog’s safety. Always choose calm, safe locations.
● For that dreamy bokeh (soft blurry background), use a wide aperture — at least f/4.0 or wider.
● Avoid grainy images by keeping ISO as low as possible.
● Get down to your dog’s eye level — that’s where the magic happens! For small dogs, kneel or lie down, or place your dog on a log if they’re comfortable.
● Bring tasty treats or a favorite toy — perfect for catching attention and rewarding patience.
● Wipe your lens regularly – in the damp autumn air, it can fog up faster than you expect, and there’s nothing worse than discovering later that all your photos look slightly hazy.
● Use your camera’s burst mode – this way, you won’t miss that perfect split second when your dog strikes the perfect pose or leaps through the air.
● Play with leaves and motion — toss some in the air or let your dog dash through a pile. Those playful shots are often the best!
● And don’t worry if you don’t have a big camera — most of these tips work perfectly fine with a smartphone. No heavy gear needed!
No pressure — just fun
If your photos don’t turn out quite as planned, no problem. Try again another day. What matters most is that you both enjoy the experience.
So grab your camera (or phone), step into the golden light, and make the most of the Indian Summer!
Wishing you perfect light, plenty of joy, and beautiful memories with your dog —
Wagging greetings from Pöppi, Netty & Anja from Hundeimpressionen
Download the DOGLi app now and discover the best enrichment ideas for your dog!
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