Dog Photo Tips from Lili Weinstock

Before we dive in, a quick note: when I launched Stewart’s Crossing Insiders, I thought it would go only to readers who specifically signed up for it. It turns out Substack had other ideas, and the first issue went to everyone on my list.

Since many of you enjoy Steve and Rochester’s adventures anyway, I’m going to keep sharing these Insider posts here for the next few weeks. If you’ve ever wondered what was happening behind the scenes of Dog of Secrets, you’re in the right place.

I made so many changes to this book that I wanted my human editor to take another look. He works with several other authors, so I had to fit into his schedule. I hope to get the revised book back from him by the end of the week. I’ll take one more look and by next Monday I’ll have a publication date for you.

The extra work has been worth it—I keep learning how to write stronger books that will make you even more invested in Steve and Rochester. (Let’s be honest: mostly Rochester.)

One of the things I’ve been thinking about while revising Dog of Secrets is how much Rochester’s personality comes through in photographs. Lili is the professional photographer in the series, so I asked what advice she’d give to readers who want better pictures of their own dogs.

Lili's Dog Photography Tips

When I was in graduate school at NYU studying photography, my goal was to become an investigative photojournalist. And I did that for a dozen years, traveling to war zones and world capitals, taking photographs to tell a story.

Then I ended up as the chair of the Fine Arts department at Eastern College, teaching students what I had learned. But nothing prepared me for trying to get good photographs of our golden retriever, Rochester.

Goldens can be very photogenic. They’re really gorgeous dogs, but Rochester has his own ideas. Here are some tips I’ve figured out for getting the best pictures of him.

The Pet Selfie Stick

One gadget I wish I’d known about years ago is the pet selfie stick.

No, it doesn’t help your dog take selfies.

Most of them are simple clips that attach to the top of your phone or camera. You put a small treat, tennis ball, squeaky toy, or other irresistible object in the clip. Since the treat is directly above the lens, your dog naturally looks toward the camera instead of at a squirrel, another dog, or something much more interesting happening behind you.

The first time I tried one with Rochester, he stared at the treat with laser-like concentration. I got several photographs with both ears up, eyes focused, and that alert expression every dog owner hopes to capture.

Of course, Rochester quickly figured out the game. After a few minutes he stopped looking at the camera and started looking at me, clearly wondering why I wasn’t handing over the treat.

Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

Professional photographers spend a lot of time creating beautiful light. Dog owners get it for free.

The best photographs of Rochester are usually taken outdoors in the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. Photographers call this the golden hour, which seems especially appropriate for a golden retriever. The light is softer, warmer, and more flattering than the harsh overhead sun we get in the middle of the day.

If you’re photographing indoors, move closer to a window. Turn off the flash if you can. A flash may startle your dog and often creates unnatural-looking reflections in their eyes.

Get Down to Your Dog’s Eye Level

One of the biggest mistakes people make is photographing their dogs from above.

Stand over a dog with a camera and you’ll get a picture of the top of its head.

Get down on the floor and suddenly you’re seeing the world from your dog’s perspective. The photograph becomes more personal and engaging.

I’ve spent a surprising amount of time lying on the floor for Rochester.

Include the People They Love

Some of my favorite photographs aren’t technically perfect. They’re pictures of Rochester with Steve.

A dog’s relationship with its person is often the most important story in the frame. Ask someone to photograph the two of you together. Go for a walk. Sit on the porch. Throw a tennis ball. Don’t worry too much about posing.

The affection is what people notice.

If all else fails, remember that golden retrievers are naturally photogenic.

At least that’s what I tell myself while trying to get Rochester to sit still for three seconds.

Do you have a favorite photograph of your dog? Hit reply and send it to me. I’d love to see the dogs who share your homes—and who knows, one of them might inspire a future Stewart’s Crossing character.

With love and gratitude,

Neil