“Oh, I Can Do Dogs Too” — Why That Phrase Frustrates Me as a Professional Dog Photographer

Every so often, I see a familiar post pop up on a local Facebook group or community page:“Looking for a dog photographer – any recommendations?”

Now, you'd think that would make me smile — this is my world, after all. Photographing dogs is what I do. It’s what I’ve dedicated my time, energy, and passion to. But more often than not, what happens next makes my stomach drop.

Almost immediately, the comments start filling up. But not with recommendations for actual dog photographers. Instead, I see replies from wedding photographers, newborn photographers, family photographers — all saying the same thing:“Oh, I can do dogs too!”

Some don’t even do professional photography at all — they just have a decent camera and fancy giving it a go. And every time I see it, I feel the same frustration bubbling up.

I Never Say I “Do” Something I Don’t Specialise In

Let me be clear: I have enormous respect for all kinds of photographers. Wedding photography, equine photography, newborn photography — these are all incredibly skilled fields in their own right.

But I would never dream of saying, “Oh, I can do weddings too,” just because I own a camera.

If someone asks me about equine photography, I say, “No, but I know someone brilliant I can recommend.”If they ask about weddings, I say, “That’s not my thing, but here’s a great wedding photographer who will look after you.”

Why? Because I respect the craft. I know that wedding photographers have trained their eye for emotional moments, time-sensitive reactions, and group dynamics. Equine photographers know how to work with horses safely, understand the shapes and movements that flatter them, and how to bring out their natural elegance.

So why is it so often the case that when it comes to dog photography, it’s seen as a simple add-on? Something anyone with a camera can do?

“Oh, I Can Do Dogs Too” — A Phrase That Over-Simplifies a True Craft

Now, I’ll admit — I sometimes click through and have a look at the work of those who comment on these posts saying they can “do dogs too.”

Often, their photography in their specialist area is beautiful. Their wedding photos are polished. Their family shoots are warm and well-edited. Their newborn setups are carefully lit and posed.

But their dog photography? It’s usually very ordinary.

Most are just quick snaps taken from standing height, looking down at the dog. Many are in gardens or on footpaths, with dogs on leads and no real sense of connection. The dogs often look distracted or uncomfortable. There’s little personality in the shot. No storytelling. No spark.

Honestly, a lot of the images are no better than something the average dog owner could take on a mobile phone. And that’s exactly why “Oh, I Can Do Dogs Too” — Why That Phrase Frustrates Me as a Professional Dog Photographer isn’t just a catchy title — it’s a genuine reflection of how often this mindset undervalues the skill, patience, and understanding it truly takes to photograph dogs well.

And I think — this is exactly why I get so frustrated.

Dog Photography Isn’t About the Camera — It’s About the Dog

To photograph dogs well, you need more than gear and editing skills.You need an understanding of the subject.

And in this case, the subject has four legs, a mind of their own, and usually no interest in looking at a camera.

You need to know how to:

🐾 Read behaviour. Understand when a dog is nervous, excitable, overstimulated, or about to take off.

🐾 Engage safely and kindly. Some dogs love fuss. Some need space. Some need treats, and some need time.

🐾 Get low. You have to get down on the ground — literally. On your knees, your stomach, in mud, on wet grass, sometimes with a nose in your ear or a paw in your lap.

🐾 Be patient. Sessions take time. Dogs don’t follow posing instructions. They follow their instincts.

🐾 Look ridiculous. You’ll make silly noises, squeak toys, squeal, wave your arms — whatever it takes to get their attention and that magic expression.

It’s messy. It’s unpredictable. And it’s absolutely brilliant.

But it’s not something you can just wing.

You Can’t Fake a Connection

The best dog portraits are the ones where you can feel the bond. You see the dog’s character, not just their shape. You feel the moment — whether it’s joy, mischief, calm, curiosity, or pride.

That doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens through patience, timing, and trust. And that comes from understanding dogs — not just owning one, but really knowing how to interact with them, how to work with them, and how to give them the space and encouragement they need to shine.

When I photograph dogs, I’m not just capturing what they look like — I’m capturing who they are.

It’s OK to Specialise

I’m proud to be a dog photographer. It’s not “just” dog photography. It’s a craft. A niche. A calling.

That’s why I don’t shoot weddings. I don’t shoot horses. I don’t try to be everything to everyone. Because those jobs deserve specialists too — people who’ve dedicated themselves to those subjects, just as I’ve dedicated myself to dogs.

When someone asks me to recommend a wedding photographer, I don’t say, “Oh, I could probably do that.” I say, “Let me give you the name of someone who lives for it.”

Because I believe we owe it to our clients — and to our subjects — to be honest about what we’re best at. And for me, that’s dogs.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t end up photographing dogs by accident. I chose this path because I genuinely love it. I love the energy dogs bring to a shoot. I love the unpredictability, the joy, the patience it teaches you. I love the challenge of drawing out their personality in a single image.

This isn’t something I dabble in. It’s what I do, day in and day out.

Yes, I come home muddy. Yes, I’ve been drooled on more times than I can count. And yes, sometimes I’m still finding dog hair on me days later. But it’s worth every moment — because every dog I photograph matters. Their story matters. And I treat each one like the one and only they are.

So if you’re looking for a photo of your dog that shows more than just their face — a photo that captures their heart, their character, and everything you love about them — don’t settle for someone who says “I can do dogs too.”

Choose someone who actually does.

📸 Want to work with a dedicated dog photographer? Let’s chat.Based in Warminster – studio and outdoor sessions available.👉 www.theoutdoordogphotographer.co.uk