How to photograph Cocker Spaniel

This is the ultimate guide on how to photograph dogs and Cocker Spaniel. As always, when taking pictures of animals there are things to think about and below you will also find both camera and lens recommendations.

Try to really capture the personality of your Cocker Spaniel. Perhaps he or she has a unique expression, or does something that is very significant for a Cocker Spaniel? When it comes to cameras and lenses you can pretty much go with any kind of camera gear, but with a standard zoom lens you will never be wrong. If you want to capture the dog in action, for example running, this can demand a bit of your camera and lens in order for the autofocus to maintain the sharp and crisp details, in the eyes etc. When photographing a Cocker Spaniel that is running, it is easier to do that from the side than if the Cocker Spaniel is running towards you. The autofocus has an easier time following an object that is moving sideways than straight towards you.

Another tip while photographing dogs in general is to get down on their level, on ground level that is. If you are standing up and shooting your pictures downwards you might end up with a lot of lawn or floor in the picture. If you can get a bit dirty, try to lay down on your lawn and capture your Cocker Spaniel with some sky, garden or trees in the background. That makes a better picture.

Best cameras for photographing Cocker Spaniel

Perhaps you already have a camera but here are some popular camera alternatives that might be suitable for photographing dogs and Cocker Spaniel.

Sony a6500 Sony a6500
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2016
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Fujifilm GFX 100S Fujifilm GFX 100S
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2021
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Medium Format (0.79x)


Canon EOS 760D Canon EOS 760D
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Canon EOS 850D Canon EOS 850D
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2020
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Canon EOS 90D Canon EOS 90D
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2019
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Best lenses for photographing Cocker Spaniel

Here are some popular lenses that might suit your needs when photographing dogs and Cocker Spaniel. You can also view all of our lenses or start by selecting your camera and then see which lenses that are compatible.

Nikon Z 40mm F2 SE Nikon Z 40mm F2 SE
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2022
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/2
Focal Length: 40 mm


Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F1.8 G Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F1.8 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2009
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 35 mm


Nikon AF-S 58mm F1.4 G Nikon AF-S 58mm F1.4 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2013
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 58 mm


Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2007
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,2
Focal Length: 50 mm


Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2020
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 50 mm


Images of other dogs

Here are a few images of dogs that might inspire you. Perhaps these can give you ideas on how to best photograph your Cocker Spaniel? Click on the image you want to know more about. Each image has information with which camera and lens they were shot and with which settings.

Best friends looking out over the lake See camera and lens details
1/640s  50mm  f/1,8

A Doberman with tongue hanging out See camera and lens details
1/1250s  116mm  f/5

A Bulldog is laying on the floor resting See camera and lens details
1/60s  85mm  f/1,4

A small Maltese puppy in the grass See camera and lens details
1/1000s  90mm  f/5,6

A cute French Bulldog puppy is sitting on his pillow See camera and lens details
1/60s  70mm  f/5

A Siberian Husky at the lake See camera and lens details
1/320s  135mm  f/5,6

A snowy St Bernard See camera and lens details
1/1600s  122mm  f/5,6

A Weimaraner looking up at the camera See camera and lens details
1/200s  50mm  f/1,8

A ten week old Golden Retriever puppy See camera and lens details
1/60s  200mm  f/8

A Labrador Retriever is getting a small snack See camera and lens details
1/400s  50mm  f/1,4

Dachshund puppy See camera and lens details
1/4000s  116mm  f/4,5

A Pembrok Welsh Corgi is running on the railroad tracks while it is raining See camera and lens details
1/200s  150mm  f/2,8

A wet Golden Retriever puppy See camera and lens details
1/200s  225mm  f/5,6

Two rottweiler puppys behind a wooden fence See camera and lens details
1/400s  119mm  f/4

A cute puppy with necklace See camera and lens details
1/320s  50mm  f/3,2