How to photograph Golden Retriever

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

A Golden Retriever puppy is sitting in his food tray See camera and lens details
1/1250s  50mm  f/5,6

Try to really capture the personality of your Golden Retriever. Perhaps he or she has a unique expression, or does something that is very significant for a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever that is running, it is easier to do that from the side than if the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever with some sky, garden or trees in the background. That makes a better picture.

Best cameras for photographing Golden Retriever

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

Fujifilm X-E4 Fujifilm X-E4
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2021
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Sony a7R IVA Sony a7R IVA
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2021
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


Fujifilm X-T4 Fujifilm X-T4
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2020
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Sony a9 Sony a9
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2017
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


Fujifilm X-A2 Fujifilm X-A2
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Best lenses for photographing Golden Retriever

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

Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2012
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/2,8
Focal Length: 40 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


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


Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA Planar T Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA Planar T
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2016
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 50 mm


Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2012
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 35 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 Golden Retriever? 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.

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 Golden Retriever puppy is sitting in his food tray See camera and lens details
1/1250s  50mm  f/5,6

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Dalmatian with tongue on nose See camera and lens details
1/600s  90mm  f/4,5

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

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

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

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

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