How to photograph Hokkaido

This is the ultimate guide on how to photograph dogs and Hokkaido. 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 Hokkaido. Perhaps he or she has a unique expression, or does something that is very significant for a Hokkaido? 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 Hokkaido that is running, it is easier to do that from the side than if the Hokkaido 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 Hokkaido with some sky, garden or trees in the background. That makes a better picture.

Best cameras for photographing Hokkaido

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

Nikon Z30 Nikon Z30
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2022
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: DX (1.5x)


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


Nikon D850 Nikon D850
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2017
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame


Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2020
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Canon EOS 5DS Canon EOS 5DS
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame


Best lenses for photographing Hokkaido

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

Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 1993
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 50 mm


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


Nikon AF 50mm F1.8 D Nikon AF 50mm F1.8 D
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2002
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 50 mm


Fujifilm XC 35mm F2 Fujifilm XC 35mm F2
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2020
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/2
Focal Length: 35 mm


Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.4 G Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.4 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2008
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
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 Hokkaido? 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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