How to photograph Maltese Shih Tzu

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

Best cameras for photographing Maltese Shih Tzu

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

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2019
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Nikon D7500 Nikon D7500
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2017
Type: DSLR
Sensor: DX (1.5x)


Fujifilm GFX 50R Fujifilm GFX 50R
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2018
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Medium Format (0.79x)


Canon EOS Kiss M Canon EOS Kiss M
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2018
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


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


Best lenses for photographing Maltese Shih Tzu

Here are some popular lenses that might suit your needs when photographing dogs and Maltese Shih Tzu. 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 EF-S 60mm F2.8 USM Macro Canon EF-S 60mm F2.8 USM Macro
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2005
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Macro capabilities (1:1)
Aperture: f/2,8
Focal Length: 60 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 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 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 Maltese Shih Tzu? 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 Bulldog is laying on the floor resting See camera and lens details
1/60s  85mm  f/1,4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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