How to photograph Saint Bernard

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

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

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

Best cameras for photographing Saint Bernard

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

Canon EOS Rebel T6s Canon EOS Rebel T6s
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


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


Sony a7 III Sony a7 III
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2018
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


Fujifilm X-S20 Fujifilm X-S20
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2023
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Fujifilm X-T30 II Fujifilm X-T30 II
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2021
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Best lenses for photographing Saint Bernard

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

Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.8 G Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.8 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2011
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 50 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


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 F1.8 STM Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2015
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 50 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 Saint Bernard? 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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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