How to photograph Shetland Sheepdog

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

Best cameras for photographing Shetland Sheepdog

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

Canon EOS 250D Canon EOS 250D
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2019
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Sony a7R III Sony a7R III
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2017
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


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


Sony a6700 Sony a6700
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2023
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Sony a99 II Sony a99 II
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2016
Type: SLT
Sensor: Full frame


Best lenses for photographing Shetland Sheepdog

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

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


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 F1.8 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 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


Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2021
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,2
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 Shetland Sheepdog? 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 snowy St Bernard See camera and lens details
1/1600s  122mm  f/5,6

A small Maltese puppy in the grass See camera and lens details
1/1000s  90mm  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 wet Golden Retriever puppy See camera and lens details
1/200s  225mm  f/5,6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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