Say Woof!

Say Woof! Tips for Capturing Dog Smiles During National Smile Month

May is National Smile Month, which usually brings to mind beaming faces and toothy grins. But since most of my clients have four legs and fur, getting a "genuine smile" looks a little different, and a lot more drooly 😉, in my world.

That said, everyone loves a happy, smiling dog portrait! So how do I coax out those adorable expressions? It’s all about reading each dog’s energy and using a few playful tricks to help their personality shine through.

Play First, Pose Later

One of the simplest ways to get a dog to “smile” is to let them burn off a little energy before we take the shot. A few minutes of play or a short run around the location usually gets them panting just enough to give that classic open-mouth, tongue-out expression that reads as a joyful doggy grin.

Smiling Jovi

Treats Are My Secret Weapon

Sometimes a quick training exercise with treats is enough to get their attention, and their mouth open. I’ll hold a treat and move it around in an unpredictable pattern to pique their interest and encourage a little panting. If that doesn't do the trick, I’ll toss a treat for them to catch. That moment of anticipation can often be all I need to get a great smiling shot!

Smiling Moose

But Not Every Smile Has Teeth

Here’s a little secret: some of my all-time favorite dog portraits are the serious ones. A soft gaze, a closed mouth, a peaceful moment, they can be just as powerful (if not more so) than a big goofy grin. These kinds of expressions feel honest and deeply soulful. They tell a different kind of story.

Exhibit A: Smiling Queso and Contemplative Queso, taken seconds apart. Which do you find more compelling?

This photo of gorgeous Bhoo would NOT have the same level of impact if she were “smiling”.

The Power of Sound Effects

If you've ever been around me at a session, you know I’m not afraid to get a little silly. I’ll use high-pitched noises, unexpected squeaks, or even odd sounds with my voice to get a dog to pause and really look. If I’m lucky, they’ll tilt their head in curiosity - the holy grail of dog photography! That mix of alertness and personality is always a win.

Jax & Gibbs were the kings of curious head tilts!

Whether they’re beaming with excitement or quietly thoughtful, every dog has a way of “smiling” that’s uniquely theirs. And for me, the real magic happens when I can capture that one-of-a-kind expression that feels just like them.

Have a favorite dog smile to share this month? I’d love to see it, drop me a photo or tag me on social!

Ginger Wick Photography is an award winning dog photographer specializing in creating beautiful custom artwork of dogs & their people. Based in Parker, CO serving the Denver area.