How to photograph Maltese

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

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

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

Best cameras for photographing Maltese

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

Canon EOS Kiss X8i Canon EOS Kiss X8i
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Nikon D7200 Nikon D7200
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: DSLR
Sensor: DX (1.5x)


Sony a7S II Sony a7S II
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


Sony a6300 Sony a6300
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2016
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Sony a6100 Sony a6100
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2019
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Best lenses for photographing Maltese

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

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 F1.8 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


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 DX 35mm F1.8 G Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F1.8 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2009
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 35 mm


Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Sony FE 50mm F1.8
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2016
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
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? 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 cute French Bulldog puppy is sitting on his pillow See camera and lens details
1/60s  70mm  f/5

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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