How to photograph Shih Tzu

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

Best cameras for photographing Shih Tzu

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

Canon EOS Rebel T7 Canon EOS Rebel T7
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2018
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2016
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame


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


Nikon Z8 Nikon Z8
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2023
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


Sony a7R IVA Sony a7R IVA
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2021
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


Best lenses for photographing Shih Tzu

Here are some popular lenses that might suit your needs when photographing dogs and Shih Tzu. 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


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


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


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


Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 R WR Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 R WR
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2021
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/2,8
Focal Length: 27 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 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 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 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 Weimaraner looking up at the camera See camera and lens details
1/200s  50mm  f/1,8

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

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

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

A Labrador Retriever is getting a small snack See camera and lens details
1/400s  50mm  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 snowy St Bernard See camera and lens details
1/1600s  122mm  f/5,6

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

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

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

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