Set your camera to the highest resolution possible
In order to enlarge the pictures for the calendar months, they have to be of the highest resolution possible to keep them clear and sharp. A 300-dpi setting is suggested for full-page photographs in our calendar. Digital photo dimensions should be at least 1600 x 1200 pixels for the full-page photos. Lower resolution shots will not enlarge to a clear and crisp picture needed for a full-page photo and cannot be used as one of the pictures. (Note: You won't be able to hold as many pictures on the card with higher resolution settings because the files are bigger). Check the settings on your camera to be sure you capture the picture at the right setting. Please do not resize your picture, as pixels are lost in re-sizing.

Think horizontally
Take pictures landscape style, or horizontally, where the picture is wider than it is tall. These pictures work better for full size calendar month photos.

Be mindful of the background, positioning of the dog and positioning of the photographer
Very busy or very dull backgrounds tend to be the focus of a viewer's eye. Standing over a dog makes it look like you are dominant. Consider getting down on the ground at their level. Get close to your dog! Fill the viewfinder with your dog. Outdoor shots typically have a warmer look. Position your dog so that you make them the center of attention! The background should enhance their look and not overwhelm them.

Be mindful of the lighting
Lighting can be challenging. Too much and the dog will look washed out. Not enough and your dog does not stand out. If you're taking outdoor shots, avoid having your dog lie in an area where there is a mixture of sun and shadows on them. Direct sunlight causes white faced dogs to look especially white. Often times, early morning shots tend to be the best because it is bright out, but direct sunlight is minimal.

Picture quality
Please be mindful of the pictures that you submit for consideration. If it’s a blurry shot, we are not going to be able to use it in the Calendar as it cannot be sharpened. Try to avoid submitting pictures of your golden with glowing eyes without first trying to correct it yourself with photo editing software. If you take the picture in a non-digital format and scan it into your computer, make sure to scan at the highest resolution possible. If, after scanning, you see dots, lines or mottled colors don’t submit the picture, as we cannot correct these types of problems.

Capture the spirit of your dog
Every dog has its own personality. Capture the essence of your dog. Does your dog have a favorite activity? Maybe you have an agility dog, capture them running around, over or through the obstacles. Maybe your dog loves to swim or go boating? Maybe your dog can hold 3 tennis balls in his mouth? Maybe your dog loves to dress up? Maybe what your dog does best is lie in front of a bed of flowers. Perhaps your dog has a unique sleeping position that makes the family laugh. Give some thought to this before you head out to take pictures.

Be patient
Plan to take pictures over several days. Your dog is like you - some days are better photo days than others, depending on their mood. Be patient as you never know what might catch their eye and they will have just the right look.

Oooh and ahhhh response
Take lots of pictures. When you review them on your computer, the best pictures are the ones that immediately capture people's heart and their response will be "oooh" or "ahhhh".

Have fun!
Don’t forget to have fun with your dog!

Don’t forget the toys and the bribes/treats
Remember to reward your dog for his modeling talents! A treat may be just what is needed to get your dog to pose for that perfect shot. Sometimes being rewarded with a favorite toy during the photo shoot will create the perfect shot of your dog.

Consider submitting several different seasonal or holiday shots
To increase your chances of having your dog’s photo selected for one of our calendar months, consider submitting a broad array of seasonal or holiday shots. For example, consider submitting a picture of your dog with seasonal pumpkins or fall decorations in addition to your favorite holiday picture and a picture or two of your dog enjoying his favorite summertime activities. Remember dogs only in the pictures, no humans please!

Don't have a digital camera or need help?
There are several volunteers in our organization that enjoy taking pictures. They will be happy to take your dog's photos for your calendar submission. Drop us a line at calendar@goldenretrievers.org and one of our photo volunteers will contact you. If you are handy with a camera and would like to volunteer as a calendar photographer please drop us a line as well!

Have fun and good luck!