Unleash the Cute: How to Celebrate National Dog Photography Day
Sunday 26th, July 2026
If your camera roll is 90% dog photos, 5% accidental screenshots, and 5% food, congratulations - you are officially qualified to celebrate National Dog Photography Day!
Celebrated every year on 26th July, this delightful day is dedicated to capturing, sharing, and celebrating the unique personalities of our four-legged family members. Whether you shoot on a high-end DSLR or just love snapping candid portraits on your smartphone, it’s the one day of the year where flooding social media with dog pictures isn't just accepted - it's actively encouraged.
National Dog Photography Day was founded in 2018 by UK-based pet photographer Kerry Jordan of Fur and Fables. What started as a fun, lighthearted initiative to highlight the joy of canine portraiture quickly went viral.
Jordan deliberately chose 26th July to honour the birthday of the legendary photojournalist Elliott Erwitt. Erwitt was famous for his witty, candid black-and-white photos of dogs, once famously remarking that he loved photographing pups because "they don't object to being photographed and they don't ask for prints".
Good photography doesn't just create lasting personal memories - it also saves lives. High-quality portraits of shelter and rescue dogs dramatically increase their adoption rates by showcasing their true spirit to prospective families.
Dogs aren't always the easiest models. Between sudden tail wags, squirrel distractions, and unannounced zoomies, getting a clear shot can take a bit of finesse. Here are four simple tricks to elevate your photos:
Looking for meaningful ways to get involved beyond posting your favourite selfie with your dog? Try one of these ideas:
So clear out your phone storage, grab a handful of treats, and get clicking - your furry best friend is ready for their close up!
Celebrated every year on 26th July, this delightful day is dedicated to capturing, sharing, and celebrating the unique personalities of our four-legged family members. Whether you shoot on a high-end DSLR or just love snapping candid portraits on your smartphone, it’s the one day of the year where flooding social media with dog pictures isn't just accepted - it's actively encouraged.
The Origin: How the Day Began
National Dog Photography Day was founded in 2018 by UK-based pet photographer Kerry Jordan of Fur and Fables. What started as a fun, lighthearted initiative to highlight the joy of canine portraiture quickly went viral.
Jordan deliberately chose 26th July to honour the birthday of the legendary photojournalist Elliott Erwitt. Erwitt was famous for his witty, candid black-and-white photos of dogs, once famously remarking that he loved photographing pups because "they don't object to being photographed and they don't ask for prints".
Good photography doesn't just create lasting personal memories - it also saves lives. High-quality portraits of shelter and rescue dogs dramatically increase their adoption rates by showcasing their true spirit to prospective families.
Pro Tips for Capturing Picture-Perfect Pup Portraits
Dogs aren't always the easiest models. Between sudden tail wags, squirrel distractions, and unannounced zoomies, getting a clear shot can take a bit of finesse. Here are four simple tricks to elevate your photos:
- Drop to Eye Level: Instead of standing up and pointing your camera down, crouch, sit, or lie flat on the ground. Capturing your pup at their eye level creates a much more intimate, engaging portrait that draws viewers right into their world.
- Seek Out Natural Light: Avoid harsh camera flashes, which can startle your dog and cause "glowing eye" reflections. Shoot outdoors in soft shade or inside next to a large window during the "golden hour" (shortly after sunrise or before sunset).
- Hold a High-Value Treat Near the Lens: To get those perked-up ears and direct eye contact, place a favourite treat or squeaky toy directly above your camera lens for just a second before pressing the shutter.
- Embrace Burst Mode: Dogs move fast! Switch your camera or phone to continuous burst mode so you can catch split-second gems—like a funny tongue-out moment, a majestic mid-air leap, or a goofy head tilt.
Creative Ways to Join the Celebration
Looking for meaningful ways to get involved beyond posting your favourite selfie with your dog? Try one of these ideas:
- Help Out a Local Shelter or Rescue: Volunteer an hour or two at a nearby animal charity to snap clear, personality-filled photos of dogs looking for their forever homes.
- Print Your Favourite Portrait: In a world where thousands of photos sit forgotten in cloud storage, pick your absolute favourite photo of your pup, print it out, and frame it on your wall.
- Share with the Community: Join pet parents across the globe by posting your shots on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook using the hashtag #NationalDogPhotographyDay.
So clear out your phone storage, grab a handful of treats, and get clicking - your furry best friend is ready for their close up!