Unleashing the Magic:
How this North Carolina Dog Photographer Safely Photographs Dogs Outdoors.
If you’ve ever wondered how I photograph all these dogs off-leash or find all these North Carolina locations that don’t require leashes, I wanted to let you in on a secret– it’s all Photoshop! Today, I want to pull back the curtain and dive into the art of removing leashes in Photoshop, sharing insights on safety, technique, and why it’s a game-changer for creating the perfect portrait.
1. Safety First
In the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina, where each photoshoot can be a unique adventure, safety is top priority. While we all love those carefree, leash-free portraits, keeping the leash on is not just practical but necessary. As a N.C. dog photographer, I ask my clients to respect local laws, nature, and our fellow hikers and park-goers so at the end of the session, everyone goes home safe and happy.
2. The Photoshop Magic: From Leash to Leash-Free
So how do we take a photo of a dog on a leash and create a portrait that channels their wild ancestors? How do I remove the distraction of a leash leading the viewer’s eye out of frame? I remove leash in Photoshop! As a dog photographer for over 15 years, I’ve learned several ways to remove a leash in photoshop. While AI has made amazing strides, sometimes I need to hand edit each pixel to make it perfect. It might take some time but the end result is worth it to showcase their personality and expressions without the distraction, resulting in timeless, frame-worthy portraits.
3. Hold it Straight: The Key to Flawless Leash Removal
To make the editing easier and offer a quick turnaround on your portraits, here’s a pro tip: use a traditional flat collar and a leash. Gentle leaders and halters compress the fur and create shadows that are harder to remove, especially if your dog has a pattern in their fur. Next, you’ll want to turn the collar so the collar/leash connection is on the back of the neck then hold the leash straight up, keeping all the extra leash and slack in your hand. This will minimize shadows and make the editing seamless!
4. Plan B: Neutral-Colored Leashes for Every Carolina Canine
While I can do some Photoshop magic, I’m not a miracle worker. For some portraits, especially family portraits, leashes can get wrapped around hands or cover parts that I can’t recreate digitally. That’s why it’s always a good idea for pet owners to bring neutral-colored leashes as a backup. Leather leashes, brown or sage green braided leashes, etc…. are great options. I would not bring any neon or reflective leashes for the photo session.
Each leash-free portrait is more than just a photograph; it’s a carefully crafted piece of art. So, the next time you see a leash-free moment on my feed, know that dog is 100% safe.