Capturing Paws and Personalities: Tips from Mutts in the 6ix’s Official Photographer Vikram

MUTTS IN THE 6IX
4 min readOct 21, 2024

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How did you become the official photographer for Mutts in the 6ix?

In 2024, being a photographer in a crowded space like this takes more than just talent. It’s about the passion you bring and how well you collaborate with the brand. When I connected with Sylvia on Instagram last fall, I took a shot (literally!) and asked if I could cover one of her events. She welcomed me in, and from that very first event, everything clicked — both in the camera and between us! Since then, I’ve had ƒthe pleasure of shooting over 12 Mutts in the 6ix events.

The energy at these events and Sylvia’s pure love for dogs have pushed me to elevate my work. It’s been an incredible journey watching Mutts in the 6ix grow into Toronto’s go-to dog social club. And I’ve felt like a true part of the family every step of the way.

Do you have any tips for capturing a dog’s personality in a photograph?

Dogs are by far my favorite subjects — they’re full of personality and always keep you on your toes! The trick to capturing that personality? Focus on the eyes. A dog’s eyes tell the story and pull out the emotion. For this, I keep my aperture low (F-stop) to create depth, but it’s tricky! You’ve got to nail that focus on their eyes because dogs don’t sit still for long.

Speaking of movement, dogs are curious, so to capture them in action, always use a fast shutter speed to avoid blur. And don’t forget about burst mode! Sure, most shots might end up being throwaways, but that one perfect snap? It’ll be worth every click.

What editing tools do you recommend for dog photography?

Adobe Lightroom is my holy grail for editing. It’s an absolute must for any serious photographer. I love how it allows me to tweak the look and feel of my shots, bringing out the best in them. Dog photos can sometimes have that little motion blur from all the excitement, but Lightroom helps smooth things out and make them look flawless.

Cropping is also key, especially at busy events like Mutts in the 6ix. Sometimes I’ll have to cut out half a husky or a random tail from a frame! Getting the composition right makes all the difference in telling the story of the moment.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build a portfolio in dog photography?

Forget the “perfect” setup — dog photography is about capturing the moment. Especially at off-leash events, it’s all about instinct and quick reactions. Just shoot, shoot, and shoot some more! Every event is a learning experience, and the more you practice, the more your style will naturally evolve.

Studio dog photography is a whole different world, though. It’s more controlled, but also more technical. I highly recommend checking out Floofy Studios — they’ll blow your mind with their work!

As for my journey, it all started with snapping doves and butterflies in my backyard when I was nine. The key is to start somewhere and keep building from there.

With all the action at Mutts in the 6ix events, how do you capture stillness?

These events are a whirlwind of excitement! To capture those rare still moments, I keep moving, always searching for that perfect vantage point. Getting down to the dogs’ level — literally sitting on the ground — gives me that “dog’s-eye view,” which always makes the photos pop.

And, of course, treats are a lifesaver! Just a few seconds of their attention can be enough to get the shot before they dive into play mode again. My Nikon Z6ii’s built-in image stabilization has been a game-changer for these kinds of fast-paced shoots.

Can you share a memorable story from a past dog photography session?

There are so many, but one of my favorite memories was when a couple of kids at a Mutts in the 6ix event were absolutely overjoyed by the dogs running around them. Their happiness was contagious, and I got some heartwarming shots of them surrounded by playful pups. Capturing those little moments of pure joy — nothing beats it.

What’s it like working with Mutts in the 6ix?

Honestly, it’s the best day of my month! Working with Sylvia and the team of Bark Rangers has been such a fulfilling experience, both as a photographer and as a person. Imagine spending your Sundays surrounded by two things you love most — dogs and your camera. What more could you ask for? I’ve met some amazing people and gotten some of my best shots at these events. Five stars, highly recommended!

Vikram’s Portfolio

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MUTTS IN THE 6IX
MUTTS IN THE 6IX

Written by MUTTS IN THE 6IX

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