You don't have to be a professional photographer to take professional looking Rottweiler pictures. You could use an expensive, 35-mm. single-lens reflex camera or disposable camera to take pictures of your Rottweiler, but a digital camera works even better because it gives you the option of deleting your bad shots instead of paying to have them processed and printed. With digital photography, you get instant gratification, and digital cameras are more environmentally friendly than disposable cameras.

Taking pictures of a pet can be problematic. You have to get your Rottweiler to sit still and pose, and your dog probably doesn't have much of a vocabulary beyond the commands sit and stay. There are lighting and backdrop issues to deal with, and you need to be sure you're shooting at your dog's eye level. Don't worry. You're going to get five great tips that will solve all these problems and get you started taking fabulous pictures of your Rottweiler.

Tip one is to prepare in advance for your Rottweiler photo session. Before you start taking your Rottweiler pictures, you should make a list of all the equipment you'll need. First, make sure there's a fresh memory card in your camera with plenty of storage capacity so you don't get a card full message when your Rottweiler finally strikes that perfect pose.

Tip two is to get help. You're going to have your hands full once you start taking pictures of your Rottweiler. You can only do one thing at a time, and your attention needs to be focused on your work as the photographer, behind the camera. You will need at least one extra set of hands to manage your Rottweiler, comb it, wipe its eyes, arrange the backdrops, and do safety detail, especially if you are taking your Rottweiler pictures out of doors.

Tip three is to plan your background carefully. Select a location for your Rottweiler pictures. If you're taking pictures outside, you will find that the deep black coat of the Rottweiler looks particularly good against a background of green grass and blue sky. With that color combination in mind, you may want to use blue or green fabric if you are taking your pictures indoors.

Tip four is to use toys and props to keep your dog engaged during the photo session. Select a few colorful dog toys or a cute stuffed animal to include in your dog's pictures. If you're photographing a puppy, the objects will emphasize how small the puppy is and make him or her look even younger.

Tip five is to get down to your dog's eye level. The best Rottweiler pictures are taken at the dog's eye level. Don't be afraid to get down on the floor with your dog and take pictures.

If you can't sit on the floor because of physical limitations, then try to place your dog on an elevated surface, or sit in a chair and hold your camera low. These helpful tips will help you get the very best pictures of your Rottweiler.