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 someone to help you. Once you pick up the camera, you have your hands full. You need an extra person on site to act as your assistant, and help pose your dog while you take the pictures. Choose someone who your Rottweiler likes. Taking pictures together will be a fun adventure for the three of you together on a weekend or one night after work. Be sure to serve appropriate refreshments during the photo session, for you and your dog, and thank your assistant after the session is over by sending him or her one of the great Rottweiler pictures you took with your assistant's help.

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 on the ground. You should always photograph your dog from your dog's eye level, not your eye level, even if it means sitting on the floor or on the ground.

Tip five is to get down to your Rottweiler's level. Don't take Rottweiler pictures while you are standing up. Get down until you are at your dog's eye level; then start taking pictures. Both your candid shots and the portrait style shots of your Rottweiler will look better if the camera is at eye level with the dog. With these quick, easy tips, you'll soon be taking professional quality pictures of your Rottweiler.