Shih Tzu Photography: The Coat, the Eyes, and Getting the Flat Face Right
The Shih Tzu was bred for centuries as a palace companion, and they carry themselves like they know it. The flowing coat, the wide dark eyes, the regal bearing in a compact frame — Shih Tzus are one of the most visually distinctive breeds in dog photography. Getting a great Shih Tzu portrait requires addressing two technical challenges that most photographers either don't know about or don't address: camera height and flat-face focus.
Camera Height: Get Down Low
Shih Tzus are small — typically 9–16 pounds. Every dog portrait suffers from being photographed from above, and small breeds suffer even more than large ones because the elevation difference between the camera and the dog's face is so extreme.
From above, a Shih Tzu portrait shows the top of a rounded head, foreshortened nose, and diminished eyes. The expression disappears. From eye level or slightly below, the large, round, dark eyes become the visual center of the image. The face opens up, the expression becomes readable, and the dog looks like a presence rather than a small object on the ground.
I position Shih Tzus on elevated surfaces — a bench, a low wall, a rock — when possible, which brings them to a better camera height without requiring me to be prone on the ground for the entire session. When that's not available, I kneel or lie flat. The camera position is non-negotiable.
The Flat Face: Focus and Light
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic — flat-faced — and this affects both focus placement and lighting. The compressed facial structure means the nose, eyes, and muzzle are all on a very similar focal plane, which actually simplifies focus: you don't need to prioritize the eyes over the nose the way you do with longer-muzzled breeds.
The lighting challenge with flat faces is shadow management. The flat structure creates deep shadow areas around the nose and in the facial folds. Strong directional light emphasizes these shadows and can make the face look harsh. I use soft, even light — open shade, overcast conditions, or carefully positioned studio softboxes — to illuminate the face uniformly. This eliminates harsh shadows while still providing enough directionality to show the coat texture.
Aperture selection matters too. At wide apertures (f/1.8–f/2), the shallow depth of field can render one eye soft if the head is at any angle to the camera. I use f/2.8–f/4 for Shih Tzu portraits, which provides enough depth of field insurance to keep both eyes sharp without sacrificing background separation.
The Coat: Long vs. Puppy Cut
Shih Tzus in full show coat are visually dramatic — the silky, flowing hair moves with every step and catches light with a sheen that most coats don't have. These sessions reward natural light and movement: a Shih Tzu walking toward the camera in early morning golden light, coat flowing, is an extraordinary image.
Shih Tzus in puppy cut show the body shape more clearly and are easier to keep clean for an outdoor session. The face is more prominent in the frame, the expression more readable. Either is beautiful — and I genuinely recommend whichever coat your dog is living in. The best portraits show your dog as they actually are.
Photographing a Shih Tzu on the South Shore?
Sessions start at $195. The coat, the eyes, the regal bearing — let's make portraits worthy of the palace.
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“It was so fun and easy to work with Chris, and our dogs loved him, too! The photos and artwork are beautiful! Highly recommend booking a session.”
About the Author
Chris McCarthyProfessional Dog Photographer · Rockland, MA · 11+ years experience
I've photographed hundreds of dogs across the South Shore and Greater Boston since 2014 — every breed, size, age, and temperament. My own rescue, Sully, was reactive and anxious when I got him, and working with him every day taught me how to photograph dogs that other photographers find difficult. I specialize in reactive and shy dogs, seniors, and memory sessions — the sessions that matter most and need the most patience.