Breed Specialist · South Shore MA
Shih Tzu Photographer — South Shore, MA
Last updated
The flowing coat. The big dark eyes. The regal posture that says this dog was bred for the palace and knows it. Shih Tzus are one of the most distinctively photogenic breeds I work with.
I'm Chris McCarthy, professional dog photographer based in Rockland. I've been photographing Shih Tzus on the South Shore since 2014 — managing the flat face, the coat texture, and finding the angle that captures that distinctive personality.
Sessions from $195 · Long coat and puppy cut welcome · Studio + gentle outdoor · Leash removed in editing
Getting the Shih Tzu Portrait Right
Shih Tzus require two adjustments that most photographers don't make: a lower camera position and careful focus management for flat-faced breeds. At eye level, the large dark eyes become the visual center of the portrait. With precise focus on both eyes simultaneously, the face reads as sharp and present rather than soft and distant.
The coat — whether flowing long coat or shorter puppy trim — adds a second layer of visual interest. Soft, directional light shows the coat's texture and any sheen without blowing it out into a white or gold mass. The result is a portrait that looks like the dog, not just any small fluffy dog.
The Rockland studio is one of my top recommendations for Shih Tzus — see the studio and outdoor session options.
Shih Tzu Photography — FAQ
What makes Shih Tzus unique to photograph?
Two things: the coat and the eyes. A Shih Tzu in a full show coat has flowing, silky hair that moves with every step and catches light in a way most coats don't. Even in a puppy cut, the soft texture and the way it frames the face is part of what makes the breed visually distinctive. The large, dark, widely-set eyes are the emotional center of every portrait — open, warm, and genuinely expressive. The combination of flowing coat and big dark eyes is what makes Shih Tzu portraits so consistently appealing.
Should my Shih Tzu be in a long show coat or puppy cut for photos?
Either works — they just look different and each has advantages. A full coat is visually dramatic and shows the breed's regal heritage; the flowing hair in motion produces images that look genuinely elegant. A puppy cut shows the face and body shape more clearly and is easier to keep clean for an outdoor session. My recommendation: whatever coat your dog is actually living in. The best portraits show your dog as they are, not as they were groomed specifically for a photo session.
Shih Tzus are small and flat-faced. How does that affect photography?
Small size means I shoot at their eye level — camera down low, not shooting from above. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds have a shallow focal plane across the face, so I pay particular attention to focus targeting: both eyes need to be sharp, which requires precise focus placement and a slightly narrower aperture than I'd use with a longer-nosed breed. The flat face also affects how the nose and eyes catch light — I manage this with soft, directional light that illuminates the face evenly without harsh shadows in the facial folds.
Where do Shih Tzus photograph best on the South Shore?
Shih Tzus are companion dogs and they prefer gentle, contained environments over wide-open terrain. Quiet garden settings, woodland paths with soft light, and the Rockland studio are consistently the best choices. The studio is particularly good — the controlled environment is clean, the lighting is manageable, and the backgrounds complement the coat colors and textures that Shih Tzus come in. For outdoor sessions, I favor Bare Cove Park in Hingham and the quieter conservation trails near Norwell.
How much does a Shih Tzu photography session cost?
Sessions start at $195. Wall art, framed prints, and digital collections are available after. Shih Tzu portraits at 16x20 or 20x24 are particularly popular — the breed's compact size and expressive face reward a mid-size format that puts the face in intimate focus.
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These towns have dedicated session pages with the parks, trails, and beaches I use locally.
New here? The Dog Portrait Photography overview covers everything in one place — studio vs. outdoor, breeds, pricing, reactive-dog approach, and what separates a portrait from a snapshot.
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.
Flat-faced cluster
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