Hi Darini,
Making your dog sit still for a camera is as easy it is to make a curious toddler pose for their profile shots. At least the two think alike. Have you pretended to play hide and seek where you hide your face behind the camera lens and make funny noises? This triggers a million questions in your dog’s mind now. What game is this? Do I need to get closer to find out? Oh wait! What is this boxy looking thing that is hiding their faces? Are they ok? Should I lick them and find out?
Picture taking can be more fun when it challenges your creativity. People have gone to extremes of making selfie sticks with a tennis ball attachment and patented them as well. Have you tried something fun to keep his attention when taking pics? Does your dog have a big weakness for certain specific treats (say cheese :) ) or certain people or items? You can also have a friend help you with some other sounds or squeaky toys that will make him look up at the sound.
There are also Apps that help get his focus when taking a picture. Have you tried taking candid photos without him realizing it? Experiment with the camera settings to take quick burst pictures in ‘pets and kids’ mode or silently without the clicking sounds. There are also professional pet photographers or helpful friends who can help you with great pics of you and the dog together — the way he probably likes it cuddling up next you.
Irrespective of whether you are taking a pic or answering the door or for no reason at all, you have to be able to master the Sit and Stay command. The ‘watch me’ command can teach him to establish eye contact or make him look at you. If you do have this mastered, then clicking a pic is a piece of cake!
But please remember, no picture is worth forcing your dog to do things he doesn’t want to. He can be a camera-shy and that doesn’t make him any less lovable or adorable.