What do you think about pet photography? Pets offer us a different type of company and feel as compared to people. This is also true when we try to capture pictures of them.

Pet Photography Tips

If you have a pet, chances are, you have taken some pet portraits.

Maybe you can’t keep one for whatever reason, but adore or is fascinated by someone else’s pet.

Perhaps you’re not even a fan of animals, but a friend of yours is and Christmas is coming! Taking good portraits of your loved ones’ pets and presenting it as a gift can be a good idea, not to mention inexpensive.

So, compiled here are some simple pet photography tips which may be useful for you!

 

#1 Lighting – natural

Natural lighting should be your first pick if possible. Avoid using flash, as it may not only cause red-eye or colour distortion but it would most likely scare your little friend off (if it isn’t a fish with nowhere to escape to).

When outside, try to avoid direct sunlight.

If the pet is unable to be outdoors, do your best to find a time and place where there’s lots of natural light coming in through windows or doors.

By: Shelby Clarke

 

#2 Plan a time

Since there’s lighting to consider, it would be wise to plan slightly ahead. Also, you may want to know when to be there for what type of shots.

For formal portraits, find it when your pet is somewhat sleepy or have just woken up. It would be easier to keep it still. Not when it is unwell though, save it for another day.

For more action, catch it when it is energetic and wants to play. If you’re not the pet owner, you may want to find out these things beforehand.

From : Pet Sugar

 

#3 Use treats!

Or its favourite toy, to get its attention. Hold it next to your camera or whichever direction you want it to face. You may want to have a helper in; have the pet owner play with it or someone else to help you hold up the treat or toy if you’re the owner.

From: A Beautiful Mess

 

#4 Sharp eyes

Number three above would be the most likely way you would use to get number four here. Do your best to focus on your pet’s eyes as it can be a very expressive gaze. It doesn’t necessarily have to be staring into your eyes. A side view or looking away angle can be as mesmerizing.

Image by: Buntekuh

 

#5 Find them

Rather than using a toy or treat to make it come to you, go to them instead. Find it at where it is most comfortable and looking at the world from its point of view. Lie on your tummy or sides, squat or look up (a cat in a tree, maybe?). Run and entertain it if they are playful pets!

You may have them look up at you (as in the first picture of this post) if that’s what you want, of course. Or use a treat to catch it in action, jumping or running for example; just different methods for different types of portraits.

From: Digital World

From: Photo Kaboom

 

#6 How ‘bout a prop?

From: Splish Splash Doggie Day Care & Salon

Or two. Props usually add colour or character to pet portraits. Younger  and newer pets may be calmer than older and more active ones, so different types of props may be experimented with.

Image by: Jose Luna

 

#7 Pose with your pet

Or have pet owners pose with it . You should find a different kind of image or expression formed between them. Perhaps even catch a special moment as you just watch them interact with one another.

From: Hugo-Gunn Photography

 

#8 Be patient

Taking photographs of animals or pet portraits requires an extra dose of patience, mainly because they don’t understand what you’re doing with that camera of yours and may not act the way you want it to. But take heart! Your patience would be worth your time and effort as you discover more about your pet (or you’re beloved friend/family member’s pet) and look back at the moments you’ve managed to capture.

 

 Pet Portraits, a gift and joy

Now that you are equipped with some easy tips for photographing pets, it’s time to spend some quality time with your pet! Or tick off a gift to get for that friend of yours. Have fun and remember to reward your pets!

From: Paws Whiskers & Wags

 

Pet photography tips compiled from Digital Photography School, A Beautiful Mess and Pets In Pastel.