How to Take Great Photos of Your Pets
Pets fill a place in our heart, so why not give them some space on the mantle or on the wall, too? A fun pet photo brightens any space and serves as a special memento for years to come. The problem, is getting the perfect shot.
Pets are unpredictable, unruly, and often downright uncooperative when it comes to photo sessions. Sure, when they are small, it can be a bit easier but when they get older, posing and props are almost impossible at times. So how do you get a great shot? Here are a few of Awesome Doggies’s picture taking tips.
Keep Your Camera Handy and Charged at All Times
Be ready to take that shot when the opportunity arises, rather trying to create the perfect moment.
Get Them Used to the Camera
Once they are familiar with the sound and look of your camera, they will not be curious or put off by you having it out.
Use a Digital Camera and Click like Crazy
One of the best things you can do to get a perfect shot is to take more pictures. Professional photographers take many, many shots to get that one that is pure magic. Thank goodness that with digital photography, you can take as many shots as you like without having to worry about spending a fortune on development.
Use Natural Lighting
Forget flash and use natural lighting to avoid weird glares and stressed out pets. Some pets have such an aversion to the flash that they do everything but run away when you get the camera out (ask me how I know). If you’ve been taking flash pictures of them in the past, it will take some time of clicking with the flash off before they relax in front of the camera again.
Get on Their Level
For intimate shots, shoot at their eye level or just below it. Eyeballs, faces, and noses are where it’s at!
Get Close
Get as close as you can, then get closer. Everybody loves those “in your face” pet shots, but we all forget to take them when trying to capture our own pets in photos.
Remember the Background
Consider the background when shooting pet photography. Nothing is more disappointing than getting the perfect shot of your pet and then noticing that the background is filled with distractions. The good news? The more close-up the photo, the less background you have to worry about!
Catch Them Unaware
Posed shots are great, but try catching them when they are unsuspecting such as when sleeping or playing.
Use a Faster Shutter Speed and Burst Mode
Freeze action by using a faster shutter speed and burst mode to capture activity.
Be Persistent, and Be Patient
Getting the perfect shot is not easy. Keep at it and be patient. With a little time and effort you can get a gallery-worthy shot of your best friend.
And remember that candid shots done at home are great, but if you’re not getting the results you want via the DIY approach, there are professionals who specialize in pet photography. We are fortunate to have some super talented pet photographers in San Diego and would be happy to give you a referral. Also be sure to check out Allison Shamrells’ Pet Photography Tips from one of our previous posts. If you do schedule a professional photo session, be sure your pet’s grooming is in tip-top shape beforehand. After all, we all want to look our best for the camera, right?
Whether your shots are DIY or from a pro, please share your photographic masterpieces with us – we’d love to see them!