5 Tips for Taking Great Photos of Your Pet
Your pet does adorable things all the time! Most of us wish we had more photos of them just being themselves. We get asked a lot about how we capture the photos we send as updates to clients, and what magic we use to take them. The truth is, getting a good photo of your pet isn’t as difficult as it may seem. While it does take a tiny amount of skill, the really important part is patience. We’ll break down 5 of our best tips to make sure you get the best photo possible.
Don’t go against the grain
You know your pet better than anyone. So when it comes to getting the best photo, don’t do anything that’s outside of their personality and comfort zone. If Fido is hyperactive, don’t force them to sit still for a long time. Do you have a couch potato? Action shots probably aren’t their thing, and that’s ok! You want your photos to reflect who they are, which will make it easier to get the shot.
Get low
A photo from your eye level looking down at your pet gives one perspective, but to really make the photo shine, get on their level and see the world through their eyes. You’ll better capture their emotions. It also gives the photo a feeling of intimacy and familiarity.
Don’t be above bribery
To grab their attention, and keep them looking at the camera lens, break out that high quality treat they only get on special occasions. Obviously, we have to be careful to not overdo it, especially if you’re taking multiple photos. You can use a favorite toy or even mention your pet by name, to get them to focus on the camera.
Lighting is key
Not only does lighting help set the tone and mood for a photo, it also impacts the quality of the photo. If you’re taking action shots, you need as much light as possible. Otherwise, you’ll get a blurry photo. If you’re doing outside shots, morning and evenings provide the best lighting, because it’s indirect and keeps shadows to a minimum. If you’re taking a photo inside, avoid backlighting (where the light is behind them). This produces glares. Instead, position your back to a window, with your pet in front of you.
Use the camera you have
You don’t need a $5000 DSLR to get great photos. 99% of us already have an amazing camera in our pockets. The smartphone you carry everyday is capable of taking some truly great photos. Pay attention to the settings, and have enough lighting. This will also let you capture the less formal moments with your pet, instead of having to lug out the big camera body and lens.
Above all, be patient and have fun. Your pet can tell when you’re stressed and frustrated, which impacts the kind of photos you’ll get. Want to learn more about pet photography? We’ve got a podcast recommendation for you. The Pet Photographers Club is an AMAZING resource and peek behind the scenes at a very interesting part of the pet industry. We’ve also interviewed a pet photographer about her business and best tips for getting the photo you want.
