Whether you want to make a Christmas card, a special keepsake or just a fun activity to share with your pet, taking pet photos can be eventful! Whilst pets can be cute and lively photography subjects, they can also be challenging due to their unpredictability. We have some ticks and tricks to help capture that perfect shot. It’s important to ask your parents before setting up a photo shoot with your pet.
Pay them some special attention
Make sure they are looking their finest by grooming your pet. You could give them a wash, towel dry and/or brush. Most pets love this so it will put them in a good mood too!
You want your best friend to be happy and relaxed for their photo shoot, so play with them, pat them, cuddle them and offer them their favourite treat.
Show them some love and attention and they will be in a great mood to get started with their photo shoot.
Plan ahead
Think about the style of photo you want to create and plan the key shots, location, activities and any props you may need. There may be a special place you and your pet like to play or chill out together. Certain props such as their favourite toy or treat can encourage an excited expression. Certain activities such as resting, playing or running can create very different photos.
Capture their unique character. If you pet is playful, capture them in action. If they love to relax, take a photo of them yawning in their bed. The photos will then remind you of their special personality.
Think about the location. Don’t forget outside in the garden, at the beach or a visit to the local park. These are great options as they offer both natural lighting and a more relaxed photo of your pet.
Lighting is key
Lighting plays an important role in every great photo. Flash photos can frighten your pet and also create red or yellow eyes. If possible, natural lighting is best, so opt for a shot near a window or head outdoors.
To avoid shadows when shooting outdoors face directly into or away from the sun. The golden time to shoot is during sunrise or sunset when the light is low and most beautiful.
Catch their attention
Once your pet is ready to have their photo taken, grab their attention by making a quick noise. This could be a squeaker toy, whistle, clicking or clapping your hands.
Make the noise count and quickly start snapping away as your pet will loose interest if you keep making noises over and over again.
You could also try calling their name, however this may result in them coming to you, so resist this option if that’s the case.
Get down to their level
For best results shoot from their level. Depending on the breed you may need to crouch down or lie on your belly. The aim is to shoot from their eye level or lower.
Zoom in close and allow their expression and eyes to become a focal point. This will allow their true personality to shine through in the photos.
Jump in the photo
Get in the photo with your pet!
Selfies make great photos as they are fun and relaxed. Play to your angles by keeping your chin down and the camera up. Hold your phone or camera so the bottom of it is level with your eyes. Smile like you mean it and take lots of photos so you have a number of pictures to choose from.
You can also set the timer on your camera and jump in too.
Go natural
Capture your pet in their natural state. Let them play and run around and snap away. Capture their true personality.
It can also help to start your photographic session this way to get your pets natural restlessness out of the way.
Keep sessions short and comfortable
Getting your pet to sit or pose for extended periods of time can irritate your pet.
Keep photo sessions to a minimum and try to take the photo in a place that they love, such as on the couch or in a sunny spot near the window. Let them pose naturally and move around.
Make any finishing touches
Once you have taken and selected the perfect shot, add any finishing touches. There are a number of filters and apps to help with phone photos.
Photoshop and other editing tools are also great for camera shots.
Capturing a special photo of your pet can be a fun event. It can also give you a special keepsake or image that you can use for Christmas or birthday cards. With a few tips and tricks, you can capture that perfect shot.