Whether our pictures are predominantly tug of war shots, or 101 places our cat sleeps, pet owners’ camera rolls are likely to be 90% pet photography.
If your photographs tend to be one perfect picture in a hundred blurry shots of frantic zoomies, try these tips to improve your shots!
Natural Lighting
Bright studio lights and flash is great for a studio, but both can scare animals. For a nice diffused light in your photographs, try shooting outside on a nice cloudy day. Your photographs will be brightly lit, but not harsh. If you’re inside, make sure the room is well lit, ideally in front of large windows.
Declutter the Area
Decluttering your space will make sure the focus of the shot remains your pet, and will also limit pets’ distractions. Clear away toys, background clutter, laundry etc. in the back of your shot to keep the image clean.
Focus on Their Eyes
Eyes are the window to the soul, as they say, and that is doubly as true for pets. Focusing on this can make the photograph really lovely seeing what your pet is thinking in the moment. Some cameras have eye autofocus features, which automatically focus on your pet’s eyes, to nail your shot every time.
Go to Them
Some animals get nervous being on camera. Getting on their level and being with them is a great way to build their confidence with you and a camera. Sit on the floor or lay on your stomach to bring yourself to their level, which will give you the best angle of them. Try holding a treat just above the camera to get them looking at the lens.
Highlight Personality
Every pet has a unique personality, and managing to get that across on camera is sure to make a truly great photograph. Is your pet naturally lazy? Try capturing them stretching, yawning, lounging in the sun. Is your pet playful? Capture them mid-action, playing with their toys, playing with others. Getting their personality across will make your photographs sparkle.
SURPRISE!
If your pet gets a little camera-shy try letting them play around, and interact with them to get them comfortable. Then grab their attention by making a noise at them before snapping the picture. Surprising them will get a bright attentive expression, and looking comfortable and happy.
Time Your Session
Time your photography sessions to fit your pet’s daily mood. If you want your photos to seem more formal, try taking them when your pet is a little tired since they are more likely to lay down calmly. If you want more action shots, start when your pet is energetic and playful.
Patience
Pets can be excitable, especially when you’re paying extra attention to them while trying to photograph them. So, remaining patient with them will make sure the shots are extra special. Try action shots at the start of your session when they are more playful, and move through to more formal shots as the session goes on.
Thats my top tips and tricks, give them a try and take some absolutely pawsome snaps of your pets!
