Pet photography – 5 Tips on photographing your pet
Animals aren’t the easiest of specimens to capture on camera; some of them simply don’t like them, others just don’t like to stay still, but whatever problem you’re facing there are some great techniques that you could use to get your pet ready for the perfect portrait.
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First of all you should train your pet to be itself around the camera so that they don’t hide or become unapproachable. You can help them overcome their fears with some basic training of commands such as sit, fetch, lie down, stay etc.
Some pet photography tips we know will help you along the way:
1.Create a relaxed atmosphere
It is not a good idea to try and force you pet to face a camera, this will only make their attitude worse. Instead, try taking your camera out with you everywhere you go, don’t make a special effort to take a picture of your pet, instead do it when they’re relaxed and playing. You may have a camera shy pet; if so you should not make it obvious that you’re doing something unusual. Often, a shy pet is an obedient one and you’ll be able to control their movements with a few commands – this will then enable you to get the perfect shot.
2.Keep that camera close!
As long as you have your camera with you at all times when those perfect moments arise you can capture their faces and they won’t think anything of it because they will be used to the camera.
3.Turn that flash off
Turn off your flash, pets naturally don’t like it and if you continue to use it they will run away every time they see the camera and your chance of getting the perfect portrait will be less and less likely. When doing a pet portrait a natural light is preferred anyway so there is no need for the flash.
4.Using objects to enhance your pet portrait
Know when to get their attention and what props you should use; if you want a playful look use a squeaky toy etc. You may find all of these steps hard to do alone so if you have a family member or friend to hand, ask them to get your pet’s attention while you take the picture.
5.Take enough brakes
If you’re getting frustrated then take a break. Your frustration will only aggravate your pet and make them even more uncooperative; just because you haven’t got the shot you wanted, remember the fun you’ve had playing with your pet. Consider the colouring of your pet when you decide on a background – usually the less busy the background gives the more favourable shot.
You have to be ready for a few failed attempts before you’ll get your perfect portrait, with these failures take the time that you’ve been able to spend alone with your pet as the prize – don’t think of it as a wasted day.
Guest author:
If you don’t fancy all the hard work why don’t you get someone else to do it, just like author Jodie Machin? She got her pet portraits done professionally with www.sarahspetportraits.co.uk.
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