Pet Photography - Hints & Tips

Dogs & Cats

     Photographing a dog or cat adds a whole new set of variables to the equation.  Unlike human subjects, most animals are not as easily posed or patient so it might be a little trickier to get the purrfect shot.  Keep your camera near because you never know when the ideal opportunity will present itself.  There are also a few things you as a photographer can do to increase your odds for success.  If at all possible, photograph your pet in familiar surroundings.  This will help put the animal at ease and you will have a much better chance at obtaining a natural pose.  Also, minimize the distractions - Feed your pet ahead of time.  if your dog is really hungry or there are strangers and/or animals around, it might become preoccupied.   As always, lighting & proximity are very important.  If yours is an indoor pet, try to take advantage of adequate window lighting.  Flashbulbs are not recommended when photographing any animal.

     In addition to getting close-up to your pet, try to get down to their level to achieve natural looking shots.  Sit on the grass, lie on the floor - whatever it takes.  Treats can also be used to help "pose" your pets.  For cats - a piece of string dangled by a helper also works well in getting the cat to focus on something in a specific direction.

A very cute puppy but unfortunately not a real great photo for reference.  The good - the photographer got down to floor level and really close to take the shot.  The bad - artificial light provided by the cameras' flash turns a potentially super photo into a mediocre shot.  (check out the eyes & the negative effect the flash has on them)

The photo to the left again features a cute dog but the picture doesn't do it justice.  The good - not much.  The dog is centered in the picture and the photographer was fairly close.  The bad - terrible lighting achieved with the flash, combined with an equally terrible shooting angle.  I would not undertake this commission if this was the only reference photo provided.

The photo to the right is fine for a family album, but again I would not accept this as a commission due to the lack of overall detail & clarity.