Taking Great Pet Photos January 3, 2008
Copyright 2006 Francesca Black
Capturing photos of a pet is as much about capturing their unique markings as it is about capturing their personality. When taking a picture of your pet, take a photograph that you believe displays their personality. While slightly more challenging than landscape photographs, pet photos can store precious memories of man’s best friends.
Eye Level:
When you are taking a photograph of a small pet, be sure to get on their level. Sit on the grass, lie on the floor, whatever it takes. This is especially important for full body shots, which generally look significantly better from the side rather than above. The same is true for large pets, if you are photographing a horse you might find you need to use a step ladder to take full body shots. Try to avoide having the pet looking up at you, unless that is the specific image you wish to record.
Pet Position:
If the pet will not sit still, have someone hold them in position. If the photographs are solely for the portrait, then hands and arms in the frame do not matter and can easily be removed as long as they do not cover important markings. Pets are most amniacable when you go to where they are most comfortable; it is crucial you don’t make the pets come to you.
Capture The Pet’s Personality:
Capture the most characteristic expression and pose of the pet. If the pet is generally happy, capture their version of a smile. Lighting: The best possible lighting is achieved outside, in natural light. Try to take all photos in natural light, even if the pet is an indoor only pet. The sun and natural light will enhance the pet’s coat and bring out any natural highlights, that may not show up in photos taken with poor lighting. Using a flash when photographing pets will often cause red eye.
A flash can also distort the true coloring and shades of the pets coat. The exception to this unwritten rule is if you are photographing a black pet, if that is the case a flash can actually bring out shading and texture which may be lost in photos taken under other lighting conditions.
Photography Props for Pets:
A good idea is to have the pet’s favorite treats or toys handy. Hold them up near the camera to catch the pet’s interest. In fact, photographing pets is often not very different from photographing young children, don’t be afraid to be silly. Sometimes making funny and unusual noises or movements will capture the pets attention and focus.
Some great Horse Photos – http://www.horse-supplies.org/funny-horse-pictures.htm
Pets have a special place in their owner’s hearts. Capturing their true personality can be a challenge, but a good pet photo will last along with the memories of a furry loved one forever.
Francesca Black enjoys photography as a hobby and manages content at Future Photo www.future-photo.com and Digital Photo Tips www.digital-photo-tips.com/