How to Photograph Pets

Here are some basic tips on how to get clear, endearing shots of loved pets.

Start Young

If the animal is young, expose it to the camera by taking plenty of photos, both inside and outside. It is much easier to photograph an animal that is used to a camera and the accompanying flashes. If the pet is older, try the same approach and let them sniff and carefully investigate the equipment.

Location

Always choose a safe location for a photo shoot. This could be at home, in the garden or in a securely fenced park area. Home is always a good option as the animal will be familiar with the surroundings and won’t feel the need to explore.

Best Time

For outdoor photos, the best times are the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. At these times, natural light is soft with a slight golden hue. Overcast days are also good but bright sunlight at midday tends to overexpose the shot.

Shot Perspective

Pets are normally smaller than humans and for this reason, it is important to consider the perspective the photo is taken from. Try lying on the floor and shooting upwards, or tilting the camera at an angle. Close up shots can produce magnificent results – don’t be afraid of photographing only a head or a rear view. Look for unusual angles.

Rule of Thirds

This rule is a general one used in photography. Mentally divide the frame into thirds, vertically and horizontally, giving a grid of nine squares. When shooting a horizon, place it in the bottom third or bottom two thirds. If focusing on a pet’s face, try and place it in one of the quadrant intersections rather than centralizing it.

Backgrounds

Avoid backgrounds with too much noise – busy patterns or strong colours that distract from the main subject. It normally works well to fill as much of the frame as possible with the animal.

Action Shots

These are often the best, most rewarding pictures. Try asking a friend to play with the animal and shoot dozens of photos as the animal moves and interacts. Think of actions such as a dog surging out of water, a bird stretching its wings or a cat playing with a string.

Family Portraits

These more formal shots require more patience to get the animal to sit still. They often work well with children and more sedate pets such as reptiles or birds. Try and situate the person and pet on the same plane so they will both be in focus.

Pet photography can be challenging but the results last for a lifetime and are a way of preserving precious memories.