While great pet photography is an art like anything else, if you master these tips you can create photo stories your whole family will talk about for years to come.
Tip #1: You can’t get a ’staged’ photo
The first thing to remember is that Fido, Fluffy or Tweetie may not pose exactly like you want - unless you simply want them to sit and look at the camera. While posed shots have their place as records of important moments or events, it’ll take a little more work to create photo stories of your pet you’ll truly cherish. But the effort you put in will be well worth it.
Tip #2: Get down to their level
In one respect, pets are like kids. They’re all over the place, they fidget and rarely, if ever, keep still. So it helps to get down to their level. No, that doesn’t mean making funny faces or acting a bit foolish. What is does mean is getting down on the floor in order to take the best photograph. Basically, you wan to be eye-to-eye with your pet — whether he’s relaxing on the sofa or on top of the picnic table.
When you do you’ll have be able to share memories of your pet in some of their most natural poses!
Tip #3: ‘Go below’
If it’s at all possible, try to take pictures of your pet from a perspective that’s below them - get underneath their normal line of sight. This will make for an unusual and intriguing shot and create photo stories no one will ever forget! You’ll have fun for many years as you share memories of these moments.
Tip #4: Be quiet!
You never want to startle or alarm your pet. So try not to make any sudden movements or loud noises that might frighten your best friend. This is especially important when you’re sneaking up on him while he’s playing with a ball or rolling around on the floor.
Tip #5: Bring out the performer in him!
This is very different than actually trying to get your pet to pose. The fact is, many cats or dogs will actually perform tricks for certain family members they are comfortable with. And they’ll do it on command. If you can capture one of these moments, you’ll share memories that will be special and quite hilarious!
Tip #6: Keep your pet’s personality in mind
If you’re struggling for some good ideas, why not concentrate on your pet’s personality or his features? What makes him special or endearing? He may love to sleep on his back in a funny way? Or he may love jump real high when waiting for a treat. Or he may have unique eyes or an unusual color.
The point is, you know your pet’s best attributes. Capture them with your camera and create photo stories so you can share memories in the years ahead.
Tip #7: Put yourself (or a child) into the photograph
In the great scheme of things, people and pets go hand in hand, especially children. Who can resist a little kid and a pet?
While solitary shots are perfectly good, you can add real excitement and drama by creating contrasts and contradictions. Small children and big animals or big men with a small dog or cat will make everyone smile…and create photo stories that are truly special!
Tip #8: Avoid flash photography
Again, this is an easy one. It should be obvious that any type of flash may really frighten or alarm your pet. So it’s always best to shoot when the natural light is good. Besides, animals are prone to red eye and eliminating the flash and using natural light is a great way to end the red eye effect!
Tip #9: Be prepared!
Let’s face it - getting the perfect shot of your family pet involves luck, being in the right place at the right time. So be prepared at all times. You never know when that precious moment will occur. Catch them while they’re sleeping or munching on a snack.
Oh, and don’t try for the perfect shot. Just have fun. That’s one of the biggest secrets to being able to share memories and create photo stories of your pets!
Matt Smolsky develops marketing programs and has written articles for a variety of clients, including HOORRAY, a new way to share photo memories.
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