Tips For Photographing Your Pet

In order to create a quality portrait of you pet I will need to have good photographs from which to work. The following hints may be helpful to you.

If you still use traditional film, try 200-400 speed film to stop motion.  Try shooting a whole roll of film. If you're using digital, try not to use flash. If you must, set flash for "red-eye".

Get close-ups of your pet’s face. Shoot some from their eye level. Do not shoot down on your pet from above. Try to fill the frame with the subject not the scenery.

You may need to have somebody calm or restrain your pet. It is difficult to get a good picture if your pet is roaming around.

In bright sunlight you may want to use a fill-in flash to lighten shadows. The best lighting would be outdoors in hazy sun; however, you may want to try a variety of lighting situations.
 

Photograph animals outside on a bright or hazy, overcast day- this kind of light is ideal for taking a good picture. If this is not possible, try taking the photos inside near a window or door on a bright day. Be sure to have your back towards the window with the animal facing towards the natural light.

Several close-up shots of your animal’s face are important to help get a more accurate depiction of their expression and eyes. I need to see the color of their eyes.
 

Use your pet’s toys or treats to help get their attention for photographs. Another person standing behind you can be helpful for this.

If you want your pet shown with their favorite toy and/or in a particular setting (i.e. a favorite chair, in your garden, on their bed, on the beach). I will also need photos of the toy and the setting.