Tip 1. Exercise your pet before you begin. I cannot stress this enough. You don't want your pet tired but you do want all of the excess energy run out of them. It's best to do this up first and get it out of the way. You will find this will save your time and frustration. When they have all of their excess energy spent, you will find it much easier to get your photos. They will most likely be more responsive and you may get that perfect pose you are looking for. Bonus tip... Exercise them really well and let them take a nap. It's hard to beat a photograph of a sleeping critter!
Tip 2. Go Outside. Utilize the Sun and turn off your cameras flash unless you intend to use if for fill. It is always best to use natural light if you can. If at all possible shoot during the Golden Hours of Sunrise and Sunset- The light is warm and directional meaning it will highlight your pet's coat and give it depth and texture. Position yourself with your back to the sun and start shooting. Want a different look? Go for a silhouette shot and position your pet between you and the sun. The sun will highlight the pets hair and give a halo effect. You may have to adjust your cameras metering in order to get the effect that you desire.
Tip 3. Get down to your pet's level. Unless your pet is a horse, this will at least mean getting on your knees and often lower is better. I often take pictures with my chin in the dirt! This often produces high quality and dramatic photos. Get at least eye level with your pet. We are used to seeing most pets from above. When you take a photo from a different view point it creates interest and drama. You may look a little silly and have to brush off your clothes but you captured an image that will last a life time!
Tip 4. Focus on the eyes. It is commonly said that the eyes are the window to the soul- this is really true with pets. Much of their expression comes through their eyes. For more dramatic looking eyes be sure you capture the "catch lights" (reflections) in the eyes. You can do this by positioning yourself with a light behind you and positioning your camera so that it "catches the light" (catch light) in their eyes. This is often the difference for me from a o.k. photo and a great one. In addition to this, be sure that the eyes are actually in focus. If you are working with a large aperture aka F1.2-2.8 you may find that if you focus on the pets nose their eyes may actually be out of focus.
Bonus Tip Most importantly, go out and take pictures and lots of them! You are not improving as a photographer unless you practice. You may find you need to try that same shot many times before you get it right.
Check out my website below for some examples of the tips above!
Kevin Stacey
Photographer/ Owner Cute Critters Photography
Professional pet photography in the Lansing, Michigan Area- "Pets Deserve Portraits Too!"
http://cutecrittersphotography.com/
cutecrittersphotography@gmail.com
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