All About Pets 
Many families today have pets. An average family has between one to three pets, the most common being a dog. Some owners are so attached to their pets that every moment is as special as the previous one. It’s time to capture those moments with photography.
However, a good moment would only be so if there was a perfect way to capture it. Our pets are unpredictable and going to let you take the “perfect shot”. Luckily we have some great pet photography tips to help you catch that perfect moment.
Pet Photography Ideas
Nobody understands your pet like you do. Aim to have your pets as comfortable as possible during the photo shoots. It is easy to get carried away and have the dog or cat in a funny costume or poses, and having props. While this may make the event more exciting, the pet’s comfort should come first.
Pet Photography Poses
Get yourself calm and relaxed when you are trying to pose your pet. Your pet will feed off your energy. If you are feeling frustrated or stressed, your pet is going to act the same way. Try to find a pose that is comfortable for your pet and go with it.
For example, is there a position on the couch that they like, start there. The best photos are those that do not look too rehearsed. Taking photos of pets doing random things like playing with a woolen ball or watching TV tend to be the best. In the case of a kitten, one taken while they are asleep or just about to leap are among the breath-taking shots.
Using Your Smart Phone
There are many smartphones that have great cameras and applications for you to capture your pets. Like a camera, your smartphone should follow the same rules.
- Watch your lighting
- Keep your lens clean
- Don’t use your digital zoom if you don’t have to
- Avoid using your flash
- Avoid camera shake
- Rule of thirds
Using your flash will cause your pictures to have hot spots, washed out colors, and causes red eye. Pay attention to your phone’s resolutions settings and how you hold your phone. Holding it horizontal vs vertical will have a different dynamics to your photo.
Camera Lighting
Many photographers will tell you outdoor photos are more exciting. Trees, flowers, and people doing random things serve to bring more life into the photo. They also offer an excellent background and provide a natural light. Nothing beats the natural light, especially at dawn or dusk. Aim for the extremities, i.e., early in the morning at first light, or just before night falls. Artificial light may be used indoors and still have a great shot. If you are stuck indoors, try to move towards a large window that exposes the light from outside.
Shutter Speed
Consider the shutter speed when taking photos of objects that move, like pets. The speed of the shutter will influence how long your camera sensor is exposed to light. The faster the shutter speed, the less blur you will have with moving objects. A too fast of shutter speed will not allow enough light to expose the picture and your pictures will be dark. This is a balancing act, so play around with different settings.
The time frame is measured in second fraction, e.g., 1/500, 1/250 and 1/125. A fast speed like 1/1000 gives you a better chance of getting the shot of your pet on the move. If your pet is sitting still, then you are good to go.
Aim to use a shutter speed that is equal to the focal length. For example, a 50mm focal length would work best with a 1/50 shutter speed. This is a general rule that should always be applied, even if the object is relatively still.
Take Multiple Shots
When you are snapping pictures of your furry friends, take multiple pictures. Always take a bunch in different poses, settings, and camera angles. You may capture something special.
Remember the best moments are meant to be enjoyed. Don’t run for your camera and risk missing it, enjoy the moment.
