Photography
Tips for photographing your pet!
By Charity Hassel
Jul 12, 2005, 18:30

Don’t you hate when you can’t get your family member to look at the camera, hold still, or cooperate during picture taking? No, I’m not talking about that crazy Uncle of yours. I’m talking about your pet! Trying to capture that perfect picture of your pet can be terribly frustrating. Hopefully you will become a little better at it once you incorporate a few of these tips.

One tip to capturing a great picture is to have someone else help you with the pictures. Have another person squeak toys, make faces and keep the attention of your pet. It may take some quick snapping, but you may be able to capture a great photo in the process. Be ready with treats during your photo shoot as well.

Your pet may run wild if you try to take pictures outdoors. Set up for your photo shoot in one of their favorite areas. Perhaps shoot photos in a chair or window sill where your pet feels comfortable. Take numerous pictures to ensure that at least a few will turn out the way you like. It may be difficult, but try to eliminate clutter and distracting backgrounds so the focus will be entirely on your favorite animal. Also, think about the color of the animal you are photographing. Try to use a contrasting color as a background. So, if your cat has white fur then try to take a photo with a darker background.

Find new angles to take your pictures from. Get down to the same level as your pet. Take a picture from behind your pet. Take pictures of the world as your dog would see it. Capture your dog’s view of his food dish, you, the yard, etc. Imagine the fantastic mini-album or scrapbook layout that could be made using pictures from your pet’s perspective. Get shots of your dog from the side. Keep your camera handy to catch some candid pictures.

Your pet does not have to be posing, still, or looking at the camera in order to make a great picture. Action shots can be fun and can show the personality, agility and energy of your animal. Many digital cameras have a setting specifically for action shots. Even some blurred photos can be an interesting way to show off your furry friend. If possible let your pet play in water for really fantastic pictures.

Capture what makes your pet unique. If your pet is small (such as a hamster) place it against something like someone’s hand or another object that will give scale to the picture. Take photos that focus on individual features of your pet (a dog’s wet nose, the whiskers on your cat, an outstretched paw). Place your pet by a window or go outside if possible to capture natural light. The fur on a cat looks beautiful with soft light behind it. Try to capture the texture of your pet (scales on a snake, feathers, fur, etc.). Create beautiful contrast in texture by taking a close-up shot of your hand against your pet’s coat.

Take pictures of the way your pet interacts with your family. Have your family play with your pet and hold the pet to capture fun moments. Try to capture the personality and feel that your pet brings to the family. Many pet’s have silly quirks and funny tricks they’ve learned that make them special. Spend a few minutes trying to capture those things on film. Your pet is family. With a few of these tips and a little luck you may just have a wonderful picture of your pet to share, scrap and cherish.


© Copyright 2006 by Pagesoftheheart.net