Pet Photography 101: 7 Tips to Elevate your Pet Photography
Pet photography is both rewarding and extremely challenging.
There are one too many elements to get right - getting the lighting right, making sure you don’t miss capturing any special moments, and more.
Capturing all the emotions in all forms can be daunting. What makes pet photography different is that their bodies are low to the ground, they’re always moving, fur shining and because of these factors, pet photography plays a vital role in getting that perfect picture.
Here are 7 incredible tips to get that perfect picture of your pet -
7 Tips to Elevate your Pet Photography
#1 Keep Toys and Treats Handy for a Hasslefree Experience
The trickiest part of pet photography is getting pets to stay still and they, unfortunately, do not understand instructions like others.
A few treats and toys can go a long way in getting your pets to stay put. A dog that has been trained to sit and listen will be easier to work with, but even that might not work if the dog is super excited.
Bribing them with their favourite food can work even with untrained pets.
In addition, pets don’t have to be sitting at all times to get great shots - that’s the beauty of pet photography. Capturing them in their element is the essence of pet photography.
Use the pet’s favourite words, and treats, and encourage them to get the best photographs!
#2 Be patient
Just like photographing newborns, toddlers, and children, sometimes, waiting for that cute picture can be tiring but being patient to get it, will go a long way.
Don’t try to force your pet to sit still if you’ve just walked in - wait for a calmer moment.
Take your pet for a walk if they’re getting uneasy or not being cooperative to calm them down. Besides, walking some energy out can also help in tiring them out.
#3 Use Fast Shutter Speed, Continuous Focus, and Burst Mode to Never Miss a Moment
Since many pets have a hard time sitting still, use a fast shutter speed to capture all their moods and never miss a moment.
Set your camera to shutter priority mode or manual mode - use a shutter speed of at least 1/250, and even faster for action shots while playing with the pet.
Turning the burst mode will help you take a sequence of fast shots to up the odds of getting a perfectly-timed shot.
#4 Use Different Sounds for Attention
Use different noises to get the pet’s attention.
It could be a whistle, mouse call, or even a toy’s squeaking noise. It is important to note to not overdo the noises as it can make them attuned to them.
It just takes a quick noise to get their attention - leverage this moment to capture the dog’s surprised face.
Ensure that not too many people are trying to get the pet’s attention, it will confuse and also stress the dog.
#5 Use Continous Tracking Focus
Pets move quickly, so focusing on them is really tough.
Regardless of how quick your camera focuses, getting a single shot will likely mean that most of your shots will miss.
Often after getting a focus lock, pets will move away from the location and disrupt the idea.
Stick to taking continuous tracking shots with the latest models of cameras and focus on moving targets. Continuous tracking allows for adjustments as the pets move.
#6 Use the Flash as a Positive Trigger
Once the pet is comfortable with the setting, try to add the flash to the mix.
Especially with studio photography, most pets might find the flash as a set trigger and will disassociate themselves.
Help them understand that flashes aren’t that bad - calm them down and reward them with a treat every time the flash goes off, so they associate flashes with a positive look.
Doing this can help them get adjusted and not trigger them in any way.
#7 Make it a Fun Experience, Always!
The most important tip for getting the best pet photography session is to ensure you make the experience stress-free and fun for the pet and its owner as much as you can.
If they have fun and enjoy the experience, they will come back. Not just that, making the environment fun and light will also help the pet be themselves and as a result, you will get amazing pictures of them.
Make sure that the whole ordeal of pet photography is not as stressful as it is and help the pets loosen up.
The Setting Up of Studio for an Impeccable Pet Photography Process
To get a pet photography studio up and running, you do not need a gigantic space, but you need some room to work with -
Lighting
A backdrop
Flooring
Elevated platform
Remote triggers
Ideally, you need at least about 10 feet wide by 25 feet depth and some space between your subject and the backdrop to be comfortable and take the best pictures.
The larger the dogs are, the larger the space you need.
If you’re a pet parent and looking to capture your best friend’s beautiful moments, fill out the form - our pet photography expert will get in touch with you!