As the saying goes, a dog is a man’s best friend. There are more than 140 million cats and dogs in the EU alone. As more and more people recognise the benefits of having a loyal companion, this number is set to increase.
If you’re thinking of starting a new hobby and love animals, pet photography might be the right hobby for you. You can use your pet as your model and at the same time, create tonnes of new memories with your pet that are documented in photos.
Interested in learning more about pet photography? Let’s dive right in!
Always use natural light
Natural light is always recommended when taking photos of your pets. In addition to the unwanted, red-eye effect, flash bursts can scare your pet. You surely don’t want to make this experience uncomfortable for your four-legged friend! If you’re shooting indoors, opt for a southern facing room with large windows and a lot of natural light.
Make your pet feel comfortable
Making your pet feel comfortable is crucial. Sit next to them or lie on the floor so that you’re on your pet’s level. Always shoot from your pet’s eye level or below. Shower your pet with treats and cuddles to turn your photo session into a bonding experience that both you and your pet will enjoy.
Convey your pet’s unique character
Every pet is unique. A good pet photo showcases your pet’s personality. This is much more proactive than forcing them to behave in a certain manner.
If your dog is super energetic, take them outside and shoot them in action. If you’ve got a particularly cuddly cat, shoot them while they’re interacting with your kids. Photography, after all, is a storytelling medium. Therefore, your pet photos should convey your pet’s personality in a cute yet still innovative manner.
Work around your pet’s schedule
Schedule your photo sessions around your pet’s “schedule”. If you know that your pet is particularly fussy in the morning, don’t even try to shoot a carefully composed photo. Come up with a workaround and don’t plan your photos too much, as your pet might surprise you with some killer, meme-worthy moves that will instantly go viral!
Be adaptable
If you’re dipping your toes into pet photography, you should prepare yourself for a lot of hiccups and unexpected occurrences. When working with pets, you need to be extremely patient. You also need to be pretty flexible with your ideas, as most pets will not hold one pose for more than a few seconds.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Experimentation is key when it comes to any form of art…but especially when working with unpredictable pets! Don’t be afraid to use different lenses and camera settings. After all, the best thing about pets is that they won’t judge your photo, so there’s always room for improvement (without the fear of being judged by your furry friend)!
Want to start displaying your pet’s photos? Here are some creative ideas for printing and displaying your pet’s photos:
