Pet Photography

It’s a distressing fact. Our pets provide innumerable heartwarming “Kodak” moments 24/7 – until we reach for the camera. Then, for reasons unknown, our beloved pooch (or adorable little kitten) becomes contrary, uncooperative, and downright reclusive. It’s as though our furry friends do not want their picture taken, just like some humans we know!

The fact is that our pets can be most appealing photographic subjects. We just need to know a few good tips and tricks that will allow us to get great animal photographs. You likely have already discovered that it is nearly impossible to get a pet to pose for you. These tips will help you to get the animal’s attention or take better candid photos of your pets.

Be Patient

The most important tip for anyone photographing animals is to be patient. Expect to spend time getting a great animal photograph. Remember that the animal has no idea what you are trying to do or to get him to do, so your only choice is to ‘set him up’ to get his attention and ultimately that illusive photograph (this especially applies in pet portrait photography.)

Use Props

Tempt your dog with his favorite rubber bone, or give your cat her furry catnip toy. You’ll have a few short moments to photograph your pet before he wants to wander off. Yes, pets have very short attentions spans, much like small children.

Use Attention Getters

To get your pet’s attention, try rattling a marble in a small can, whistling, a squeaky toy, or making other unusual sounds. Move the sound source around to get one or more animals to look in the same direction at once for a portrait. Use a favorite treat as a reward, or find an assistant to entertain the animal as you snap the pictures. Again, be patient.

Compose Your Photo

As with any well-composed photograph, remember to select uncluttered backgrounds, and move in as close as you can to focus attention on your subject. Get at the animal’s level, even if that means crouching or lying down on the floor to get the shot. See Photo Tips: How to Compose Great Photographs for more tips on composing your shots.

Use Variety

For memorable, even award-winning pictures, try putting two different species in the same photograph. Photograph cat and dog “buddies,” a kitten and a stuffed tiger, and young child and a puppy. Shoot pictures of them inspecting each other, playing, or sleeping together.

Take Candid Shots

Take plenty of candid shots of your pet doing “everyday” things as a member of the family. You’ll need to keep the camera available, loaded, and ready to go for those lovable “family” moments when he is waiting for his dinner, playing with the kids, sleeping in Dad’s favorite chair.

Take Lots of Shots

Along with patience, remember that you’ll need to take a great many shots in order to get just the right ones. Be prepared to use a full roll of film or to review a large number of digital shots. It’ll be worth the effort!

More Tips:

Kittens and Cats

Cats can be especially appealing as subjects. Take pictures of your cat sleeping, yawning, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g after a nap. You can get great photos of your cat sitting in a window (using natural light). Try putting your kitten in something, such as a hat, a knitting bag, or a box. She’ll explore her surroundings a bit and possibly make herself at home while you get some great shots.

Horses and Ponies

Do you own a horse? Horses and ponies can be good picture subjects, albeit large ones! Decide ahead of time if your want full-body shots, actions shots, or headshots. A rule of thumb in portraiture is to use a good portrait lens that does not distort the subject’s nose, preferably 85mm to 135mm. This is especially true in equine photography! It is best not to take close-up photos of horses straight on anyway, but remember that shorter lenses can create even greater distortions of the horse’s head. There are many other tricks to producing good equine photography. For example, you can photograph a horse race using a slower shutter speed while panning (moving the camera with the action) to get the feeling of excitement and speed.

Use these tips and you’ll find photographing your pets a satisfying and enjoyable hobby – with exciting and sometimes surprising results.

~Sandra Bynum

An avid photographer since childhood, Sandra Bynum set up her own darkroom at age 14. She earned her BA in Fine Arts, and continued to hone her photographic skills while homeschooling her children. Ms. Bynum is a freelance writer who recently opened a fine arts teaching center.