| You can dramatically improve the quality of your pet | | | | paws. If you don't have a zoom lens, think about |
| pictures following any number of the tips below. Of | | | | getting one. This is one the great pet photography |
| course, you should try to incorporate all the elements | | | | secrets. |
| whenever possible. To get 8 pet photography | | | | 5. Experiment with lighting. This is really important |
| secrets, just keep reading... | | | | because good lighting can make a photograph |
| 1. Consider the context and environment. Your pet | | | | excellent but poor lighting can ruin an otherwise nice |
| should be happy and comfortable if at all possible. | | | | photo. Use natural lighting as much as possible. It is |
| Familiarity is a good thing and will improve your | | | | usually best to avoid flash photography since it |
| chances of a great photo. Be aware of the | | | | spooks many pets. Plus, animals are prone to red |
| background, including colors and textures. Also, | | | | eye. |
| consider distractions, such as strong smells, other | | | | 6. Consider action and playtime shots. If someone |
| animals, and so forth. In summary, be aware of your | | | | else can take the pictures, one of the best pet |
| surroundings and how your pet might react. | | | | photography secrets is to play with your pet and |
| 2. Be aware of your pet's personality. Think about | | | | capture the moment. Include key elements, such as |
| the unique elements or features of your pet, such as | | | | dog bones or cat toys since they are natural. Have |
| eyes, hair, size and so forth. Also, consider your pet's | | | | an enjoyable time and your pet will produce some |
| personality. What makes your pet special? I'm sure | | | | excellent shots for you. |
| you have plenty of good ideas; capitalize on them. | | | | 7. Get humans in the photograph. On the topic of |
| Set the stage and be prepared for capturing | | | | context and environment, remember that people and |
| awesome shots. | | | | pets go hand in hand. While isolated shots can be |
| 3. Select the right height. You'll want to be on the | | | | nice, you can add real excitement and interest by |
| same level of your pet. If you're not careful, you'll | | | | getting people involved. Children and pets are a |
| get too many "down" shots since most humans are | | | | wonderful combination. Small children with big animals |
| taller than their pets. You'll get more interesting shots, | | | | or big men with small toy dogs or kittens will make |
| including lighting and colors and shadows, if you lower | | | | anyone smile. |
| yourself. This is a similar tip to photographing children. | | | | 8. Experiment with both posed shots and random |
| It works. | | | | shots. While posed shots are nice to have, you |
| 4. Move in closer to your pet. Dogs and cats are | | | | should also try catching your pet in candid situations. |
| smaller than humans. If you're not careful, your pet | | | | Catch them when they don't expect it. Catch them |
| will end up being a small part of the picture. | | | | sleeping or when they are playing. If you try too |
| Experiment with close up shots. You'll be able to get | | | | hard and focus too much getting the perfect shot, |
| some great shots of textures this way. You'll also be | | | | you won't have fun. One of the most important pet |
| able to focus on unique animal elements, like fur and | | | | photography secrets is to have fun! |