How to Photograph Pets

Use the three Ps when taking pictures of your pet or someone else's beloved friend: patience, practice and plenty of pictures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Bird Treats
• Dog Treats
• Toys For Pets
• SLR Camera
• Camera Bags
• Camera Filters
• Camera Flashes
• Camera Lenses
• Camera Polarizer Filters
• Camera Tripod
• Cameras
• Film
• Light Meter
• Slide Film

1. Talk to the owners of the pet if you are shooting for someone else. Get an idea of what kinds of pictures they want of their pet.
2. Use a faster print film such as ASA or ISO 400 to help stop motion when taking pictures of an animal at play. With this film, you can hand hold your camera for easy movement around the yard.
3. Use ASA or ISO 200 film if taking posed shots or if the animal does not make quick movements - such as a snake or turtle.
4. Use a longer lens such as a 70mm to 200mm zoom. This will allow you to capture the animal at play or a still shot without having to get in its face.
5. Look around the area where you will be taking the pictures for the best background locations and try to keep the pet in that area. Make sure there's contrast - a dark background for a light-colored animal, for example.
6. Use natural lighting when possible. Go outside if you can. If you need to take pictures inside, get close to a window to allow for some natural light and use a flash to fill in the shadows.
7. Watch the animal for a few minutes to understand its nature. A picture that captures the animal's personality is worth a million words.
8. Take most shots at the animal's level rather than shooting up or down at it.
9. Take a couple of posed shots, but remember that pets, like children, love to wiggle and the best shots can be of them at play.
10. Shoot some candid shots of the owners playing with or feeding their pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Use treats to reward or catch the animal's attention, but only if the owners approve.
• Take pictures of the animal doing a trick or hanging out in its favorite spot - especially if it is an unusual one.
• Use a polarizer to defuse harsh sunlight when shooting outside.
• To prevent red eye in the photograph of your animal, try not to take the picture as the animal is looking directly into the flash, or use a flash bracket to move your flash to a different angle so that the light won't bounce directly into the animal's eyes.