By
eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
Step6
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.
Step7
Watch the animal for a few minutes to understand its nature. A picture that captures the animal's personality is worth a million words.
Step8
Take most shots at the animal's level rather than shooting up or down at it.
Step9
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.
Step10
Shoot some candid shots of the owners playing with or feeding their pet.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 1/18/2006 Although this can be hard to do at times, it is possible. Try wiggling the camera in the air to catch the animal's attention. Then, quickly stop wiggling it and take the photo. If red eye occurs, try tilting the camera to get the light out of the animal's eyes when the flash occurs.
Anonymous said
on 1/18/2006 Close-up photos of the animal tend to be the most interesting and cute, especially if the animal is furry, like a kitten, or has a unique skin pattern, like a snake.