How To

How to Take Great Pet Photographs

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

By following a few simple instructions, you can take great pet photographs yourself. You can often take photographs as good as a professional, simply because your pet will be more relaxed in your presence.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Camera
  • Treats or toys
  1. Step 1

    Take the photographs on a sunny day. The best lighting for photography is natural sunlight. Take photographs only when the sunlight is behind you or to the side of you. This will prevent your picture from being overexposed, which dulls the colors. Avoid direct sunlight, if possible. The best light is filtered, whether it's through just a bit of cloud cover or a sheer curtain. If your pet is indoors, take the photographs near the largest window with the best light possible.

  2. Step 2

    Avoid using the flash on your camera. The flash produces overexposure and will not capture the beauty of your pet's natural coloring. An exception: If your pet's fur is black, using the flash can bring out the texture and hues that may otherwise be lost in low lighting.

  3. Step 3

    Go to your pet for the photograph instead of calling your pet to you. Your pet will be more relaxed and you can capture a more natural pose.

  4. Step 4

    Drop to the ground. Taking a photo on eye-level with your pet will produce a better picture. This is also the best way to capture the entire body of your pet in a natural way.

  5. Step 5

    Ask someone to hold your pet, if necessary. You can take a portrait photograph of your pet's face at the angle you want, but you won't be able to see your helper's hands because they'll be outside the frame.

  6. Step 6

    Hold your pet's favorite treat or toy next to the camera lens. This will catch her attention and will create a great facial expression. Don't do this for long or the pet will move towards you and the object. Be ready to snap the photo immediately.

  7. Step 7

    Ask someone to entertain your pet so that his attention isn't focused on the camera. This is especially useful if your pet is upset or confused by the camera.

  8. Step 8

    Photograph your pet in a location where he is comfortable. Consider taking the photos in your home, at your favorite park or in your backyard.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be patient. It may take quite a few tries to get a great pet photograph, and patience will make the process a lot more enjoyable.

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