How to Take Creative Pet Photographs

Getting creative pet photographs can be easy or can be complicated. It all depends on your subject's disposition, how well he listens to your commands, and if you have the right location for taking photos. Learn some great ways to take creative pet photographs below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Camera
• Pet
• Location

1. Most people with ordinary pets are able to get pictures of their pet with candid shots. Don't disregard candid shots as ordinary, though. Often times it is these out-of-the-blue photos that become cherished memories in photo albums.
2. A dog running in a field. Try to catch your pet in action. Action shots show a pet's true character and what he loves doing the most. The key to taking action shots is to make sure you can anticipate the pet's action, as some cameras take a second to capture a shot, and that second can be the difference between a great action shot or not.
3. A rabbit up close and personal. Close-up shots of pets have become quite popular on greeting cards these days. Try playing around with close-ups of your pet. Use your camera's zoom feature and try different angles as well.
4. Portrait of a collie. Get a portrait of your pet. You will need someone to assist you with this type of photo in most cases. Find a good background for a portrait shot, and make sure that the lighting is behind you. This is true for outdoor pictures, as well as indoor lighting. Taking a picture directly into light will likely cause a glare on the photograph. Use the "Portrait" setting on your camera, if available. This will help focus on your pet and soften the background.
5. Simply think about the things that make your pet unique and try to capture these instances. It is these moments that you will want to remember forever. And, pet photos make great greeting cards for holidays and other special occasions, as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Catch your pet after a nap when he is more frisky and playful for the best shots.
• Take advantage of your camera software to crop pictures on the computer. You can even add backgrounds to the photos with some editing software.
• Try to avoid using a flash. Pet eyes often glow in pictures and a flash contributes to this problem.
• Don't force an animal to pose in a way that he is uncomfortable with. He may become agitated and ruin the photo shoot.