How to Pick Exterior Pet Photography Backgrounds

How do you capture the unique features of a pet in a photograph? Choosing a suitable exterior background helps. Listed here are steps to help you pick the best exterior pet photography backgrounds.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the color of the pet when picking an exterior background. If the pet is light colored, choose a dark background. If the pet is light colored, choose a dark background. Use contrast to highlight the marking of the pet.

2. Pick an exterior that will help the pet be the center of interest. The pet should attract the viewer's eye.

3. Pick an exterior background that is free of distraction. Avoid a background with clutter, such as trash, that would detract the viewer’s attention from the pet. Eliminate reflective objects that could potentially form white glares in the background. Also, avoid picking exterior backgrounds with trees, plants or poles that may negatively affect the composition of the photographs, such as photographs where it appears a plant is growing out of the top of the pet’s head.

4. Pick a background with diffused, flat light. Avoid picking a background where the pet is forced to look into the sun as it may make the pet squint.

5. Use the viewfinder of the camera to consider the exterior background from alternative angles.

6. Pick an exterior background with enough space to allow for close-ups. It is best to choose a space that will accommodate the photographer and the pet.

7. Position the pet in the foreground to determine whether the pet is comfortable in the desired location.

Tips & Warnings

• For tall pets, practice framing the pet vertically. For shorter pets, try framing the pet horizontally.
• Shoot vertically for the best chest and head close ups.
• When picking an exterior photography background, be sure the horizon line does not inadvertently cut through the pet’s body or face as it will likely distract the viewer’s attention in the photograph.