How to Plan Pet Photography Shoots

Light plays an important role in any successful pet photography shoot. The steps below will explain how to plan a typical four-light set for a pet photography shoot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pet
• Camera
• Access to natural light
• Fill light
• Accent lights
• Comb or brush
• Blanket
• Pet toys
• Pet treats
• Assistant

1. Determine the desired effect that you want for the photograph. Is the effect soft, hard, dark or bright?
2. Select a background that will enhance the features of the pet. A plain background is recommended for portraiture, as it helps helps the pet be the center of interest.
3. Use natural light for the pet photography shoot. Natural light is an ideal light source for portraiture, so position the pet near a window to allow as much natural light as possible.
4. Plan the placement of main, fill, accent and background lights and any additional instruments you will need in each location.
5. Position the main light off center, at about a 45-degree angle. The main light is placed higher than the camera. Test the effect of the main light before turning on additional lights.
6. Place fill lights. Fill light is a source of light used to illuminate the set with an even field of illumination. Place the fill light near and slightly higher than the camera. Test the effect of the fill light before turning on accent lights.
7. Add accent lights. Accent lights set at various positions add a three-dimensional quality by highlighting features of the pet. One type of accent light, a hair light, is used to outline or add highlights to the hair of the pet. The hair light is effective when placed off center, usually on the same side as the main light. The beam of the hair light should be directed toward the camera in order to give the hair a halo-like shine. Add a background light, another type of accent light that provides additional depth and helps to separate the pet from the background. A background light is directed at the background and is kept low and behind the pet. Test the effect of the accent lights.
8. Pose the pet. Be sure to provide enough separation between the background and the pet. Use a blanket and props if these items help create the desired effect.
9. Have an assistant stand in the direction that you want the pet’s eyes to focus. Have the assistant hold a pet toy or treat to capture and maintain the interest of the pet while you are planning, and later when you begin, the shoot.

Tips & Warnings

• Brush the pet's hair before the shoot.
• Using a hair light on a light-colored pet is not as effective as on a dark-colored pet.
• Turn the flash off, especially if you are using a red-eye reduction feature. The flash may frighten the pet. The warning flash may inadvertently set off any strobe lights.