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Have you ever tried taking pictures of your pets only to get frustrated with the results? How many times have you attempted to go on a photo shoot with your pets but they simply wouldn’t cooperate? Well, you are definitely not the only one who has ever been in situations like this. Hundreds, if not thousands, of pet owners all over the world find it hard to capture great photos of their beloved pets no matter how hard they try.
Well, there’s really no question about it – we all like to have our pet’s photograph taken and have them displayed on our walls, desks, and everywhere else we can think of. However, there is a unique and often difficult challenge in having it done. Our pets simply have a mind of their own and they wouldn’t pose for the camera just to please us. But don’t worry. There is a way to go about it. You can take great snapshots of your beloved pet by following these simple tips:
Plan for it. It’s best to have a plan before the actual photo shoot. Decide where you want to do it and consider the lighting requirements of the location. Do you need to take some artificial lighting equipment and other props with you? Would you need some treats and toys to coax your pet to show their natural personality in front of the camera? Make a list of all the things you need to take during your pet’s photo session to increase the chances of capturing great photos.
Use natural light. For best results, bring your pet outdoors where there is abundant sunlight. However, avoid shooting under direct sunlight since it can distort some of their features. If you have to take photos indoors, make sure there is enough natural light in the room. Avoid using fluorescent or tungsten light during your photo shoot since it can also affect the quality of the results.
Don’t use camera flash. Avoid using camera flash since it can agitate and even frighten your pet. It can also cast unnatural shadows and can produce the red-eye effect. If it cannot be avoided, try bouncing an off camera flash against the wall or the ceiling to counter its negative effects.
Focus on the eyes. All portrait photographs should focus on the eyes of the subject, and pet photography is no exemption to this rule. Remember, your pet’s eyes are very expressive and focusing on it can give you some very impressive photos that you can cherish for the rest of your life.
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Capture your pet’s unique personality. What makes your pet unique? What makes him so endearing? Is he the lazy type who yawns all day or the playful type who just can’t seem to stop running around? Make sure you capture all those traits on camera!
Come down to their level. To capture your pet’s natural expressions and to get more eye contact, you will need to come down to their level. You may need to sit down or lie flat on your stomach to accomplish this but the results are well worth the extra effort!
Get some help. There are times when your pet simply won’t behave the way you wanted despite the bag of tricks you’ve prepared for the occasion. So, when the treats and the toys don’t work, try getting others to help you. They can help hold your pet’s attention while you concentrate on getting those perfect shots.
Use the correct camera settings. How do you capture your pet’s best poses while he’s on the move? Here’s how:
- Make sure to use fast shutter speed. This can help you capture your pet’s movements, no matter how fast he may be!
- Use a wide aperture to maintain a clearer focus on your pet.
Always remember that capturing your pet’s unique personality on camera requires a lot of patience. You may not always get the results you want at first try but if you’ll just wait for a little while until he gets more comfortable with the camera, your patience may finally pay off!
I hope you got something from this.
Ray Baker
