Our pets bring so much joy into our lives. Everyone loves to take pictures of their beloved pets. Pet photography gives us a chance to bond with our pets and really capture their essence. All pets are unique and different, and every pet portrait should reflect these traits and quirks. If you are looking for some unique, creative ideas for taking stunning pet photos, look no further. Below, we explore a few scenarios you can use to capture your pet in all of their different moods. You can use these ideas to record a complete picture of your pet’s life and personality.
Embrace the Silliness
Sometimes, our pets do things that make us laugh. They put themselves in silly situations and then look at us as if asking us how they got there in the first place. Funny pet photography can be very rewarding, as it reminds us that our pets have their own unique personalities and agendas (even if those agendas make no sense to us.) Pet photography is all about capturing these moments as they happen, as long as your pet is safe, of course. See what happens if you bring home a new toy. Maybe your pet will engage with the toy in a silly way while they are figuring out what the heck it could be. If you bring a new piece of furniture into the house, have your camera ready! Pets are always fascinated by new additions. It can be funny to watch them integrate the new item into their conception of “their house.” Try to capture their curious expressions and humorous poses as they explore their new couch, chair, or bookshelf. More candid shots can also be fun. Does your cat get on the counters, even when they are not supposed to? Before you shoo them down, take a picture (and then tell them to get off the counter!) It is important with pet photography to always be on the lookout for opportunities to document the silly times!
Take a Unique Family Photo
Pets are a part of our families. It can be meaningful to include our pets in family photos. There are many ways to take a family picture with pets that can showcase the personality and quirkiness of your family. Instead of posing in front of a couch or fireplace, get the whole family involved in bath time and make a fun, lasting memory. Take your dog on a picnic and shoot a great family photo at the park. Have the family spend the day at a dog-friendly beach and take a photo in the water. If the waves crash down and soak everyone, great! You now have a one-of-a-kind memory that the family can laugh about years later. Pile the whole family into a bed or the comfiest chair. Your pet will usually want to join in the fun, and then you have another great image. Pet photography should include everyone, and it is so satisfying to capture a photo that really expresses the ways in which your pet completes your family.
Have a Pet Fashion Show
Turn your pet into a supermodel with adorable outfits! Put them in their favorite sweater or holiday costume, and have a pet photoshoot. Adding clothes can really help showcase your pet’s personality. It is important to note that this is only possible if your pet will tolerate wearing clothes. Do not force your pet into an uncomfortable or ill-fitting outfit for the sake of a photo. However, if they don’t mind being dressed up, go for it! Taking them out for a rainy Saturday walk? Catch them wearing a snazzy raincoat. Those cold winter nights so good for snuggling? Add a cozy sweater and take a cuddly photo. Is your pet a superhero on Halloween? Document their heroics in a super image!
If you are doing a dog photoshoot or cat photoshoot with multiple outfits, make sure to have patience and give them time between each outfit. Give them a chance to get used to the new look, and make sure there are no parts of the clothing irritating the animal. If you take your time and curate the outfits carefully, you could pull off a pet photoshoot worthy of a fashion magazine spread!
Catch the Action
Another great way to immortalize your pet is to catch them in action! Running, jumping, and playing with toys or another pet friend are all great ways to capture the strength, power, and dexterity of your pet. Making Pet photos is about being in the right place at the right time. However, you can also create situations that will allow your pets to showcase their athleticism and sense of fun. Throwing a ball for your dog, playing with a cat’s favorite feather toy, or spotting your hamster on their wheel can be opportunities for wonderful action shots. Again, please make sure your pet is safe and secure when taking these shots and that the area is free of obstruction or other hazards. If outdoors, make sure your action shots are not interfering with other activities that people may be engaged in. Otherwise, grab your pet and get them moving! Action shots add dynamic images to your pet photography repertoire.
Exotic Pet Portraits
There is a lot of information out there about taking great dog portraits. In fact, you can find that here! Cats are also popular subjects for pet photography. But what about hamsters? Guinea Pigs? Pet rats? Reptiles? These pet photos can also be very unique and stunning. Take your guinea pig’s portrait! They are just as much of a superstar as your cat. Knowing when these animals are the most active will help you catch them at the right time, so be sure to research your exotic pet’s habits thoroughly. These fuzzy or scaly guys also can have unique fur or scale patterns, giving you the opportunity for some really diverse kinds of beauty shots. They are also lower to the ground, so you can experiment with creative angles. Get on your belly like your snakey friend to catch his expression. Lower angles on your guinea pig will give you great images of that adorable guinea pig nose. So, don’t forget about your alternative pets! They are fantastic resources for wonderful, unique pet photography.
Conclusion
Whether it’s catching your pet in a silly moment, getting the whole family involved, or having your own pet fashion runway, there are many ways to take brilliant pet photos. Dog portraits, cat portraits, and even guinea pig portraits can be very revealing, and getting a dynamic action shot can put your pet’s personality on display even further. So don’t wait. You are already taking so many photos of your pet every day. Incorporating these ideas will make that pet photography experience even more rewarding.
Pet Photos: Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Keep My Pet Calm and Relaxed During a Photoshoot?
With most pets, the time of day is essential. Try to have your pet exercised and fed before the photoshoot. This will eliminate the distractions of wanting to go for a walk or worrying about mealtimes. If you are using a professional photographer, get your pet used to the camera and the new person. Let them sniff and boop and get to know these new friends. Make sure you have their favorite toys or treats. Above all, stay patient and take frequent breaks.
What Time of Day is Best for Outdoor Pet Photography?
For ideal lighting conditions, try to shoot in the early morning, approximately one hour after sunrise, or late afternoon/evening, about one hour before sunset. Photographers call this the golden hour. The light at these times typically allows you to avoid harsh shadows in your pictures and to get more soft, warm light. If this is impossible, try to find shade or indirect sunlight for best results.
How Do I Make Sure My Pet’s Coat Looks Shiny and Healthy in Photos?
Good nutrition, with a diet rich in Omega fatty acids, is the first step to a healthy, shiny coat in dogs. Regular grooming, which includes brushing, bathing, and nail clipping, is also essential. Before an important photoshoot, it might be a good idea to have your pet professionally groomed to give them their best spa-day coat. To really bring out the shine, use the natural light of the early morning or late afternoon, as mentioned above.
How Do I Make Sure My Pet’s Eyes Are In Focus In Photos?
Most modern cameras have a pet-eye focus mode, which will be your best option. If your camera does not have this option, and your pet is not moving around, use single-point focus and make that single point the pet’s eye. This will help ensure you can really focus on getting that soulful eye image.
