Capturing and sharing photographs of your pet as they grow and develop is something that everyone wishes to do. It’s not only a way of documenting your four-legged friend’s progress, but also a great way of getting some cute content for your socials.
But, as every pet owner will know all too well, capturing your furry friends’ cutest moments on camera isn’t always easy. For some reason, it seems to always be that as soon as you get your camera out, they suddenly look away or stop being the adorable versions of themselves that you know they are.
If you’re like me, and love to get as many pet pics as possible, then have a read through our top tips for taking the perfect pet pictures, to help you capture those precious moments.
Natural Light
Where possible, try and take your photographs in natural light. By snapping your pet outdoors, or in a well-lit room with large windows to let plenty of light in, will make the quality of the pictures much better and more natural. Try and avoid using a camera flash as this could startle your dog and cause them to move or look away.
Another reason to take your pictures outside is that you’re more likely to capture your pet in a more picturesque setting and shouldn’t have to worry too much about what’s in the background of the picture.
Eye Level
When taking a picture of your pet, get down to their eye level. This will allow you to capture a more engaging and intimate shot. It also creates a stronger connection between the viewer and the pet.
Capturing Their Personality
More often than not, taking candid shots of your pet make for a better snap. By capturing your pet’s natural behaviour, the pictures will reveal more about their unique personality than it would if they were posed or placed in certain positions.
Focus on your pet’s expressions – You may need to re-adjust your positioning or move closer, rather than commanding them to come to you.
Patience is Key
Our pets can be unpredictable, so be patient and wait for the right moment. Keep your camera ready and prepared to take multiple shots, which will increase your chances of capturing the perfect moment.
Treats and Toys
If you’re trying to get a picture of your pet looking into the camera, try and gain their attention by offering treats or toys. If your pet is receptive to this kind of thing, they’re more likely to engage with you and become alert to you and the treat, making for a better picture.
Shutter Speed/Bursts
If you’re working with more advance equipment, use it’s features to your benefit. Pets can move quickly, so by using a faster shutter speed, you’re more likely to capture your pet’s action and prevent blurry photos. This is particularly important for capturing playful or active moments.
If you’re using a smartphone, rather than a professional camera, use burst mode (continuous shooting) to capture a series of images in quick succession. This increases the chances of getting a perfect shot.
Shots and Angles
Try different angles and compositions to add variety to your photos. Experimenting with perspectives can lead to more interesting and dynamic shots.
Editing and Enhancing
After taking the photos, you can enhance them with basic post-processing. Adjusting contrast, brightness, and sharpness can improve the overall quality of your pictures.
It is also worth remembering that sometimes the worst photos are the best. Photographing the most natural, off-guard, and unedited version of your companion is the best way to capture precious memories and enjoy time with your pet.