Hints to take Great Pet Photographs Pet Parents have often expressed their frustration using their tries to photograph their pets. They ask me, "How do you do it?" After much thought, I reached what I call my "7 P's." The "7 P's," the secrets of taking great pet photographs are Patience, Persistence, Personality, Plain, Point of View, Pop and Processing.
Dallas Pet PhotographerPATIENCE
Pets have minds that belongs to them. Everybody knows that. You get your dog to sit perfectly, they visit a bird, a butterfly, cat or any other dog, and off they're going. Or perhaps your cat just does not want to come out from beneath your bed. What exactly is the next step? Well, if you want the picture, waiting. The kitty can come out eventually, and the dog will tire of chasing the kitty. Oh, just a little, treat (bribery) never hurts.
PERSONALITY
Personality is what makes your pet unique. The bottom line is to capture that uniqueness. Take the time. Consider your dog. What's the very first thing you think of? For example, after i think about my cat Sham-Rock I think "SPAZ." I am talking about he spends a large amount of his time with his mouth hanging open attacking shadows and searching for geckos. So, that's the image I wish to capture... that look which curiosity. Maybe your pet goes bananas whenever you grab your vehicle keys while he knows he's taking a ride. So, you might want to capture that complete and total look of joy and excitement.
PERSISTENCE
Don't expect to obtain a great set of shots the first time around. It may happen, but more likely, you'll take many, many shots to obtain that oen perfect look. Remember the old adage: "if at first you don't succeed try, repeat the process." That adage applies to photographing pets. I take a minimum of 300 photos per session, and i am a professional.
PLAIN
What does that mean? Make it simple. I work to avoid cluttered backgrounds. The topic of the image is the pet, not the individual walking around the sidewalk in it. A rake, a unravelled hose, a trach can are most likely things that you wouldn't want without anyone's knowledge (or foreground) of the pet's photo. And, please, do not have a building or perhaps a tree appearing out of your dog's head.
Dallas Pet PhotographerPerspective
Many people (including professional photographers) say you need to get on a single level as your pet. I disagree. I think you will get some really cool shots by shooting up at your cat or down at the dog. The bottom line is to go into close.
POP
You want the photograph to come out at you and whoever else is viewing it. Which means, you'll need a response to the photograph, be it an "Ahhhhh!" or "Isn't that cute" or perhaps a chuckle or perhaps a tear. Those photos that evoke emotion are the photos that individuals remember most.
PROCESSING
Not every photo processing is identical. Let's say you get an ideal shot, crop it simply how you need it and adjust the coloring to you liking. There's nothing more disappointing than sending it to some bulk processor where everything is set on auto pilot only to have your photo return together with your dog's paw stop or under vibrant colors. Suddenly, the great photo is disappointing. My advice: spend some extra money and find a photo place that gives your photo the interest it deserves.