From Fuzzy to Frame Worthy: 5 Tips for Stunning Pet Photography
PC: Nova by C. Hoffman
Welcome back to Scientifically Art, our pet portrait blog! Today, we’re going to share our top tips for taking great pet photos that will showcase your furry friend's unique personality and characteristics and look as great as the photo above after our DNA pet portrait process. As a pet portrait business, pets are family, we understand how important it is to capture the essence of your pet, and we hope these tips will help you do just that!
Here are five tips to get you started and make sure your DNA pet portrait will be a masterpiece.
Tip #1 - Get Down to Their Level
When taking photos of your pet, it's important to get down to their level. This will help you capture their unique perspective and showcase their personality. Try sitting or lying down on the ground to take your photos. Not only will this make your pet more comfortable, but it will also give your photos a more natural and engaging feel. If your camera has the capability, use the auto eye tracking function to keep them in focus and let their personality shine through. A lot can be said with the eyes!
Pro-Tip: If you’re using a professional camera set-up, take some time to let your pet interact and get comfortable with the equipment. This can go a long way in earning trust and capturing some amazing close-up photos!
Tip #2 - Use natural light
Natural light is the best option for pet photography. It can help to bring out your pet's natural colors and create a warm, inviting feel in your photos. Try taking photos outside during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer. If you're taking photos indoors, try to find a well-lit room with large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Pro-Tip: Avoid flash at all cost. Not only will it lead to harsh shadows but can also startle your pet and prematurely end the photoshoot.
"If the frame is a tic-tac-toe board, keep your subject in one of the four intersections for a more interesting composition." – Pet Photographer
Tip #3 - Use treats and toys
One of the best ways to get your pet to cooperate during a photo shoot is to use treats and toys. Bring along your pet's favorite treats or toys to help keep them focused and engaged during the shoot. This can also help you capture some great action shots of your pet playing and having fun. If you’re capturing an action shot of your pet reaching for a toy or treat, don’t forget to change your camera setting to fast action/sports mode/burst mode to avoid blur.
Pro-Tip: You’ll generally have 5-10 minutes of your pet’s attention for a photoshoot. Be mindful of this when shooting and don’t be afraid to take breaks or continue another time.
PC: Courage by C. Hoffman
Tip #4 - Keep it simple
When it comes to pet photography, less is often more. Keep the background and surroundings simple to avoid distractions. This will help keep the focus on your pet and their unique characteristics. Try to avoid cluttered backgrounds or busy patterns that could take away from the photo. Achieving this makes it easier to allow the subject (your pet) to fill the frame. If you're not into the school photo vibe of a plain and centered subject, try playing with the 'rule of thirds'. According to a professional pet photographer, divide the frame into a tic-tac-toe board and keep your subject at the intersection of the two lines in each corner of the center box.
Pro-Tip: Keep the environment one that they are familiar with. This will help them feel more relaxed and let you fully capture their personality in a photo.
Tip #5 - Capture their unique traits
Every pet has their own unique characteristics that make them special. Try to capture these traits in your photos. Whether it's a wagging tail, a unique fur pattern, or a quirky personality, these traits will help showcase your pet's individuality. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things when taking photos of your pet! Remember, the goal is to capture the unique bond you share with your pet so enjoy the process and let their personality shine through.
Pro-Tip: Identify their favorite activity and capture it! Whether that’s running through a field, playing with their favorite toy or snuggling with their favorite human.
BONUS Tip #6 - Avoid zoom and cropping photos
Most phone cameras use a digital zoom which essentially crops your shot to the area and results in grainy photos. For similar reasons, do not use a cropped shot of your pet for a portrait. Instead refer to our tips above so you won’t have to resort to either faux pa.
Pro-Tip: To avoid unpredictable movements and fidgety subjects, have playtime before the shoot. This will tire your pet out and make them less likely to break free of a pose or move suddenly.
Go out and put these tips to use!
At our pet portrait business, we specialize in creating DNA pet portraits that showcase your pet's unique genetic makeup. At Fifimendel, we use our knowledge of genetics and AI to create one-of-a-kind pet portraits that capture your pet's individuality. So why not take some great photos of your pet and let us turn them into a beautiful piece of art that you'll treasure for years to come? Visit our website to learn more and place your order today!
There are plenty of pet photography tips, above are those we've found most useful but check out these other sites for more tips:
PCMag Tips for Taking Photos of Your Pets - as well as gear recommendations