Photo by fotografixx via iStock
At the moment, one of the most popular trends in the world of photos is pet photography. That’s because if there’s one thing everyone can agree upon, it’s that pets are absolutely adorable! And whether you are scrolling through Instagram or strolling to the supermarket, photos of pets are everywhere.
With that said, if you want to learn how to capture stunning photos of your furry friends, this article is for you! We share critical tips to keep in mind before, during, and after shooting. All three of these stages of photography are critical, and ignoring even one could ultimately ruin your photos.
Keep reading below to discover our top five tips guaranteed to improve the results of your pet photography!
Check out the video above by B&H Photo Video to learn additional tips and tricks about animal or pet photography.
Table of Contents
- Pet Photography Tips: Plan Ahead
- Pet Photography Tips: Patience is a Virtue
- Pet Photography Tips: Be Creative
- Pet Photography Tips: Use the Right Camera Settings
- Pet Photography Tips: Partner With a Quality Printing Company
- Final Thoughts on Pet Photography
- Recommended Photography Gear
Pet Photography Tips: Plan Ahead
Photo by damedeeso via iStock
Planning is one of the most important steps in photography, especially when shooting animal or pet photography. Yet, it’s also one of the most commonly overlooked steps. Only a little planning goes a long way and could make the difference between mind-blowing photos and total duds.
Take the photo above, for example. The photographer clearly planned this shot ahead of time, and the result is amazing! Getting in the habit of creating a simple shot list of the images you hope to capture is best practice.
Other things to consider in advance are the location of your photo shoot, what gear you need, and where you intend to publish the images. The more detailed you are when planning, the more likely you will be happy with the results.
Pet Photography Tips: Patience is a Virtue
Photo by NiseriN via iStock
Another crucial thing to remember when photographing pets is that they have minds of their own. Just because you have a detailed shot list and a nice camera doesn’t mean everything will go according to plan. Pet photography can move excruciatingly slow at times, and you will rarely walk away with the images you want unless you are willing to be patient.
Additionally, natural-looking shots often end up being some of the best. So, don’t feel the need to constantly micromanage and direct your pet. Sit back, relax, and let your pet’s true personality come out on camera every once in a while.
Pet Photography Tips: Be Creative
Photo by RichVintage via iStock
Due to the popularity of pet photography, the image pool has started to become somewhat saturated. People are copycatting what they see online, and everyone is taking the same pictures. Don’t fall into this trap! Be creative, think outside the box, and come up with your own original ideas. That’s the easiest way to make your pet photography stand out today!
Using props is one great way to be creative. The more unique the prop, the less likely someone has used it before. Another fun idea is to combine family and pet photography. Having photos of your kids and pets together is something I promise you will cherish forever.
Learn More:
- Beginner Tip: These are the Best Photos for Canvas Prints
- This Three Piece Canvas Print is a Beautiful Photo Display
Pet Photography Tips: Use the Right Camera Settings
Photo by MriyaWildlife via iStock
Next, let’s talk a little about how to set up your camera for pet photography. Typically, whenever working with animals, you want to use a wide aperture, a low ISO, and a fast shutter speed. A wide aperture (low f-stop) creates a shallow depth of field and a beautiful bokeh effect that will make your pet photos pop.
Moreover, shooting with a fast shutter speed helps “freeze” time and will eliminate unwanted motion blur. This results in clearer, sharper images. I also recommend using your camera's continuous shooting drive. Burst shooting captures more pictures and is a fantastic way to ensure you don’t miss that perfect moment.
Pet Photography Tips: Partner With a Quality Printing Company
Photo by knape via iStock
Last but not least, make sure you partner with a high-quality printing company. As a photographer, nothing is worse than taking spectacular photos only to have them ruined by the local printer. And while printing them at home is certainly an option, the quality will always be higher when done professionally.
One well-respected and reliable enterprise is CanvasPrints.com. They are one of the world's most popular online printing platforms, and it’s easy to see why. No other company can match their combination of outstanding quality, knowledgeable customer service staff, and unbeatable prices!
Additionally, they offer a wide range of printing services, including custom canvas prints. Today, canvas prints are unbelievably trendy and look great in both homes and offices. We have partnered with countless printing companies throughout the years and are proud to say that CanvasPrints.com is among the very best! Who doesn’t want the very best for their beloved pet?!
Final Thoughts on Pet Photography
Photo by evgenyatamanenko via iStock
Now that you know how to get the best pet photography results, what are you waiting for? It’s time to create your shot list, set up your camera, and get shooting! And don’t forget to use a reputable, high-quality printing company like CanvasPrints.com. Your friends and family will be blown away by the quality of your photos and won’t believe you took them yourself!
Here are a few more pet photography tips for even better results:
- Some newer cameras feature “Animal Eye Autofocus.” Use it if you have it!
- Try out different lenses to see how focal length changes the look of your pet photos
- Make sure the animal feels comfortable - it shows on camera
- Use treats and toys to capture their attention
- Don’t stress and have fun!
Recommended Photography Gear
Learn More:
- Use This Glossary of Printing Terms to Get Ready for Online Printing
- Beginner’s Guide: This is the Best Height to Hang Pictures