Spike, your little parakeet, is the world’s greatest little gift to humanity and you just can't take enough photos of her. But what does Spike think of all of this? Is she having as much fun as you think she is? Are all those photos of her as entertaining to your Facebook friends as you think they are? Here are some hints and tips that will have your pet loving photo shoot days and keep your Facebook friends from unfriending you.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Some pets love to pose for the camera. They can see themselves in the lens and they think this it is the coolest thing ever. Many pets are smart enough to recognize themselves in photos and enjoy seeing each digital shot. Other pets just like the time spent with their owner and consider it their special playtime. And then there are other pets that want you to get that scary looking thing out of their face. So, chose your pet photo shoot time wisely.
A photo of a sleeping dog might not seem super exciting to you at first, but it can make for a beautiful, peaceful shot. For some hyper pets, catching them when they are sleepy is the only practical way to get a clear photo. Another trick is to just follow them around the house or the yard, taking action shots of them doing the fun stuff they do all day.
Sink to the Animal’s Level
Getting right down there with the dog, cat, parrot or hamster can really make for a beautiful relationship between the photographer and the pet. Your pet will have a playful interaction with you and your camera while you’re capturing some very cute and loving shots. Shooting him or her at eye level reveals more of the pet’s personality, whether it is hissing wildly or coming in to rub up against you while purring. Either way, the photos will be personal and interesting.
Ready for My Close-Up
A very cool looking shot is to stand above your pet or just slightly above and get in extremely close to the face. If you are close enough then the face distorts a little bit like looking into a doorknob. It doesn't matter what type of animal your pet is, this look turns out absolutely adorable in a photo. He or she takes on a little bit of a cartoon like look with a huge nose and big eyes, the worldwide symbol of cuteness.
You'll have to do a few test shots with this method. Sometimes with a dog looking straight up at you works well and for some pets, just slightly above their eye level works best. You do have to watch out for hyper pets that might take a swipe at your camera lens or lick it. If you have a lens filter installed, this will protect your lens from any overly excited puppy mishaps.
Get Feedback
You’re going to be biased when it comes to your pet, so pay attention to what your Facebook friends say when you post your photos. They will let you know when you come up with a winning shot of Spike. And Spike will let you know if she is enjoying this as much as you.