Are you interested in improving your pet photography? Professional pet photographer Simply Light Photography is here to share some helpful ideas in creating beautiful images of your beloved pets.
1. Use as much natural light as possible to bring out the natural colors of the subject. However, every once in a while, it’s okay to use artificial lighting (example: studio lights, camera flash) just to create a different look.
2. As this article is primarily intended for the consumer photographer, this point may be the most important one since it can be applied to any type of photography in general. The majority of images right out of the camera will usually require some touching up or editing for improvement (example: contrast, brightness, etc.). One software program that usually comes with cameras is Photoshop.
3. Try to make sure there are no distracting elements in the background. In other words, it’s best to keep things simple when it comes to the background. In addition, it’ll allow for easy editing if need be. One easy way to create a plain and simple background is to use a foam board behind the subject. They’re lightweight and easy to take with you anywhere especially outdoors.
4. If your pet needs to keep their leash on for the photo, it’s best to keep it behind them so that it’ll be easier to edit it out and I do recommend to try to not have it visible in the image (it’s a distracting element!)
5. For a different perspective, lay on the ground and take the picture at their level.
6. It can be helpful to have an assistant with you (example: to hold the leash, to get the pet’s attention).
7. Make sure your pet’s fur is clean (especially if it’s black). This will mean less editing you’ll have to do.
8. Similar to point number 2 above, make sure the immediate area around the pet is clean (example: litter). Once again, this will mean less work in editing.
9. To do pet photography, one needs to have patience. If you’re not the type, then don’t bother with it. Sometimes it can take a long time to get the right shot. But at the same time, one also needs to know when to quit because the pet simply won’t cooperate.
10. Small pets can be easier to position (example: have an assistant hold them and get a headshot, place the pet on a table or chair which may prevent them from moving around a lot provided that they don’t try to jump off).
The Photo Blog of Simply Light Photography 