Pet Photography Sydney

Tips and Tricks for Pet Photographers

A cat or a dog may look like a simple subject to shoot, but anyone who has attempted to do so knows it is anything but. If you want to take better pet photos while doing Pet Photography Sydney, here are some strategies that the pros employ.

1.Allow yourself to unwind.

In the same way that animals are like tiny emotional sponges, they will pick up on your anxiety and become even more tense and anxious. On video, a stressed animal is more likely to give you the “ears flattened” and “worry eyes” appearances. When things get stressful, just take a deep breath and remember to have fun.

2.Focus on the expressions and the eyes

Make sure to pay attention to the animal’s eyes and facial expressions in order to get the most out of your photographs. As fast as you can say “woof,” a well-timed pup whimper (from you) can bring a puppy or curious dog into sharp focus.

3.Shoot in the world of the subject.

While it’s great to take a few pictures of your pet from a standing position, the best photos are taken from the animals’ perspective, ‘in their world.

4.Make sure you’re flexible by stretching first.

Anyone who has seen a professional pet photographer in action knows that they will bend, twist, spin, squat and crawl to capture the shot. In order to achieve the ideal composition, you’ll need to put in some serious effort. It’s best to reach and lean rather than make a huge movement that will cause the dog to break their sit-stay, because it’s less likely to cause the dog to move from their perfect stance.

5.Look for the best light possible.

In photography, light is vital, especially in the case of pet photography, where the ability to observe the creature’s eyes’ catch-lights is essential (the white reflective parts). If possible, avoid photographing in a dark room or on a cloudy day. Before you even begin photographing your pet, take a glance around and see where the best bright, yet diffused light is; then travel to that location.

6.Make sure your pet is motivated.

Animals need to be motivated during a photo shoot or they will wander away and get disinterested in what you are doing. Provide them with the incentive they need to perform at a high level—their “reward”—during the shoot. Treats and toys are common motivators for dogs, but they can also be as simple as being shown affection. In the case of cats it may be anything from feather toys to paper bags to tuna fish to catnip. Carrots or apples may be a favourite snack for horses.

The most common ‘trick’ in Pet Photography Sydney is to make the animal believe that they are in control of the situation while, in reality, it is you who is directing their behaviour. Paying people for doing what you want is part of the “getting them to do what you want.” When it comes to ‘rewarding’ your pets, think outside the box and you’ll get better results and more cooperative models as a result. Plus, the session will be more enjoyable, and that’s part of the appeal of pet photography.