Tips for Taking Good Pet Photos
Major Beck, intrepid model!
- First: don't use flash unless you can remove your flash from your camera and move it above or to the side of the camera. Photoshop exorcisms of red-eye are only partially effective!
- Good light sources: a window to one side or in front of your pet (not behind your pet, because of glare), outdoors in light shade, or on an overcast day.
- Cell phone photos usually don't make the best photos--use a real camera set to the biggest file setting possible--your portrait will be an 8x10 print.
- If you have a tripod, it can be helpful to avoid "camera shake." It's also helpful when working with pets that may be camera-shy. You can reach over and press the shutter button while talking reassuringly and maintaining eye contact. If you have a cable release or a delay feature, you can get a bit of distance from the camera too.
- Please don't "sharpen" your photo.
- Either take a close-up shot of your pet's face or consider taking the photo from above for an interesting perspective.
- Remember your backgrounds! Things that can detract from your pet's portrait: car tires, deck railings, too many blurry objects, overly bright windows behind your pet, etc.
- If your pet has a solid colored coat, see if you can get him/her to "smile!"
- Add color with a bandanna or bow. Pose your pet on a patterned rug, a patterned blanket, an interesting bench or piece of furniture--or maybe in a flower bed--to make an attractive portrait.
- If you need help, contact me at info@susandowningwhite.com I am working on setting a date to take pet photos at Redeemer.
- Email your photos to me ASAP (please!) to: info@susandowningwhite.com