Photographers love taking pictures of their pets. The task may be exhausting, but the challenge of getting a frame worthy shot of Fido or Fifi is well worth the effort for most shutterbugs.
Of course, it helps if you have a cooperative animal, the proper photo equipment, and are able to follow these simple tips:
Drop: To one knee. Or both. In order to snap stellar shots of your pet, you need to get down to his level. Doing so will help make the picture more interesting by providing a unique perspective.
Angles: Rather than taking a shot of your pet looking directly into the camera, position yourself slightly to the left or right of your animal subject. This will help avoid pet photo flash eye.
Lighting: Avoid shooting in direct sunlight when photographing pets. Natural light is a much better alternative. Shooting your pet in direct sunlight can make him squint. In addition, harsh light can wash out a photo and cause unwanted shadows on your animal’s face.
Focus: To keep the focus on Fido or Fluffy, avoid crowding the shot with distracting backgrounds. Rather, position your furry friend in front of a plain backdrop and make him the center of the shot.
Patience: When working with animals, a little patience can go a long way to capture a stunning picture.
Props: Pets are natural comedians, but if you are looking to really spice up a shot, consider using props. For example, a large shoe makes the perfect resting place for a tiny puppy. Another option is to place a potted plant next to an energetic cat and watch as she tries to swat at the flowers. Simple cardboard boxes are excellent props and can elicit a myriad of amusing shots with a variety of animals. Costumes are great too. Image what your pooch would look like dressed up as a hot dog.
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