Pet photography is one of the most heartwarming, adorable, and exciting ways to capture the lifelong friendship between owners and their furry friends. It is also one of the most effective ways to capture the viewer’s attention and spark a strong emotional connection with the audience.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer looking to feature dogs in your work or a pet owner eager to create long-lasting memories, these tips will help you create loveable images that will last a lifetime.
Get your furry friend camera-ready
Before you start taking pictures, make sure your pet looks their best by giving them a thorough grooming session. Ensure their hair is trimmed in a way that allows their eyes to be visible at all times; this will enable you to capture their personality and create images with a stronger emotional impact.
Bring an assistant and some tasty treats
Don’t get distracted by a dog's cuteness and bright smile. When it comes to modelling, dogs can be sneaky and all over the place, which is why bringing backup is important.
During the shoot, make sure to bring someone who can help give instructions to the dog, get their attention, and keep them engaged throughout the day. This can be the pet’s owner or a person you know who is good and patient with dogs.
Utilize treats to reinforce good behaviour and to prompt cooperation from the dog. Gradually, you'll start noticing how your furry model begins paying attention to your commands and becomes eager to execute them.
Creatively Squared creator and community member Aleksandra’s behind the scenes of her photoshoot with her pet Luna. Source: @the.moony.luna
Check out Aleksandra’s creator of the month feature and learn how she captures her purr-fect paw-some moments!
Learn your camera settings
When photographing dogs, those photo-worthy moments often happen in a split second, which is why having your camera properly set up before the shoot is of utmost importance.
Start by setting your camera's focus to auto; this will allow you to capture sharp images even in dynamic situations.
Next, use a high shutter speed to beautifully freeze those fast-paced moments and prevent any unwanted blurriness or motion.
Shoot in bright spaces, which will allow you to set your ISO at a low level. This helps your images maintain the highest quality possible and prevents grainy outcomes that could detract from the image's ability to connect with its audience.
Lastly, remember to shoot in burst mode to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot. This is especially handy when working with energetic and unpredictable animals.
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Explore various photography techniques
Once you are ready to proceed with the shoot, remember to have fun and experiment with different techniques.
- Capture candid moments by embracing spontaneity: this will allow your pet's personality to shine through in the content.
- Add variety to your images by experimenting with different angles: To create really close and intimate images, try getting down to your pet's eye level. To portray them as heroes, position the camera looking up at them. To capture your furry pet just as you see them, consider taking some shots from above.
- Craft a story in your images: Capture your pet's habits, daily life, and personality. Incorporate props such as toys, chewing bones, and water bowls to enhance your storyline. This will transform your images from simple frames to engaging visual narratives.
Be patient with your furry models
Even though we love our pets very much and would like them to obey our every command, it's important to remember that they are not always as easy to direct as humans.
Allow your pet time to acclimate to the camera, to get comfortable with the shoot environment, and to get used to people they might not know who are on the set. Having patience with your dog and rewarding them for their efforts will lead to more authentic and heartwarming results.
Employ these tips the next time you want to capture your furry companion and achieve great results that will last a lifetime.
Got any more tips for capturing dogs? Share it with the Creatively Squared community. Sign up here if you aren’t a member already or tag us on our Instagram @creativelysquared
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