Pawshake
- updated: 22/03/2019 Adding a cute selection of pet photos to your Pawshake profile is a sure way of increasing views from interested pet owners. We love animal photos and snap as many pets as possible (take a look at our Wall of Paws ... can you spot your pet in the midst?) But taking good photos of your cat or dog can be tricky: pets are not natural born posers ... So how can you learn to take captivating pet photos? Follow our mini Pawshake photography course and you'll be snapping the perfect pet photos in next to no time!
1) Consider your animal's personality
Some dogs are gentle giants, others are small and playful. Consider what makes your pet unique and focus on these qualities. Photograph a rabbit that likes to play outside, hopping around in the grass for example, or a cat that enjoys snoozing for hours on end, in a cosy cat basket. Don't 'push' your pet into unnatural situations and let their true personality shine.
2) Ensure a relaxed atmosphere
Getting an animal to pose in a studio is no easy task, and your pet probably won't enjoy it. In fact, your pet is more likely to relax and be at their best in a more familiar environment: at home, in the garden or perhaps at the beach. Make sure the photo shoot is fun: play with your pet between shots, enjoy plenty of interaction and take occasional breaks.
3) Get the lighting right
For the most beautiful light, it's best to photograph your pet during the day and preferably outside. Avoid using a flash as this frightens most animals. In addition to light, think about the surroundings. What else would you like to capture in the shot? Do the surroundings match the atmosphere that you wish to portray? An adventurous dog against the backdrop of a beautiful beach makes for an extremely captivating image!
4) Find the perfect angle
It's best to kneel when photographing animals. Photos taken from a low camera angle guarantee optimal results and make your pet the central focus in the final image. Aim for the eyes and you'll capture your pet's charisma: his or her personality is reflected in that gorgeous gaze. If your pet is nice and chilled out you'll be able to get up close and personal. Experiment with different angles: try a close-up portrait or a fun action shot taken from the side. Each and every angle creates a different effect.
5) And ... action!
Allow your pet to be his or her charming self, rather than making them pose for the camera. You can best 'catch' animals on the move using a fast shutter speed or your camera's sports mode. Encourage plenty of action with a selection of toys and treats. Most importantly: harness your pet's natural spontaneity and instinct. Your dog might suddenly do something funny (because he or she is a little goofball), so be alert and ready to capture the moment. Perhaps the photo shoot won't turn out quite as you'd imagined, but you'll soon see that this makes for the cutest and most entertaining photos.
What are your favourite pictures of your pet? Share them on Instagram with the hashtag #Pawshakeau and we'll potentially publish one on our page!
