Lighting & Studio

Photography Tricks for Posing Pets

Many times, taking a great photograph of a pet is not an easy task but if you learn just a few posing maneuvers it becomes much easier and manageable even for the non-professional photographer. In this article we are going to have a look at some tricks for taking photographs of the family members we so fondly refer to as our pets.

Let’s look at birds. The best way to take a good photograph of a bird is to get as close to the bird as possible. Of course if you have a zoom lens it makes the effort that much easier. If you don’t, just remember to take your time.  Simply inch your way in. If you don’t make sudden movements and take your time, you should be able to get very close to them without scaring them.

I also advise if at all possible to have your camera stabilized on a tripod. Taking photographs so closely may cause your pictures to blur. If you have an image stabilization lens that would be perfect for these types of shots. Wait for them to pose. The trick to taking good bird pictures is patience. They will give you that pose if you wait for it. Have patience and you will love the results.

Another household pet (up the food chain) is the cat. Cats are known to be very difficult subjects when it comes to a photo session. The trick to taking cat photos is that you really have to be on your toes. They can be in and out of position in the blink of an eye. One trick is to give them a toy to play with. If you can get a cat to become enthralled in a toy, they will almost forget that you are even in the room.

Remember to get down on their level. Position the camera at eye level for the cat. If they lay upside down on the floor, you will have to be on the floor. Fast shutter speed is a must. Once again I recommend a tripod or even a floor level shot. I also recommend that you use side lighting for some really great affects.

And of course no self respecting article about photography for pets would be complete without discussing the most popular household pet in America; the dog. Dogs are probably the easiest household pet to get great photos of.

The great thing about taking dog pictures is that most dogs are fairly easy to position in a pose and hold it. Dog’s can be bribed. Many dogs will sit perfectly still just on the anticipation of knowing there is a treat in it for him with just a little bit of patience.

I recommend using props for dog photographs. Maybe a picture with him in front of the hearth would be nice for Christmas cards. Many people actually dress their dogs with sweaters, bows, cheerleader outfits, caps, hats and sunglasses.

The great thing about getting dog photographs is that you are generally not limited to inside the house. Put your Doberman behind the wheel of a sports car with a Jeff Jordon hat and sunglasses and you have instant pet celebrity status for your pet.

And always remember to make your pet comfortable and at ease for the absolute best photographs. Most pets will give you the pose you are looking for it you simply make sure they are comfortable with the environment. Don’t press them and they will respond with great poses for your scrapbook or Facebook page.

 

 

About the Author

Lisa Browning is the owner of Lisa Browning Photography.  Lisa has been a professional photographer for many years and has a studio in Tupelo, MS.  Lisa provides top quality portraits at affordable prices.  Find Lisa Browning at www.LisaBrowningPhotography.com or contact her directly at lisabrowningphotography@comcast.net.

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—This is what I am good at—
Linux
Making videos
Audio Creation
Stories
Making websites
Marketing
Prop Making
Being Creative
Electronics
Pets
Handyman stuff
Making stuff
Teaching
Problem solving

—Things I like doing—
sci-fi / fantasy
watching movies / TV
Linux
talking
problem solving
people
pets
water (like spear fishing, swimming, scuba)
going new places
experiencing new things
Steam Punk
Cyber Punk
Gadgets (new tech)
Being in the mountains
Outdoor stuff like camping
Exploring

Thanks for any help

-Nick

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