We get it, your fur baby is absolutely part of your family, and is possibly the cutest member! It’s natural for us to want to take tons and tons of photos of our adorable pets. If you’re looking for ways to take better pictures of your beloved pet, we have some suggestions:
Lighting & framing are key.
Natural light is best for taking photos. So, if possible, try taking photos of your pet outside. And if you want to know how to take great photos of your pet during fall foliage, check out our tips here.
If you can’t do that, wait for a sunny day and take them inside near a window. Just remember to have the light coming from the side or behind the camera. If the light is behind your pet, your pics will come out backlit, and no one wants that!
If possible, try to have a clean background so there’s not a lot of distraction from your pet in the photo. This is where going to a professional pet photographer might help, because they usually have backgrounds and props to make your pictures better. Whatever the background, try to get down on the same level as your pet and frame them directly, focusing on the eyes. If you can interact with your pet while taking the photos, that will help to show more of your pet’s personality and the connection you have with your pet. This is where it helps to have some help!
Don’t force it.
Costumes and props are cute and all, but if your pet hates it, it’s not worth it. Just make sure they are well groomed and looking their best. If your pet doesn’t mind wearing costumes or props, then go ahead and get creative with it. But keep in mind that sometimes the best pet photos are the ones that just show off your pet being themselves!
Upgrade your pet photography equipment.
Of course, the simplest way to take better photos of your pet is to get a better camera and better photography equipment. You can do a lot with just your phone, but having a DSLR makes getting the perfect pic that much easier. There’s only so much you can do with a phone camera, and it just doesn’t compare to a professional level camera.
However, not everyone can or wants to invest in purchasing a professional camera. There’s also quite a bit of a learning curve with switching from a phone camera to a professional camera. Plus, it’s just easier to use your phone because it’s always with you.
If you want professional quality photos without having to spend big bucks and carry around a DSLR all the time, you can always take your pet to a professional pet photographer. You’ll get the same great photos at a fraction of the cost and none of the learning curve or inconvenience of carrying around a heavy and expensive camera.