Three Critical Prerequisites for Pet Photography

There are three non-technical steps that need to be addressed if you want to get a picture of your pet that moves beyond the quick snapshot.  They are not easy to accomplish but the results that you will achieve make it worth while.  Let's jump right in.

 

 1. Remove Stress

Some pets are naturals in front of a camera while others become deeply stressed when asked to be a model.  This might be caused by the introduction of a new person in the form of a photographer, the presence of camera equipment, or the process of posing for a picture.  If you are using a photographer, it is critical to get together for a meet and greet session before taking any pictures.  Let your pet meet the photographer in a safe place where they can become comfortable with the new person in a relaxed environment.  Give your pet time to get used to camera equipment by setting it out where they can explore it.  Take pictures that are not focused on your pet so that they can become used to the sound of the camera and flashes from strobes without them also be subject to the stress of being the focus of attention.

 

2. Script a Story

Unless your goal is to get your pet a picture for their driver's license, it is important to tell a story with the picture or pictures that are taken.  This means that you need to find the right location and script the story that you want to convey with the picture.  What characteristic of your pet do you want to explore in the picture.  What are your and your pet's favorite activities?  Are there places that have special meaning?  

Script a meaningful story to guide the picture taking process.  Your pet will be more comfortable doing what they love and you will get pictures that elicit deep connection and have long-lasting value.

 

3. Have Patience.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to tightly schedule the creation of great pictures that tell the story.  Rarely, do all of the pieces come together quickly.  Putting artificial constraints on the process will create stress and prevent the unfolding of the story that you want to tell.  You need to give your pet time to forget the camera and show their true character. The best one can do is create the conditions that enables the story and then wait patiently to capture the moment when it happens.  Be patient and you will be rewarded with great pictures.

Prepare your pet emotionally, create the situation that can create a great picture, and then have the patience to make it happen.  This is the artistic side of pet photography that turns pictures into art that you are proud to put on your wall. So, now is the time to go out and make it happen.