Pet Photography Tips

I have grown up in a house filled with animals. Not in a hoarders kind of way, in a way where I always had pets to care for and love. I am so thankful for that upbringing, and I want my son to have the same opportunity to care for animals, as I believe it helps us to become more compassionate human beings.

Needless to say, whenever I am running low on inspiration or things to shoot, I always use my pets as a go to. They are so fun to shoot, and I can always get something creative out of them.

Shooting pets can be frustrating at times, because unlike humans, they are unable to understand us when we say "sit there", "smile", etc. Patience is a key virtue when it comes to shooting animals, however, the end result is most definitely worth it.

Here are a few ways to get creative with pet and animal photography.

Get Creative

Hannah the Mancoon cat, yawning.

Catch your pet doing something ordinary, and turn it into an extraordinary photograph. With this shot, I put my camera on the continuous shoot setting, and clicked away as my cat perched on the couch. I happened to catch this shot of her yawning, but it took my breath away because she truly looks like a wild cat about to devour her prey. So when your pet is being boring, just be patient, because I guarantee you'll catch them doing something amazing / cute / funny, etc.

Use Props

Sweet Lily

I feel like I have taken so many photos of my mothers english bulldog lily, but none that truly capture her girly, sweet side. Being a bulldog, she tends to come off looking tough, when in reality, she's a sweet, lovable girl. I decided to help portray that by using some sidewalk chalk, and drawing a heart around her. It instantly dolled up the shot, and she looks as happy and sweet as can be!

Anytime you get bored with pet photography, there are tons of things you can use around your home to lively up your shots. A bow tie, hat, sunglasses, etc are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Think Outside The Box

Guinness and Lily, Double Trouble.

When photographing two pets, the first idea that comes to mind is obviously a clear shot of both animals. Why not switch it up, using your aperture skills to blur out one pet and focus the other. You can do this with both animals so your not missing out on a clear image of both pets. I did this with my moms bulldogs, and it came out pretty cool. They look like partners in crime for sure.

Catch Them In Their Natural State

Nelly gazing at her prey (some birds in the distance).

Sometimes the best way to capture a pets personality, is to shoot them doing what they do best, being themselves. Simple as that. I shot this of my friends dog, she is a hunting dog, and was doing some bird watching. I caught this photo from behind, and it turned out really beautiful. 

Get Down On Their Level

Lola on a lazy day

A creative way to get a good pet shot, is to get down on their level. Shooting them from below, or right at eye level will get you some awesome shots that are unlike the rest. It sometimes requires getting a little dirty, but trust me, its worth it!

Get Up Close

Lola's big ol' tongue

Sometimes, getting up close, and focusing on the most distinctive part of your pet can lead to some amazing photographs. For this shot, I decided to focus on Lola's tongue, as its always hanging out the side of her mouth. The shot came out very unique, and different than any of my other pet photographs. 

So next time you get stuck on what to shoot, try zooming in and getting a really unique shot up close!

Explore Local Wildlife

Bald Eagle taken along the Mississippi River in Missouri.

Take a weekend trip, and explore some of your local surroundings. Try hitting up a state park, or even a zoo. State parks or wildlife preservations can attract some amazing local wildlife. From birds to deer, and sometimes even the occasional coyote, they are all there for you to shoot. Even if you live in an urban area, try visiting your local zoo. You are always guaranteed to find an amazing animal to photograph there.

Get In The Picture

Me and my pug Charlie, he's my best bud.

This is always a great way to get some great pictures of you are and your pet that will last forever. Its as easy as setting up a tripod, and using a shutter remote release to snap away at you and your pet playing. I love pictures of people with their pets, because you can see the love between them, and the joy they bring to each other. 

I hope these few suggestions / ideas give you some inspiration for your next pet photo session. Shooting animals and pets is one of my favorite things, and I always love finding new angles, or ways to capture them on camera.

Do you have any creative ways to shoot animals / pets? Id love to hear about it, leave a comment :)

xoxo
K