If you’re like most people on this wonderful planet, you probably share your home with a non-human creature. Furred, scaled, or feathered- animals are as much a part of our life as the air that we breathe. Dogs are dressed up like children and cats inherit million dollar estates; animals are our world, and as a direct result of this, the pet industry is one of the few profitable markets that has continued to rise exponentially year after year. Pet photography reaps many rewards, and online storefront providers, such as Instaproofs, allow you to proof photo sessions and sell pet portraits to your clients.
Although animal photography appears simple, this is an illusion. Alongside the unique technical aspect involved in photography, you also have to learn how to work with these beings.
Although animal photography appears simple, this is an illusion. Alongside the unique technical aspect involved in photography, you also have to learn how to work with these beings.
Let us start with the tool: the camera. I’ll be blunt with you- there are a lot of things that seem like they should be common sense, but you won’t realize it until it’s too late. Let me save you the trouble by mentioning these miniscule concepts that will make the biggest difference:
Firstly, dog noses love going places they don’t belong - such as your camera lens. They especially like pushing those wet snouts onto the glass when you least expect it. Lens filters are a life saver! Not only are they easy to clean, but they’ll save your expensive camera lens as well. Take it from a dog person who dedicates her life to the furry ones: washing nose art off of glass isn’t peachy and often leaves streaks. Isn’t it better to buy a $30 filter that you can clean rather than stressing over scrubbing your $1,500 lens?
Firstly, dog noses love going places they don’t belong - such as your camera lens. They especially like pushing those wet snouts onto the glass when you least expect it. Lens filters are a life saver! Not only are they easy to clean, but they’ll save your expensive camera lens as well. Take it from a dog person who dedicates her life to the furry ones: washing nose art off of glass isn’t peachy and often leaves streaks. Isn’t it better to buy a $30 filter that you can clean rather than stressing over scrubbing your $1,500 lens?
Next are camera settings. Catching an animal in abrupt movement is the most complaint-heavy issue I have come across. Animals are known for their spontaneous bolts and unpredictable behavior (at the least opportune moment, of course), especially if the pet is not your own! Many struggle with missing that moment of pure action, or catching it completely out of focus. The remedy for this is just a few simple clicks away, through your camera's settings! AI Servo and burst mode are your friends.
On most DSLR cameras, you have the option of selecting a focusing mode: One Shot, AI Servo, and the final being a blend of both. One Shot is intended for a subject that is not rapidly moving. This is the default setting, which is why it is overlooked. AI Servo causes the camera to constantly refocus on your moving subject, so no matter where the animal decides to go, the camera will refocus! Of course, this is not a 100% accurate tool as cameras are not smart and do not think for you. There will be instances in which you will have to refocus on the subject manually to remind the camera what it needs to pay attention to!
Now about that burst mode… burst mode is continuous high-speed shooting. Although timing is important, sometimes you just can't get it right! Burst mode is excellent for shooting action scenarios, as it allows you to catch every step of a dog's jump. With that being said, keep in mind that photography is about quality over quantity, so learn to compose the image correctly rather than relying solely on a burst mode to get the right shot. On most cameras, the burst mode option can be found in the menu. Please consult your instruction manual for further details.
There are little tricks that you can do to get the pet to be a perfect subject. “A tired dog is a good dog.” This phrase is often thrown around by pet owners, but it rings true for photography as well! An animal that is tired is more likely to cooperate for portraits. Play with your subject beforehand to tire them out. If you are photographing a dog, run around in the yard for an hour! Cats, swing that feather duster around, horses, ride them out, etc. If you want sitting shots and are dealing with an animal that is not entirely trained or responsive, tiring them out is the best way to go.
Next, you will often come across a pet that is wary of the noise your camera's shutter makes. This is normal! From my own experience, I’ve noticed that allowing the animal to sniff your equipment and see that it is not threatening is a good way to get past that issue. Another solution is photographing with a telephoto or zoom lens from a distance- rather than a wide angle or 50mm right in the pet’s face.
Finally, persistence! Patience is a virtue, and one that proves most effective in animal photography. Sometimes you will get lucky and snap that perfect photo within five minutes of working with an animal. Usually, you will have to wait a significant amount of time for it.
Animal photography is an art of its own. With these helpful tools in mind, you now have the knowledge to create spectacular pet shots!
Anabel DFlux is a California native who prefers to spend every waking moment with her trusty camera in hand. In 2009 she started her own photography business on a whim and a wish, and has since gone on to work for a variety of publications, companies, and unique clients throughout the country. With her foot in a variety of photographic doors, Anabel is recognized as a zealous individual with a passion for art that knows no bounds.