Tricks For Taking Outstanding Pet And Owner Portraits

By Betty Jones


Some people love their dogs and cats so much they want them immortalized in a professional photograph. Pet and owner portraits are becoming big business as more and more humans are willing to pay the cost and take the time to have them done. Professionals say there are some tricks to getting just the perfect picture.

Most humans have had their picture taken at one time or another and understand the necessity of staying still. Animals don't have the same experience, and may become restless and uncooperative without some advance planning. Adding an extra forty-five minutes or so to a regular session, sometimes gives the animal a chance to settle down. Static poses usually go more quickly than dynamic ones.

All photographers understand the importance of good lighting, but those experienced with pet pictures know flashing a light in an animal's eyes can be a very bad idea. Calm dogs can become jumpy, and cats may disappear completely. Red eyes in the photo is another negative result of a flash. Natural light streaming from open doors and windows can make interesting interior photos. The best outside light tends to be early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Sometimes owners have their own ideas about what kind of picture they want. Occasionally they choose to put their pets in costumes, inside baskets, or sitting on wagons. Although these poses are not usually the photographer's first choice, they are worth an attempt. They can be successful, but often even docile dogs and cats object to unnatural poses and uncomfortable clothing.

Treats can be good enticements when photographers are trying to get animals into certain poses. They are often willing to sit quietly if they can see the prospect of a treat right out of camera range. The photographer may suggest that the owner bring favorite treats with them to the shoot. Another way to put the animal at ease is to allow it to spend some time investigating the premises prior to the shoot.

One trick a lot of photographers use is to get down on the animal's level to take the pictures. They may also encourage the person to pick the cat or dog up and hold it close to the face to get a more intimate portrait and a better sense of the relationship between the two. Sometimes shooting both pet and owner in profile can be effective. A number of poses can be tried during the photo shoot.

Good animal photographers are ready for anything. Some shoot continuously as an animal is allowed a certain amount of freedom to move around the designated area with the owner moving in motion with the animal. Sometimes the best shots, and the ones owners love the most, are totally unplanned.

When you have had a pet you were especially close to, you never forget. It is great if you have a beautiful photo to remind you of that relationship. Having a professional shoot the portrait can be pricey, but the result will be worth it.




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