Pet Portraiture Tips

My husband and I just got a new addition to our family, a beautiful bouncing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, named Dexter! Naturally Dexter is a favourite subject matter, and taking photos of fast moving puppies isn’t all that easy, so this inspired me to write about Pet Portraiture tips.

1. Have oodles of patience and a good attitude

Animals are in tune to our emotions and moods. Having a positive, approachable attitude will help the animal to be comfortable with you and let their guard down. As soon as you get impatient or irritable, the animal will sense this and you won’t get the photos you’re after.

2. Rewards and Treats

When the animal performs well, reward him lavishly “Good boy! Good boy!” and give them a small treat. Animals respond well to positive feedback and often this makes them eager to please you. Get someone else to give the animal treats, this could also make for excellent photo opportunities.

3. Use Toys

Using toys outside of the camera frame can assist in getting the animals attention and most likely, an expressive facial expression. Using toys as props in the camera frame can also produce really great results. Experiment.

Munchkin, watching ribbons outside camera frame

Dexter and his favourite teddy

4. Opt for natural lighting

Studio lighting can be quite overwhelming for animals, and the constant flashing of the lights could upset their temperament.

When photographing outdoors, try to schedule your shoot for morning or afternoon.

If you have to shoot at noon with harsh sunlight, find a shady area to eliminate harsh shadows.

Overcast days are ideal, as the clouds create a giant softbox in the sky.

When shooting indoors, try using an area next to a large window or doorway to get enough natural light.

I would not recommend using camera flash, but if there is not enough available light, bounce your flash off a white ceiling or wall. Don’t know how? Read this bounce flash tutorial.

Neo, with window lighting

5. Camera Settings

Remember to adjust your ISO to the lighting conditions, open up your aperture to get a blurry background, and use a suitable shutter speed to prevent camera shake.

Experiment with various elements of composition, camera angles and different lenses to get a variety of effects.

Back lit close-up of Munchkin

Dexter looking up – Don’t those eyes just make your heart melt?

6. Environment

When photographing other people’s pets, I recommend shooting in their environment where they are comfortable. Dogs are a little easier to photograph outdoors, however for (most) cats I’d suggest confining the location to indoors.

Coco, the resident dog at Komati Gorge

7. Don’t forget the owners!

Most pet owners adore their furry friends, and for some, these cuties are almost like children. Set up a few shots of the animal and owner together. They say that dogs are mans best friend, so photograph them together!

Cara & much loved Maya

If you’re interested in booking me for a photo shoot with your furry friend, please contact me on 084 567 8913 or rikki@rikkihibbert.co.za for pricing and availability.