Welcome friends! If you’re looking for tips on taking better photos of your dog, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re interested in taking pet photos to commission a work of art or just looking for tips to level up your pet photography skills, I’m happy to share a few of my favorite pet photo tips below.
I’m Annie – I’ve been an artist all of my life and a photographer since I was a teenager. In the late 90’s, I got my start in film photography to take better reference photos for my artwork. After earning my bachelor’s degree in visual arts in 2003, I continued to study and practice photography, made the leap from film to digital photos in the early 2010’s and have been running my own photography studio for over a decade. I’m excited to share my passion for art and photography with you!
1. Enjoy the moment
Be present with your pet and enjoy the moment that you’re in. Appreciate your pet’s personality, the beauty of their being, the stage of life they’re in. Savor the quiet times, the exciting times, and everything in between.
2. See the Light
Lighting is a key factor in photography. In fact, photography means “writing with light”. Look for times of the day where the light is beautiful and soft to photograph your pet – early in the morning, in the golden light of sunset, or on sunny or overcast days, go to shaded areas that have reflected light. Avoid the hard light of direct sunlight, which will create harsh, unflattering shadows on your pet’s face.
3. Get the Right Angle
I find it best to be slightly above your pet to capture their expression and the catchlights in their eyes. This often means crouching down and having them look up at you or having someone else next to you get their attention while you take the photo. Try capturing your pet from a frontal position or at a three quarter angle for the best results. Be aware that cell phone photos can distort your image due to a wide angle lens, so you’ll want to tip the cell phone camera back slightly to avoid this.
4. Be aware of The Background
The background setting can set the context for the image, but it can also be very distracting. I recommend taking your photos close enough to your pet to minimize distractions and ensure that they are the main focus, not the background.
5. Practice Your Photography Skills
You’ll want to make sure that your pet’s personality and face are captured well in your photos. Take lots of different photos, at different angles, and be sure that your pet’s eyes are in focus. You will want your images to be high resolution and high quality and be sure to back them up at full size. If you enjoy photography, I recommend moving from a cell phone to a DSLR, and learning to shoot in manual mode. This will greatly elevate your photography work.
Which tips do you find most helpful? Please comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re interested in having your photo created into a work of art, consider commissioning a Watercolor Pet Portrait. Details can be found at AnnieDashStudios.com/Pets.
Professional photographs result in the best reference photos, and Annie Dash Studios proudly offers local clients within 15 miles of 47172 a complimentary 10-15 minute reference photo session with a paid Watercolor Pet Portrait booking, with an online viewing gallery and the option to purchase high resolution digital images and prints, if desired. Book your appointment at AnnieDashStudios.com/Pets
Annie Dash Studios proudly offers commissioned fine art and photography services to New Albany, IN and beyond.