Pet Photography Secrets

You can dramatically improve the quality of your pet pictures following any number of the tips below. Of course, you should try to incorporate all the elements whenever possible. To get 8 pet photography secrets, just keep reading...

1. Consider the context and environment. Your pet should be happy and comfortable if at all possible. Familiarity is a good thing and will improve your chances of a great photo. Be aware of the background, including colors and textures. Also, consider distractions, such as strong smells, other animals, and so forth. In summary, be aware of your surroundings and how your pet might react.

2. Be aware of your pet's personality. Think about the unique elements or features of your pet, such as eyes, hair, size and so forth. Also, consider your pet's personality. What makes your pet special? I'm sure you have plenty of good ideas; capitalize on them. Set the stage and be prepared for capturing awesome shots.

3. Select the right height. You'll want to be on the same level of your pet. If you're not careful, you'll get too many "down" shots since most humans are taller than their pets. You'll get more interesting shots, including lighting and colors and shadows, if you lower yourself. This is a similar tip to photographing children. It works.

4. Move in closer to your pet. Dogs and cats are smaller than humans. If you're not careful, your pet will end up being a small part of the picture. Experiment with close up shots. You'll be able to get some great shots of textures this way. You'll also be able to focus on unique animal elements, like fur and paws. If you don't have a zoom lens, think about getting one. This is one the great pet photography secrets.

5. Experiment with lighting. This is really important because good lighting can make a photograph excellent but poor lighting can ruin an otherwise nice photo. Use natural lighting as much as possible. It is usually best to avoid flash photography since it spooks many pets. Plus, animals are prone to red eye.

6. Consider action and playtime shots. If someone else can take the pictures, one of the best pet photography secrets is to play with your pet and capture the moment. Include key elements, such as dog bones or cat toys since they are natural. Have an enjoyable time and your pet will produce some excellent shots for you.

7. Get humans in the photograph. On the topic of context and environment, remember that people and pets go hand in hand. While isolated shots can be nice, you can add real excitement and interest by getting people involved. Children and pets are a wonderful combination. Small children with big animals or big men with small toy dogs or kittens will make anyone smile.

8. Experiment with both posed shots and random shots. While posed shots are nice to have, you should also try catching your pet in candid situations. Catch them when they don't expect it. Catch them sleeping or when they are playing. If you try too hard and focus too much getting the perfect shot, you won't have fun. One of the most important pet photography secrets is to have fun!

John S. Rhodes publishes the Pet Comfort Newsletter, a FREE weekly publication packed with tips, advice, discounts, and bonuses for pet owners. Subscribe today and instantly download a FREE copy of Insider Dog Training Secrets ($17 value): http://www.pet-comfort-products.com/free-pet-comfort-newsletter.html

Pet Photography Trend Brings Families Into The Picture

In the modern American culture, pets are increasingly treated as family members. Dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals have always been an important part of the family. As American culture evolved in the last twenty years, these domesticated companions have taken on an even more important role.

More young couples are not just getting married later in life; they are delaying having children until older. As a result, pets seem to have taken the place of children in the lives of young couples and as such, they are treated much the same way that children are. Indeed, many people refer to their pets as their "kids" and owners are themselves referred to as "pet parents" by those in the companion animal industry.

For middle aged American couples, pets are a welcome relief to empty houses as their children grow up and move out. These pets help make the transition easier. For older Americans, a pet often helps one get through the death of a spouse or loss of a job.

Whole industries have been created to service these pet families. These include dog walkers, pet sitters, doggie daycare, backyard "pooper" scoopers, pet insurance, and of course, the pet photography specialist. Several major insurance companies have even added options for pet insurance. It makes sense that this unique member of the family is included in the annual family portrait and at other family functions. Dogs are even showing up at weddings as part of the wedding party and are included in the wedding portraits as well. More often we are seeing portraits of a dog or cat on a co-workers desk along with their other family members. Some proud pet owners even carry small sized photos of their pal in their wallet.

Unlike thirty years ago, an animal in a family portrait is no longer considered an oddity, but is seen as just another loved family member. Are your "furry friends" included in your family portraits?

Pet Photographer Richie Schwartz, owns Pets Photography Studio in NY. http://www.PetsPhotography.com He is a former Veterinary Technician and Dog Trainer with 30 years photography experience. He organized photography programs at hundreds of locations for PetSmart, PETCO and Pet Supplies Plus and has photographed over 60,000 pets, frequently with their family. His company conducts photo sessions at over 30 locations in the USA. Schwartz is a regular speaker and educator at photography clubs, pet expos and other events, where he offers pet photography seminars and workshops. You can see him at work, as well as samples of his work on the Pets Photography Studio Youtube Channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/PetsPhotography