Saturday

Tips And Tricks For Shooting Memorable 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.

Photographers expect their human subjects to be able to sit and pose without moving. Their animal counterparts sometimes have different ideas. Most professionals block out extra time when they know they have a canine or feline subject. If the owner wants a static pose, the photographer will plan the shoot one way. If a more dynamic pose is requested, adjustments will have to be made.

The right lighting is critical for a good picture, but photographers usually fore go using flashes around animals. It startles even the most even tempered dogs, and can cause a cat to run for cover. Flashes are also the reason a lot of subjects end up with red eyes in their pictures. When outdoor photo shoots are scheduled, most photographers prefer to work before ten in the morning or after four in the afternoon. Natural light from windows and doors make interesting interior photos.

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.

Having a nice photo of you and your pet is a great way to remember him or her. Pets are as special as family member to many people. If you have the means, you should consider booking a photo session.




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