Pet photography: Capture the perfect moment

They say you should never work with children or animals, and while these do present many challenges, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Pets are members of the family and when a photographer is tasked with capturing the deep affection and indeed personality of the pet, it takes a particular set of skills to get it right. A pet photographer will have a combination of soft and hard skills to ensure they have the patience and empathy to manage the animal as well as the creativity and technical skills to inject a little fun and intimacy into the shoot. Let’s break it down into tips and insights to help you understand the nuanced art of this specialised area of photography.

Understanding your subject

It’s important to know the pet you are going to photograph. The animal needs to feel comfortable with you and will need to trust you. Take some time to play with the animal before you pick up your camera. Make sure they are happy and at ease. This will also give you an insight into their personality and their little quirks and foibles. If you are shooting your own pet, take some time to observe them in their daily life and be creative with their behaviour. Dogs and cats can be funny, sweet, grumpy or everything in between. Authenticity is key. 

Camera and lenses: Opt for a DSLR or mirrorless camera that offers flexibility with interchangeable lenses. A prime lens with a wide aperture (f/1.8 or f/2.8) is excellent for portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds, while a zoom lens is ideal for capturing action shots from a distance.

Settings: Any photographer seeking even the most fundamental level of professionalism will have mastered the manual settings of their camera. A fast shutter speed (1/500th of a second or faster) will freeze motion, while a wider aperture (lower f-number) helps isolate your subject from the background. Always be mindful of the combinations of settings including the ISO to balance light sensitivity with image quality.

Lighting: Embrace natural light whenever possible. Try to shoot outdoors when the light is soft and most flattering. This occurs early or late in the day. 

While lighting and camera settings are vital, it is your shooting techniques that will separate the good from the great. Think of perspective, specifically eye-level perspective. Capturing your pet from their eye-level immerses the viewer in the pet's world, making the image more relatable and engaging. Pets will often communicate with their eyes so make sure to keep focus on the eyes where the viewer can be drawn into the image. But mostly, a pet photographer will rely on patience and timing. The unpredictability of pets requires a photographer to allow time to pass while also remaining ready. Often, the most memorable shots are unplanned, capturing the essence of your pet's spirit in a fleeting moment.

With all this in mind, it’s time to get creative with composition.  Pet photography is often about seeing the ordinary in extraordinary ways and action shots can be both fun and fascinating. If you can capture a dog mid-leap or a cat's graceful landing, you will bring immense dynamic energy to your portfolio. These moments showcase the agility and spirit of your pet. Close-up portraits allow for an intimate glimpse into the personality of pets, highlighting the finer details that make them unique. Contextualising your pet in their favourite environment adds a layer of storytelling to your images, providing insight into their lives and their character.

Post-processing tips

The finishing touches happen in the editing room where the most subtle adjustments can inject that slice of magic into an image.

• Editing software: Becoming proficient in photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop can elevate your pet photography, allowing you to fine-tune exposure, colour balance, and composition.
• Keep it natural: While creativity in editing is encouraged, maintaining the natural essence and appearance of your pet ensures the photos remain true to their character.

Overcoming challenges

Pet photography is not for the faint hearted but it can be incredibly rewarding and indeed invaluable to the pet owner. People will generally outlive their beloved pet but a photograph that truly captures the spirit of their animal will last forever. Some of the common challenges photographers face include the following: 

• Dealing with low light: This is where your knowledge of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed are vital. This will allow you to compensate for low light conditions without sacrificing image quality.
• Motion blur: A fast shutter speed is your best defence against motion blur. This may require increasing ISO or aperture, so practise finding the optimal settings for different scenarios.
• Pet cooperation: Engaging with your pet through play, treats, and patience ensures they are relaxed and natural, allowing for genuine expressions and poses.

Pet photography is a masterclass in empathy. It is where a human with a camera will attempt to tap into the psyche of an animal and creatively express their personality. The technical skills of photography are of course required, but the photographer must also find a connection with the pet and take the time to allow their personality to shine. It's about capturing the moments of boundless joy or indeed the pensive serenity of our animal friends.

At our Academy, we understand the nuances and unique combination of skills that a pet photographer will need to access. Our photography courses are meticulously designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and techniques to not only capture but to also know how to extract the inner character of your pet. Led by seasoned professionals, our curriculum covers everything from the fundamentals of photography to advanced post-processing, all tailored to enhance your ability to photograph the pets that enrich our lives. Whether you're a beginner eager to document your pet's journey or a seasoned photographer aiming to specialise in pet photography, our courses offer a supportive, engaging, and enriching environment to refine your craft. Join us, and embark on a journey to transform your love for animals into captivating visual narratives.