Who doesn’t like a close up of a loved family pet? Getting treasured photographsof loved pets is something we enjoy so much, so that’s where we hope these tips will really help you get started.

Most of us love animals and learning how to photograph your pets is something most photographers will want to master – especially when they’re just getting into their new-found interest!

1. Get Low On Their Level

Like with human portraits, getting the eyes in great focus really is key. Therefore getting down low will ensure you’re more likely to capture facial expressions and certain “looks” you perhaps wouldn’t normally recognize.

This also provides a perspective that’s not what you normally see as people are always much taller than pet animals! Often, this will mean getting down on the floor or the ground – but it will really change the dynamics of your photos. Also, go to them don’t always wait around.

2. Get to Know Them

Pets have personalities – just because they’re not human, doesn’t mean they can’t show their emotions. So with that said, try to capture them when they’re feeling most comfortable – sitting in their favorite spot, having a good cuddle with their owner or playing down in their usual end of the yard.

When they’re in their zone, you’re more likely to get “engaging” photos, probably with more eye contact too. If you have a lazy dog, a snap of them yawning in their dog basket would seem most fitting, on the other hand, a playful cat running around & jumping would be ideal!

3. Patience My Friend

Avoid rushing in anywhere hoping you’re gonna just throw yourself on the floor, grab a high shutter speed and start firing away to get some great photos. It doesn’t work like that, and if it does – you’re lucky.

The thing is, pets have a great sense for new people/things/situations – so on the side of caution, so as not to scare them off to a dark hiding place (which, yes you could still get a photo from) – be patient. A relaxed animal (like a kid) will always be more receptive and appear warmer in front of the lens this way.

4. Utilize Natural Light

Using what light you have available to your best advantage should be a primary concern. If you’re entering a room or heading outside, take a moment to just assess where the light source is and how you can best utilize it. If inside, find an area with a large light source light an unusually large window or a glass door.

5. What to Avoid

Always avoid using flash – it’s pretty obvious, most animals will be frightened and you’re not going to get a great look (certainly not the one the owner would like anyway). Also, a silent shutter will work to limit any startling behavior!

6. Capture a Surprised Moment

Sometimes, calling an animal “off-guard” will provide those crucial seconds where their expression says “what, who me?” And those brief moments can provide an excellent shot, often one the owner sees only briefly or rarely because they’re so used to one another.

7. People Too!

Include someone in the frame who knows the pet well. This can also help relax the situation and make it all feel more natural, which inevitably will result in better and more authentic photos – whether candid or otherwise.

8. Camera Controls at the Ready

Ok, a quickie on the technical bits. If you’ve got a fast mover, set your camera up accordingly – continuous/burst mode and a higher shutter speed (often accompanied with a high ISO) will be great for these situations. In these situations, depth of field will be less of a worry as capturing the action shot!