Preventative Care@3x

Getting great pictures of your pets.

May 17, 2012 | Arizona Pet Health

Capturing those special moments with our pets can be something to cherish forever. With a few simple tips you can create images that will last a lifetime.

  1. Start with the personality

    Before even picking up your camera try and ask yourself, “what makes my pet unique?” How does your pet show its own personality? Pets are like people in that they are comfortable in their own space, so that is naturally the best place to capture great pictures of them. Capturing their personality in the image is key to making an amazing image of your pet.

  2. Practice seeing

    One of the skills that can be the most difficult is simply learning to see. Learning to capture that special moment requires practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the shot you want the first time you try. This is where a digital camera can be a great asset… you don’t have to worry about the cost and time to develop film, and you can just keep shooting and refining until you capture what your looking for.

  3. Get closer and gain a new perspective

    Don’t be afraid to get in close. Filling the frame with your pets face can make for some adorable images. Try getting down on the floor and playing with your pet; this can help you get shots you couldn’t have imagined. There is nothing more mesmerizing then a happy kitten or puppy rolling around on the floor just being themselves. Getting down on your pets level, looking them eye to eye, gives your images a unique feel.

  4. Don’t forget about the light

    A key element that is easy to overlook when your starting to shoot pictures of your pets is light. This may sound crazy but if you want to be able to “freeze” the action of your pet, your going to need a fast shutter – and to do that your going to need good light. When thinking about the light it is usually best to try and use natural light. All most every camera has a flash of some sort built into it, but these can sometimes be too bright or too harsh to produce good images. Outside in a park or just in your living room with the curtains open both work equally well. Getting lots of sunlight will make everything “pop” in your final image.

  5. Learn to be a ninja

    Learn to be a ninja, or at least learn to think like one. Being sneeky gives you the opportunity to capture those candid moments that can be so adorable. Some pets simply love to have their picture taken and will play to the camera if they know you are there, but if you can sneak up on them the results can be amazing.

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.