Let's face it, our pets are adorable. And what better way to preserve those fleeting moments of cuteness than with a fantastic photo? But capturing that perfect picture of your furry (or feathery) friend can be a challenge. Fear not, pet parent! With a few simple tips, you can transform your phone into a pet photography powerhouse.

Light Up Their Lives (Naturally):

• Harness the Power of Natural Light: Harsh flash photography can scare pets and create unflattering shadows. Opt for natural light instead. Find a well-lit spot indoors by a window or venture outside during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for soft, diffused light.

Focus on the Fun:

• Get Down to Their Level: Squat or lie down to capture your pet's perspective. This creates a more engaging photo and emphasizes their cuteness.
• Capture Their Personality: Is your dog a playful goofball? Snap a photo mid-romp. Does your cat have a regal air? Highlight their majesty with a well-composed portrait.

Technically Speaking:

• Fast Shutter Speed is Your Friend: Pets are naturally energetic. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze action and avoid blurry photos.
• Focus on the Eyes: They are, after all, the window to the soul. Ensure your camera focuses on your pet's eyes for a captivating image.

Pro Tips for Pawsome Photos:

• Treats and Toys as Bribes: A strategically placed treat or squeaky toy can grab your pet's attention and keep them still for that perfect shot.
• Be Patient: Great photos rarely happen in the first click. Be prepared to take many shots and have fun with the process!
• Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes the most delightful photos are the candid ones. Don't be afraid to capture your pet's natural moments.

With a little practice and these handy tips, you'll be snapping frame-worthy photos of your furry companion in no time. So grab your camera, get creative, and most importantly, have fun capturing your pet's unique personality!

I love seamless paper backgrounds as they’re easy to cut & keep a clean slate. I often put a blanket down if the pet is uncomfortable with the texture of the paper.

My go-to camera set up has been the Sony A7 IV with the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II. I find the 24-70 is a versatile range that makes it easy to get different shots without having to move around much in the space. 

My top tips for shooting pets:

Have Your Pet's Favorite Treat or Toy Ready

Having your pet's favorite food/treat or toy handy helps to get their attention and motivate them. I sometimes put the toys right on top of my lens as this gets them to look right at the camera! 

Minimize Distractions

The fewer distractions, the better. Having as few people involved as possible & securing a small area, whether inside or outdoors, helps negate the possibility of an escaped or distracted pet.

Use a Reflector

A reflector is a great tool to have handy as certain animals have deep eye sockets or dark eye color - controlling the direction of light with the reflector helps to put the “catch light” back in their eyes and bring them to life! 

Incorporate Props

Using baskets, flowers, blankets, and fun accessories can make for a fuller photo shoot.

Make Sure Your Pet's Whole Face is in Focus

It is important to shoot at an aperture of at least f/5.6 - because for most pets their eyes and nose are not on the same plane of field, a shallow depth of field will only allow for focus on one or the other. However, stopping down will help to ensure the entire face is tack sharp.

Use a Fast Shutter Speed

Most animals don’t sit still, so you’ll want to freeze motion as much as possible. 

Set a Custom White Balance

A grey card or digital exposure card is a great tool for setting your white balance correctly.

Protect Your Lens

A good protection filter will protect your lens from a curious nose sniffing too close to the lens! I have had a dog lick my lens before, so a good filter definitely keeps things clean.