Beginners Photography - How To Ensure Your Pampered Pets Are Perfectly Pictured!

Pampered pets are like four-legged children. We lavish them with attention and treats. And, just like our children, we love to take their photographs and display them proudly in our homes or share them with family and friends. However, getting satisfactory pet shots can be difficult. Pets don't always co-operate and there are many factors that contribute to a high quality portrait. It's tough to bring all those elements together at the same time and in the same place. To beginners, photography can be challenging. But with healthy doses of practice and patience, you can get great portraits of your pet.

First, it's best to photograph your pet where they feel most comfortable. Dogs may thrive walking in the park and playing outdoors and therefore would photograph well in these environments. A cat that rarely goes outdoors is best photographed in the home. Similarly, pets such as hamsters, snakes, lizards, and birds are best photographed in habitats they are familiar with. Whenever you take your pet out of its comfort zone, it can become nervous or jittery. Pets like to be in familiar surroundings where they experience familiar people, objects, and even smells. This is where you will capture your pet at their most natural.

Second, lighting is key to successful portraits - whatever the subject. In this beginner's photography article, we will consider the natural light options. If you're shooting indoors, placing the pet in an area where there is a high quality and quantity of diffused light is ideal. This can be achieved by tacking a white sheet over a brightly lit window. If photographing outdoors, you'll get best results either in an evenly shaded area (with no mottled light filtering in between leaves from the trees, for example) or on a hazy overcast day when the clouds are diffusing the sun.

With your pet in an area of good quality diffused light, where he or she is comfortable and relaxed, you can get the portrait you desire. Eliminate any distractions - such as other pets or people - in the area. Turn off any loud noises or anything that might startle your pet. Stay calm and position the pet where you would like him or her to be. Move away from your pet slowly and get down to their eye level if possible - or at least on your knees. Alternatively, place a small pet on a table to raise your pet up closer to your level when you are on your knees. Let your pet do what it does naturally and watch for a good photographic opportunity. Then take the shot. Be prepared to take multiple shots, to be patient and wait for the right moment, and to repeat the process several times if needed.

If you exhaust your pet's attention span or patience, put the camera down, and play with your pet for a while. Take care of any immediate needs your pet may have for socializing, eating, drinking, or a nap, as necessary. Then return to the photo session when your pet is ready and try again. Pet portraits may be a challenging aspect of beginners' photography, but your patience will be rewarded with memories that will last forever.