Tips for Taking Perfect Pet Photos

We enjoy taking and sharing photos of our children and grandchildren, we also like to show off the four-legged members of the family as well.  Because, after all, our pets are part of the family too. However, taking pictures of these furry members of the family is not always easy.  Here are some tips that will help you capture your pet’s personality. Use Natural Light If possible always use natural light. Avoid flash, as flash burst can not only cause red-eye, but also frighten the animal. Instead try to go outside or in a room well-lit by a large window. If shooting outdoors, your photos will be more detailed and evenly exposed if you avoid harsh direct sunlight. Look for large areas of open shade, or shoot on cloudy days when the light is softer and more even. When indoors, and shooting in auto mode without a flash, you're likely to come away with blurry photos because the camera will use a slower shutter speed to let in more light. You can avoid this by using a tripod and a wireless remote from Beachcamera.com. Make Them Feel at Ease It is very important that your pet feels comfortable and at ease, so instead of forcing him to come to you, go to him. From Their Point of View Get down to his level. We all know how a dog looks when viewed from above. Show us the way he sees the world! Sit on the floor or lie on your belly and remember to shoot from HIS eye level or below. The Eyes Have It As they say, “Eyes are the window to the soul”, and pets’ eyes can be very expressive. So make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes. Interchangeable lens cameras from Beachcamera.com have multiple autofocus points to help you get it right. To get your pet to look at you, try saying their name or making funny sounds. You could also dangle a toy just above the camera to get his attention. Show Pets in their Element Most of the best pet portraits show animals doing the things they love most. Catch them playing with a favorite toy or napping in their favorite spot, and you'll be creating lasting memories that showcase your pet's personality. Capture them in Action Most cameras, like the Nikon D3300,  have a continuous shooting or "burst" mode that lets you take multiple photos in rapid succession when you keep the shutter button depressed. This is great for capturing a series of action shots when your pet is running or playing. Watch your Distance Sometimes approaching your pet can lead to them interacting with you by putting their noses right on your lens.  You may want to try to get more natural photos by shooting from a distance using a Canon EF 85mm Medium Telephoto Lens.  Or create interesting close-ups of your pet by shooting with a wide lens Like the Canon EF-S 17-55mm Wide Angle Zoom Lens for really detailed shots. Patience and Rewards There may be occasions when you want your pet to pose for certain shots.  This is when patience is extremely important. Be calm, act natural, and they will come to you.  Always remember to reward them for their efforts. There's no wrong way to take pictures of your pet, so try anything that inspires you and enjoy this time with your special family member.