Things to keep in mind when photographing your pets over the holiday season.
- Photograph near a window with your pet facing the light. This will ensure your pet is well lit and not in the shadows.
- Get down to your pet’s level, so they aren’t looking up at you. Bring your iPhone to the floor or lay on your belly. For a different perspective you can place your dog on a chair or couch and photograph them upward.
- Use a “trigger” word or phrase to get focus from your pet. “Do you want to go for a…” or “Do you want a…” don’t finish the sentence, they will look at you and possibly tilt their head waiting for the word walk, car ride, treat. Avoid using their name, they may want to come to you if they are called by name.
- Include your pet with the family, dress up in matching P’J’s or matching Halloween outfits and enjoy having a treat together.
- Turn your camera around and switch to 0.5 Ultra Wide lens to get a different look. We did this for some of our photos this past summer and they turned out great!
- Print your favorite moments for Fall, Halloween or Christmas. Use an on-line service to create a photo book or upload your photos to print them at your local photo processing shop.
- Book a private photo session with a professional photographer for your Fall, Halloween, and Christmas photos. This way you can be more relaxed and you are less likely to have to worry about distractions for you and your pet.
- Patience is key, it could take up to 20 minutes to get one good photograph of your pet.
- Use treats to lure your pet’s focus and as a re-enforcement. Hold the treat by your camera and move it to where you want your pet to look. Keep moving the treat around to get your pet to look where you want them to.
- Make things fun and enjoyable. Always remember, you are creating memories to last a lifetime and beyond.
Lisa Brice
Brice Photography
