Photographing Pets
Lynne Eodice, September, 2005
Lynne Eodice is an accomplished writer/photographer and a popular contributor
to Photographic magazine.
Pets are often important members of the family, and it’s not unusual
for a portrait to include the family dog, cat or parrot. Most animals have a
very brief attention span, so plan to shoot for 10 minutes at a time, with breaks
in between. Like children, pets are best photographed on their level, so be
prepared to get down on the ground for some of your shots. When photographing
other people’s pets, it’s important to take a few minutes to become
acquainted with the animal.
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Reader
photo by Pablo Mendivil, Urupan, Michoacan, Mexico
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What You’ll Need
If your camera accepts interchangeable lenses, a moderate telephoto with a focal
length ranging from 70–135mm is ideal. If you have a compact camera with
a built-in zoom, use the telephoto setting. People feel uncomfortable when a
photographer gets too close with a camera, and animals are much the same way.
A wide angle lens in the 24-35mm range works well when you want to step back
and show the animal in its environment.
Working with the pet’s owner can make the photo session easier. This individual
can be positioned right next to you so that the animal will look toward the
camera. A squeaky toy (or simply calling the animal’s name) can help attract
the pet’s attention. Cats respond to visual stimuli—you can get
a feline’s attention by dangling a ball of string, or by waving a feather.
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Animals
do some pretty interesting things, especially when they aren’t
being watched. That’s why candid pet portraits are so effective.
If you own several cameras, leave one in each room of the house
so that you’re always ready for a special moment.
Reader photo by Holly McClearn-grant, LaFayette, CO
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Lighting Tips
Most cameras have a built-in flash unit, so use the Fill Flash mode to add catchlights
to your subject’s eyes. Use the redeye reduction feature to minimize redeye
(this phenomenon is actually rendered as blue or green-eye when photographing
a dog or cat). If you’re taking pictures outdoors, open shade provides
a soft lighting source, just as it does for humans. You can also take pictures
early in the morning and late in the afternoon, using the sun as your main light.
Use a piece of white Fome-Cor board or a reflector to bounce light into the
shaded side of the animal.
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Reader
photo by Debra Kolwn, Leesburg, VA
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