How to take better pictures of your pets

How to take pictures of your pets

• Make sure there is enough contrast between your pet and its background - dark dog, light background; light dog, dark background.
  
  My black cats often pose very cutely but they always do it on a dark background so my photos turn out terrible.
  
• Get level with your pet! If you're taking a photo of a tortoise then it'll look silly if you're stood up. Get in close to the subject and take some pictures at its level.
  
• Position the pet carefully to avoid posts and door frames "growing" out of their heads. This applies to people pictures too.
  
• Keep the picture simple! Don't try and overcrowd things in. One pet, one photo - if you're doing portraits of pets... If you want group pictures then aim for these.
  
• Don't set the flash off. Most pets will hate you for it. Use daylight. Preferably sunshine - although bright sunshine will cause more contrast between light and shadows.
  
• Take lots and lots of photos. This is the joy of digital photography - you can take loads of pictures without the cost of film or developing.
  
• Don't let your pet get tired. Don't overdo it. Even the best pet won't pose for ever.
  
• Static photos or motion? Try a variety. You might need to get clever taking photos of pets jumping and running but be imaginative and get some interesting photos.
  
• Print some photos! They're great to have framed - write the date you took them on the back in soft pen as you'll forget and one day you'll want to know!
  
• Keep an uptodate photo of all your pets (And again this applies to family members too) if they go missing you'll have a good photo for the missing poster.
  
• If you are taking photos for a competition then bear in mind all the rules and requirements. If they require a full picture of your pet and you only snap the head then you'll not get far.
  
• Use a tripod and a shutter release cable to prevent camera shake. Get this set up ready in advance.