Part 3. Perspective, Patience, and Plenty
The first of the "P's" is Perspective. I really like to get down on my pets eye level. Of course you can get some cute photos standing above your pet with them looking up at you, like in the photo above, but to me, generally the nicest photos are when you kneel down to their level. The body proportions are less likely to be distorted, and the perspective feels more intimate.
But you can get some interesting photos with different perspectives. Play around with it and have some fun, like shooting below your pet (worms eye view.)
Another suggestion that usually makes a better portrait photo is to move in close and fill the frame with your pet, unless there's something or someone that you want to get in the picture too. To me, this photo is a lot cuter than if I had included the whole sofa:
Yes, he heard me coming. I had to sit there and be patient while he fell back asleep. Which brings us to patience. Besides being a virtue, Patience can reward you with great photos. Some of my favorite shots have been when I decided to wait "just a few more minutes." Like this one:
Plenty. This is one of my best tips. Take LOTS of photos! In this age of digital cameras there's no reason not to. Sometimes it takes dozens of shots to get "the one." As long as your pet is sitting nicely, click away. Let him turn his head, look up, look down, whatever. You can call his name once in a while to get him to look at you, but like I said before, they don't have to be looking at you for a great photo. If they will keep still, try moving around to get different perspectives.
Here is an example. To get this melt-your-heart shot of Cloud I had to take 20 photos. You'll want to click on it to get a better look. Go ahead, I'll wait...
Remember, LOTS of pics! You can always delete the bad ones.
I'm glad everyone has been enjoying these posts. These tips will work for cats, horses, and even for people. I'd love to hear if these tips have helped your photography. I hope you have as much fun taking pictures of your pets as I do.
Hugs,
Kathleen
Great tips. I always tell people that patience is the key to photographing animals:)
ReplyDeleteThey are all so great. What a poser! I don't know how you can possibly decide.
ReplyDeleteI could kiss him on the screen he is so cute! Thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed just looking at your little Cloud.
ReplyDeletegreat value idea's kathleen- and great pictures as well....
ReplyDeleteThank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank goodness for digital because it takes me about 100 (rather than your 20) to take a decent animal shot. Everything you have guided me on in your posts has helped immensely! Cloud is quite photogenic - love your multi-shot post!
ReplyDeleteWow Kathleen, your photos are brilliant! I have loved reading your tips. Thank goodness for digital cameras!
ReplyDeleteMore wonderful tips! Loved the last groupings of photos, but the very first one is adorable!!
ReplyDeleteI just can't get enough of this little dog! He makes me happy. Great articles on photographing, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments on my Blog Kathleen, Cloud is a great little JR I would love to draw him and try to capture his character.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteCloud looks very sweet in that photo! I find your tips to be very helpful. Now if I could just learn to be patient.
great tips Kat, and your dog is now an expert at modelling!
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is so dear! In my family growing up we always had a dog and my Dad used to call this kind of expression 'the eyebrow treatment', ---that look that says, 'how can you possibly resist me?'
ReplyDeleteThanks again for some great tips. Is Cloud a Jack Russell terrier?
Thanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteMona, Cloud is a Rat Terrier. I've been told that folks in the UK call them Jack Russells.
Others have already said it but it's worth repeating.
ReplyDeleteCloud is quite photogenic and terribly cute!!
You're a lucky gal, Kathleen!
-Dean