Let’s face it, most people feel (just about) the same way about their pets as they do their kids. OK that might be a little teeny tiny bit of an exaggeration…but there is no doubt that pets are like another family member. That said pets are almost equally as difficult to catch on camera as kids are, so if you think about it you could probably use the forthcoming pet photography tips to get great photos of your kids too…but…I digress, as today we’re talking about pet photography. 

<a title="Puppy, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackbodies/5707680584/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="550" height="367" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/puppy1.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Puppy</em>
Photo by Blackbodies<p>&nbsp;</p>

As an amateur photographer, it’s easy to find yourself taking lots and lots of photos of your pets in the hopes that one or two turn out. But today we’re talking about some practical ways to make sure you get those cute little critters before they zip off, or lick the lens. 

<h4>Increase The Shutter Speed</h4>

First off, pets are quick…they wriggle and they wiggle and for the most part will not sit still long enough for you to press the shutter button, let alone get a good shot. (I can’t help but return to the thought…the more I write the more applicable this post becomes for kid photography too). So to capture all the action, and ensure you don’t get several shots of Fido’s tail as he sneaks off-camera, you need to increase your shutter speed. If you’re using a DSLR, try putting the camera into shutter priority and bumping it right up. 

<a title="Puppy, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackbodies/5707680584/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="400" height="400" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/kitten2.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Puppy</em>
Photo by Blackbodies<p>&nbsp;</p>

By doing so, you may also need to let a little bit more light into the camera; as the shutter speed increases the amount of light getting to the lens decreases. So to add light you can do a few things:
[list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
<li>Physically move to a location with more light. Move to a window with natural light or go outside (depending on the pet).</li>
<li>Bump up your ISO. Don’t go too high here as you don’t want to add unnecessary noise to the image, but you can still get good crisp photos working with an ISO of 400, and perhaps a little bit higher. </li>
<li>Add a light source such as a lamp or an ambient light. Try to avoid using a flash, unless you plan to bounce it, but even then you risk spooking your pet with the quick pulse of light.
</li>
</ul>
[/list]
	
<h4>Think About The Background</h4> 

Just as you would when taking photos of people, you want to work with a nice background and environment.  Set up a nice place for your pet to sit, or try and catch them as they’re sitting on the couch (when they shouldn’t be). A candid shot of your pet in their home environment is always fun…and if they’re already comfortable you won’t have to do too much “coaxing”. 

<a title="Kitten, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewtallon/4950395769/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="400" height="400" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/kitten2.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Kitten</em>
Photo by Blackbodies<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Change The Angle</h4> 

Pets are generally much smaller than humans, so inevitably most shots end up as owners looking down at their pets. This can be a great way to get a cute shot of your pet looking up longingly at your, or perhaps looking guilty…you know what I mean! But it’s also a good idea to change your angle and get a different view, a straight-on photo looking right into your pets eye will change the entire dynamic of the photo. 

<h4>Bribery</h4>

You knew this one was coming…if you really want your pet to cooperate; a hefty stash of treats will usually get the job done.  

<a title="Puppy Love, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenn_vela/3206785629/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="400" height="400" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/puppy2.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Puppy Love</em>
Photo by Hella Vella<p>&nbsp;</p>
