Pet Photography Tips – Part Two

Posted on August 30, 2010

As I shared a few weeks ago, my number one tip when it comes to photographing pets is just to get out there and take LOTS of pictures. Even I have to remind myself to *make* time for photographing my own dogs! With that said, once you have your camera out (and possibly dusted off) here are a few tips that will hopefully be somewhat helpful. Please keep in mind that these are intended for the average user with a basic camera – hey mom, are you reading?

1. Lighting: Whenever possible, try to use natural light. Outdoor lighting is particularly lovely early in the morning or late in the evening, and it’s usually best to avoid strong direct sunlight that you’ll find in the middle of the day (especially here in sunny Florida). However, overcast skies can make for some really nice lighting, so don’t be afraid to bring your camera out on a cloudy day. “Even” light is generally best – if you are working in an area with both sun and shade, or strong backlighting, your camera will likely have a hard time finding the correct exposure.

If you are indoors (and if your camera will let you) try turning off your flash and find a nice well-lit area near a window. If you have ISO control on your camera (remember the “film” days?), you can try using a higher ISO (400+), but keep in mind the higher the ISO, the more likely you’ll have issues with camera noise and grain. If you’re in a pinch and must use your flash, you can avoid or lessen the effects of red eye (or more often green eye with pets), by not having them look directly into the camera.

2. The camera user manual is your friend: Ah, I can hear the groans now! Seriously though, know your camera. I understand that sitting down to read the manual is about as much fun as watching paint dry, but you might be surprised at what your little camera can really do! At the very least, make sure that you have your camera set to the highest quality file setting. RAW files are best, but you’ll need to make sure you download (and use) the software that comes with your camera. Otherwise a JPG set to the highest setting (usually super-fine or fine) is the way to go. If needed, you can always reduce the file size later.

There are a number of good photo editing software options out there, but more than likely the software that came with your camera will be be sufficient. Here you can make basic color corrections and adjustments to the exposure, brightness, and contrast of the image. While it’s always best to try to get your image as technically perfect as possible to begin with, your software can certainly help.

3. Action!: Let’s face it, most pets like to *move*! Of course this is fun, but often results in blurry images. This is another case where it really helps to know your camera! In general, point in shoot cameras are not known for their ability to capture great action shots, but if you are able to adjust your camera settings, you should see an improvement. For action, you’ll want a high shutter speed and a good amount of light. Some cameras have a “sports mode” which can be helpful and others may have a shutter priority mode where you can manually enter your desired shutter speed. You also might be able to manually adjust your ISO to a higher number, as mentioned above. Regardless of your camera’s abilities, I generally recommend following your subject with the camera (panning) and snapping the picture while both the subject and camera are in motion. This can take some practice, but is especially helpful when using cameras that have a bit of a delay from shutter lag – the time time between when you press the button and when the images is actually captured.

4. Location: Probably the most common concern that I hear is “but my backyard is not pretty!”…and while I can most definitely relate, a “pretty” location is generally not a big concern for me. Since my primary focus is always going to be the pet, the background is well, just the background. As a general rule, less is definitely more, and a clean, simple background will keep the focus on your pet. Look at what you have available – fencing, the side of your house, foliage, and even plain ‘ol grass works. Even if you don’t have the “perfect” setting, using your camera’s zoom lens (if you have one) relatively close to your subject, is a great way to help blur the background. And if you have an aperture priority mode on your camera, you can use a wide aperture (which is actually a smaller number) to help throw the background out of focus.

5. Smile!: So you have good light, an idea of your camera’s capabilities, and your location, so the only thing that’s left is your pet, correct? I generally tend to take a very hands-off approach when photographing pets – and yes, this applies to even my own dogs! While I’ve certainly met a number of natural “models”, most pets are not exactly thrilled about sitting perfectly still for a picture. And that’s okay…making sure they are happy is the key to capturing their personalities! Keep it casual and fun – treats, toys, funny noises – these all come in *very* handy.

Try sitting down on the ground so that you’re at eye level with your pet. Shoot from different angles. Focus on the eyes. Be silly. Have fun. And don’t be afraid to experiment. I had one of my overdue “spotty dog sessions” this past weekend and decided it was time to play! The two images taken below were at a very slow shutter speed. The result…a little different, but fun! I love the strong feel of motion in these images…

I think that’s about it for this post…now go grab your camera and have some fun photographing your pets!

Meet Baxter | Beach Doggie!

Posted on August 22, 2010

If you were to ask me what I love most about Sarasota, I would probably have to say our beaches. They are beautiful – Siesta Key, in particular, is consistently ranked among the top ten beaches in the world! Yes, a world class beach, practically in my backyard…and yet, until this past weekend, I hadn’t been out there in ages!

Thankfully Baxter came to my rescue and provided a great excuse to go play on the beach. A beautiful beach *and* an adorable puppy – it doesn’t get much better! Baxter is 8 month old Bichon Frise and he’s just an all-around delightful pup. I think his mom was a little worried about how he would do, but he was a star! I love how his white coat is almost a perfect match for the powdery, white sand. Thank you Baxter and family for a lovely time – here are just a few of my favorites…

Meet Cosmo | Golden Retriever

Posted on August 12, 2010

Note to self: If you casually mention that you have only had to postpone one session this year because of rain (even while knocking on wood), it will *most definitely* rain. Such was the case for Cosmo’s session – as soon as we walked outdoors, it started to pour! Fortunately we were able to get some lovely shots indoors, and a few more outdoors when the rain finally let up. Gotta love Florida weather!

Cosmo is a very handsome 6 year old Golden Retriever. And like most Goldens, he’s a very happy, happy boy! I just love how regal he looks in these images…even with a few silly Golden smiles! Here are just a few of my favorites…

Thank you, Cosmo, for a fun session, despite the gloomy weather! Oh, and for my currently scheduled clients, there is a very good chance that it will rain. It might even storm. We will most likely have to reschedule.

Mother nature, are you listening?  (I’m thinking some reverse psychology might be the answer here.)

Oscar + Bentley | Boxer Giggles

Posted on August 5, 2010

I’ve always said that a sense of humor is a *requirement* if you are going to own be owned by Dalmatians. I’m pretty sure this applies to Boxers too – they are such characters!

I recently made a trip up to Tampa to meet two super awesome Boxer boys, Oscar and Bentley. They were so much fun! Because it was *really* hot out, I had a feeling that we were going to end up with quite a few funny faces, but I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had so many images from one session make me laugh as much as these did. Seriously, these guys make some of the best faces *ever*!

Bentley is the youngest of the two and while he wasn’t too sure about my camera at first, he warmed up quickly and became quite the camera hog!

Oscar came from Boxer rescue and he’s a big boy, but so very sweet!

Thank you Oscar and Bentley for being such good sports and giving me so many smiles from our session! I had a really hard time picking my favorites so I might just have to share a few more soon…

SarasotaDog.com | Pet Photography Tips

Posted on August 3, 2010

Last week I chatted with my friends over at SarasotaDog.com and shared a few of my ideas regarding taking good photographs of pets. You can read the full article here, but I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few more of my thoughts when it comes to pet photography.

If you’ve read the article, you might be a little surprised that I didn’t really mention much, if anything, about cameras, exposure, lighting, composition, etc. It’s not that these things aren’t important, but I honestly believe that the most important thing is to just get out there and TAKE PICTURES of your pets!

As someone who makes their living as a professional photographer, I tend to often fall victim to the mindset that every image must be *perfect*. The lighting must be perfect. The conditions must be perfect. The exposure must be perfect. I could go on, but I think you probably get the idea. And while this quest for perfection is great for my clients, it means a lot of missed opportunities when it comes to capturing my own dogs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve kicked myself for not pulling my camera out when my guys were just hanging out being their normal, everyday, goofy, entertaining selves. Would those images make for a nice, great big canvas print on my wall? Probably not, but at least I would have them as a reminder of all those little moments that mean so much.

If you’ve ever lost a pet, then I’m sure you understand just how important all of the “everyday” images become. When Pongo passed away in April, suddenly *every* single photo of him became a special one. I didn’t care if it was a little out of focus, or the lighting was bad, or the background wasn’t pretty. Aside from the wonderful memories I have of him, those less-than-perfect images are the only physical reminders I have left. And while I’m certain I have thousands of pictures, I now wish I had several thousands more. Sure, the big, beautiful prints hanging on my wall are awesome, and I’m so glad that I have them, but those horribly bad quality cell phone pictures are pretty special too.

So I guess my number one “tip” when it comes to pet photography is just to take as many pictures of your pets as you can. I’m always a little surprised, and saddened, when I talk to people who don’t have many, if any, pictures of their pets. And usually this is the case because they feel like they aren’t a “good” photographer, or don’t have the right equipment to take nice pictures. So not true!

For those of you who might be interested in the more “technical” and composition-related tips when it comes to photographing your pets, I promise to share some more of those here very soon!

Thank you SarasotaDog.com for chatting with me about my favorite subject – pet photography! For my local friends, I invite you to join the “Sarasota Dog Lovers” Meetup group. This is a new group for area dog lovers who want to get together at local dog friendly areas for some good conversation and fun with their dogs! To learn more, visit SarasotaDog’s Meetup page here. Their next event is coming up Monday, August 23  at Polo Bar and Grill in Lakewood Ranch. I’m hoping that Indy and I can make it, so hopefully we’ll see you there!

Meet Bliss

Posted on August 2, 2010

A couple months ago a few facebook friends of mine were passing around a picture of a sweet little Aussie girl who was looking for a new home. Not too long after that, I met her at an agility trial and *sweet* is an understatement!  She has this awesome “Oh hi! Let’s be best friends!!” personality and is just a happy, happy girl. When I found out she would be living with my friends Keegan, Rumble, and Suzi up in Tampa, I was so excited – I don’t think she could have found a more perfect home!

Meet Miss Bliss – she’s 1 1/2 years old and quite possibly the *easiest* dog I have ever photographed. Seriously, this girl can really work a camera! She’s got a smile that’s contagious and those *eyes* – love, love, love.

Hooray for happy endings – and new beginnings!

Brodie + Brahma | Summertime Fun

Posted on July 31, 2010

Florida weather in July tends to vary from miserable to even more miserable, with a strong chance of thunderstorms. It can make summer sessions a challenge, but fortunately my four legged clients tend to handle the heat and humidity surprisingly well – especially when there’s water involved!

Some of you may remember my Boxer friends, Brodie and Brahma. I recently took their family portraits and couldn’t resist taking a few fun pictures of them enjoying a break from the heat. Boxers are always entertaining, but when you add water to the mix…SO MUCH FUN!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer – can you believe that today is the last day of July!? Time sure flies when you’re having fun!

Meet Angel

Posted on July 19, 2010

Angel is a 5 year old Lab/Golden mix – I think that makes her a Labragolden? In any case, she is a very sweet, very playful, and very pretty girl!

Angel is pretty much a frisbee nut  - *all* she wanted to do is play with the frisbee. So we played! I just love her expression in this image…so intense!

Unfortunately Angel got pretty hot playing outside and started to look a little like a grizzly bear with the world’s largest tongue…

So we decided to move inside so she could cool off. Luckily for me, I had a beautiful red wall to work with!

And finally one more image of Angel’s kitty friend. Sorry kitty…I don’t remember your name, but please don’t jump on my head!

Thanks again to Angel and her family for a great session!

Angel | Sneak Peek

Posted on July 18, 2010

Just a quick little peek of Angel…and a cute little kitty too!

Meet Barkley | Beagle Puppy Love

Posted on July 16, 2010

Meet Barkley, a 12 week old Beagle who has to be one of the sweetest puppies I’ve ever met (and I’ve met quite a few!). To call her adorable would be an understatement – her itty bitty teeth, plump puppy belly and oh my, those *ears* – ! – she is an absolute doll.

Barkley’s mom is a first time dog owner and she is totally smitten with this sweet little girl. I loved watching how cute they were together – so much so that I actually had to remind myself that I was supposed to be taking pictures! Have I mentioned how much I *love* puppies?!

As much as I believe that anytime is the perfect time to photograph pets, puppies are only puppies for so long – they grow up so fast! And even though I have many puppy pictures of my spotty dogs, I really do regret not taking more. So my advice for my puppy owning friends is to take LOTS of pictures! And they don’t all need to be professional – although I would be *more* than happy to help out. *GRIN*

Kelsey, thank you again for having me over to meet and photograph Barkley – she is most definitely a keeper. You two are going to have *so* much fun together!

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