MRS. SIZZLE WANTS YOU TO KNOW HOW TAKE A BRILLIANT PHOTO OF YOUR PET
1. Keep it simple.
Simple = Chic. Simple, uncluttered backgrounds result in great pet photos! This puts all of the attention on your precious pet, which, let’s be honest, is what we really want to see. Add interest with color: Colorful blankets, walls, rugs and toys, as well as geometric shapes and unexpected textures, are the perfect way to brighten up a photo and in turn will make your subject, aka your precious pet, POP.
2. Go Outside!
Emmy Park in action
Outside light is the best kind of light. To create the most absolute gorgeous lighting in your pet photos, try shooting at magic hour. Generally 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset, magic hour will create that warm golden glowing light that photo dreams are made of. It is the time of day that the sun is lowest in the sky and gives a soft and diffused light that highlights details without overexposing your shot. Try to avoid harsh noon light. However, if your pet is doing the cutest thing during strong light, try and find a shady spot to capture the moment.
Also, consider changing up your scenery. Research online and find a location that’s just a quick drive away. You might be surprised how a never before seen location can make for amazing photos!
If you are shooting indoors, try to shoot in a spot that allows for natural sunlight, such as near a window. Avoid using flash unless you are in an indoor area with very dark lighting or outside at night. Off camera flash will really open up your picture in these circumstances. If you don’t have one, use a built in flash as a last resort to save your picture from being too dark.
3. Get on their level.
When you look at most pet photos, they are usually taken from the perspective of a human looking down as their pet looks up. This can get quite redundant! It’s fine to mix in these kinds of pictures, but it sometimes helps to switch ANGLES and create a more captivating photo. Get down on their level, or run with them and pan your camera to get a different and more exciting picture. An action shot with running, jumping, or something interesting that catches the eye in the background, can be really awesome!
4. Shoot, shoot, shoot, and make it interesting.
Don’t just record what’s in front of you, make it about something! If you are passionate about what and where you are shooting, it will show. A meaningful location, or showing off a new trick that you love, will instantly add value to your photo by making it your own personal perspective. Also, learn to expect the unexpected. Always be ready. And remember to see beyond your pet in the frame. Interesting backgrounds can make your photos more beautiful. Be patient: Experiment and see what works for you. And take lots of photos! Lots!!!
5. Make magic after your shoot.
Use applications to edit the photos that you had so much fun taking. On your computer use iPhoto or Photoshop. On your iPhone use an app such as Aviary or DeluxeFX. Filters are not cheating! And remember, limit what you show people to only the very best. You love Fido more than the world, but chances are your friends don’t want to see 100 photos of him chasing the same red ball. Show only your absolute best work that YOU AND your pet would be proud to show off.
Jenna Andrews
The fun yet important wrap-up:
Treat your photos as if you’re curating your own photography magazine. Be passionate and fearless, and get the shots that you want. Art direct your photos and think carefully about each and every snap. Make your photos about creation, and not just what’s in front of you. And lastly, and this goes for most things in life, HAVE FUN!!!!
Jenna Andrews is the cutest freelance Photo editor & photographer living and working in New York City. Emmy Park (aka @stylepup) is a New York based street style and dog photographer.