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Tips for Taking Great Pet Photos

July 1, 2021
There’s a pretty great pet holiday on the horizon. Pet Photo Day is July 11th. We never get tired of seeing pictures of our furry patients! Of course, pets aren’t always the most cooperative subjects out there. Read on as a local Pickerington, OH vet offers a few tips on getting great shots of your animal companion.

Backdrop

Choosing the right background may be half the battle. Pick a spot that contrasts with your pet’s fur. If you have a white dog, don’t snap his picture against the snow.

Settings

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings. If your pet is very active and won’t stay still, use a fast shutter speed. Ideally, you want one that is at least 1/250, if not faster. If your subject is asleep, you may want a slower speed. You can also experiment with the focus. A blurred background and a sharp focus on your adorable model can make for a great pic!

Timing

Timing is also something to consider. At dusk and dawn, the light often has a naturally golden hue that is great for taking pictures. You probably won’t get a great picture of your black cat at night. (Of course, if you’re going for that ‘kitty void’ shot, then the darker the better.)

Lighting

Proper lighting will go a long way here. You don’t need to get a full professional backdrop, but you may find that you get better shots near windows. If you’re outside on a bright day, look for a shady area. This will help minimize shadows.

Pet Apps

If you have a smartphone, you may want to download apps made just for taking pet photos. Some of these make noises that capture pets’ attention. Others remove redeye, or have settings that just work well with pets. (Unfortunately, none of these will stop your furry pal from moving as soon as you get your camera.)

See Eye To Eye

Another tip for getting great pet photos? Get down on the floor, and shoot from Fido and Fluffy’s eye level!

Wait

Don’t just snap one or two pictures. Take a whole bunch! One of the great things about digital cameras is that you can just delete the ones you don’t want. Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Pickerington, OH veterinary clinic, we’re here to help.