Guide to pet portrait photography.
Pet photography is more than just snapping pictures; it's about capturing the unique personalities and heartfelt moments of our beloved animal companions.
Animal photography 101.
Pet photography is swiftly carving out its niche, capturing the profound bonds between pets and their owners with a richness that smartphones can't match. While the fundamentals of good portrait photography—such as lighting, framing, and patience—are essential, the heart of pet photography lies in seizing each animal's distinct personality and spirit. With a combination of technical skills and a genuine love for animals, photographers can create memorable and stunning pet portraits that pet owners will treasure for years to come.
Successfully working with furry friends.
Photography with pets is about more than just camera settings and the right lighting—it's about understanding the distinct challenges that come with animal subjects. While the basics of good photography still apply, the unpredictable nature of animals requires a special approach. “When I’m working with trainers, they don’t have to worry that I’m going to freak out the animals,” shares Carli Davidson, author of Shake and Shake Puppies. "Having that background set me up to be a stronger animal photographer because I know how to direct my models in a way that many people don’t.”
Find ways to gain experience with animals.
Starting your journey in pet photography often begins at home or in the local park, capturing the antics of pets you know. Volunteering at places like the RSPCA or offering free photo sessions for pets in your community can greatly enhance your skills and help you understand the diverse behaviors of different animals. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing the patience and quick reflexes necessary to capture those perfect, fleeting moments.
Images by Carli Davidson
Understanding your subjects.
Knowing your subject is essential in pet photography. Robyn Arouty, a seasoned photographer, emphasises the importance of observing each animal’s behaviour to create a connection: “When the dogs arrive and they’re roaming around smelling all the smells, you begin to see certain traits. Do they like toys? Do they like treats? What motivates them?” Such insights allow photographers to tailor their approach, ensuring each session is adjusted to the comfort and happiness of the animal, which in turn leads to more authentic and lively photographs.
Adapting during the photo shoot.
Flexibility is key when photographing pets. Each animal is unique, and their response to different stimuli can vary greatly—even from one moment to the next. Arouty notes, “You can make a type of sound only once or twice. Whether it’s a noise from your mouth, your throat or it’s coming from a squeaky toy, by the third time that noise is going to become extinct.” Davidson adds, “Learn how to make really weird noises and don’t be shy—you usually get only a few reactions per sound.” It’s all about facilitating interaction and getting the animal’s attention. Davidson also suggests practical measures like feeding pets lightly before a session to keep them attentive. “I tell clients to give the dogs only half their breakfast before bringing them,” Davidson says, “so they’re a little more food motivated.”
Image by Robyn Arouty
Create a comfortable atmosphere.
As with human subjects, the more at ease an animal feels, the better your chances are at getting a great shot. Photography of dogs can be easier to achieve because “they’ve jumped in a car with you and not ended up at the vet before.” Davidson explains. “Cats live in our houses and go in the car only when someone is going to jab them with needles. So they tend to be way more distrustful — which is logical. Getting cats comfortable on a shoot is a much longer protocol.” Take your time and let your furry subjects get comfy at their own pace. Remember, forcing a stressed pet isn't going to do anyone any favours, and you canget some great shots without rushing. Keeping the environment calm and patient not only yields better photos but also ensures a stress-free experience for both pets and their owners.
Image by Robyn Arouty
More technical pet photography tips.
Delving deeper into pet photography means considering more than just your furry subject's cuteness. Here's what else you need to focus on to enhance your pet portraits.
Use a fast shutter speed.
The dynamic nature of pets means you're often capturing more than just a pose; you're freezing moments of pure joy and spontaneity. “Dogs are frenetic — they’re always going to be moving around,” Davidson notes, stressing the importance of familiarity with your camera. To capture crisp, clear images of pets in motion—whether they're running, jumping, or just wiggling—you'll need to use a faster shutter speed. This technique helps freeze motion, ensuring that each spontaneous action is captured sharply before your furry model moves on to their next adventure.
Understand your lighting.
Managing lighting is a critical skill for any photographer, but it becomes even trickier with pets. Different fur colours absorb light differently, which can significantly affect the outcome of your photos. “Shooting in low light with a dark-coloured dog can be a total nightmare,” says Davidson, advising photographers to carefully consider their shooting environment and the natural light available. Additionally, Robyn Arouty points out, “We’ve had a lot of dogs with PTSD from Hurricane Harvey come in. The flash of light is very frightening for a lot of dogs.” Thus, adapting your lighting techniques to suit the sensitivities of your subject is not just about getting the right shot, but also about respecting the animal's comfort.
Image by Robyn Arouty
Adjusting your shots in post-processing.
Post-processing is where good pet portraits can become great. Adjusting specific elements like brightening a dog’s eyes against its dark fur can make a significant impact, much like brightening teeth in human portraits. Similarly, removing unwanted items can make sure the focus remains on the pet’s personality. “One of the biggest things that we use Photoshop for is to remove leashes,” Arouty shares. “We need to keep the dog in one place and they need to know it’s not playtime. So we use a slip lead and Photoshop it out — or my assistant’s hand holding a treat in front of the lens.” This editing not only cleans up the image but also keeps the focus on the pet’s expression without distractions. Mastering these editing techniques will elevate the quality of your pet portraits, making each session more productive and rewarding.
Embrace the art of pet photography with Adobe Photoshop.
As you dive into the captivating world of pet photography, remember that every photo session is a unique journey to capture the soulful essence and delightful antics of our animal companions. Embrace the challenge, continuously adapt, and immerse yourself in learning every facet of this rewarding craft. Whether it's mastering the technical aspects of your camera, understanding the nuanced behavior of different pets, or fine-tuning your images to perfection, each step enhances your ability to tell their stories through your lens.
Don't forget to share your cherished captures and experiences on Adobe's community forums, where you can connect with other Australian creatives, exchange tips, and inspire each other. This journey isn't just about taking pictures—it's about creating heartfelt memories and capturing the unspoken bonds between pets and their families.
Ready to try your hand at capturing shots of animals outside the studio? Explore these tips for photographing animals in the wild.
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