Pet Photography

Pet photography can be challenging because most pets are always moving around and doing something. For any loving pet owner there is nothing more special than having a framed photograph of them on the desk or wall showing their true character.

Some pets are easy to photograph, others can be quite difficult - it depends on their personality and character. The main thing to remember is to just play with them, have fun and take your time. Unlike other wildlife photography your pet is always there so their will always be plenty of opportunities to get that perfect photograph.

If I'm photographing someone else's pet I like to get to know them first rather than just turn up and point a camera at it. This can be very threatening to it. If the animal feels comfortable with me I always get better results.

When photographing pets I prefer to do it outside in natural lighting. I try to focus on the eyes and make sure they are sharp.

I usually get down low so that I'm on the same level as they are - either sitting down or lying down.

I think the best photographs are always ones that show their true character, when they are relaxed and natural - whatever makes them unique. To do this just follow them around.

Another of my favorite techniques for portrait shots is to lie down, pointing my camera at them and let them come to me. As they approach I fire off lots of continuous shots.

One of the most frequent questions that I get asked is "How do you photograph a black dog". For an explanation simply visit my Black Dog Photography page.