How to Take a Great Photograph of Your Pet

Pets are a very important part of your family. You want to do them justice when it comes to taking their picture.

* Bring out their personality

* Show their energy and individuality

*Think ahead. Know in advance what you want to see in your pet's photo.

Techniques to Find the Unique Character of Your Pet

It takes patience and a little bit of luck to capture that perfect photograph of a pet. You need to be quick and alert, or the perfect moment could disappear. Pets are more difficult to photograph than you might think. They are active and tend to move out of the shot just as you are about to click the picture. When they do decide to cooperate, many times they choose a spot that just isn't lighted correctly or pleasing to the eye.

Here are a few tips to persuade your pet to pose for a photo:

Most pets, especially dogs, respond to food. If you want an action shot, have someone hold your pet a few yards away from a treat. Focus the digital camera on a spot between the animal and the treat, set the shutter to a fast speed, and take the picture as your pet is released.

Cats and kittens prefer warm spots to settle in. To get your fidgety feline to sit still for a portrait, place a hot water bottle or heating pad under a favorite blanket. The warmth will keep your cat in place long enough to take a photo.

For best results, try to get as close to your pet as possible or use a zoom or telephoto lens. The photograph will be better if your pet fills the frame without too much space around the edges. A blurred background will emphasize the crisp edges of your pet's portrait.

Try to avoid the use of a flash. This could startle your pet, making it impossible to take a photo. It will also cause red eye which will have to be edited out later with a photo editing program.

Choosing background:

Consider the color of your pet. Dark animals should have a light background and vice versa. Take your pet outside for some great, photos in natural lighting. The natural light will enhance the shine and coloring of your pet's coat and you will avoid red-eye caused by a flash.

I hope these pet photo tips and techniques will help you get a great shot of your pet. I know my daughter loved the photo of her beagle that I took using these strategies. I gave it to her when she went to college in Boston. She hung it on the kitchen wall of her apartment. It reminded her of Hunter whenever she opened the apartment door.