Photographing your pets: light, eye level and patience

TUREFF• •0

Pets are some of the most rewarding subjects to photograph and some of the most frustrating. They do not take direction, they move at the wrong moment and they are often more interested in the camera than in posing. A few simple techniques make a big difference, whether you use a phone or a camera.

Find good light

Use window light. Soft daylight from a window is flattering and easy to work with indoors. Place your pet side-on or facing the window rather than with the window behind them.
Avoid the flash. It startles many animals, causes glowing eyes and gives a flat look.
Go outside on bright overcast days, when the light is soft and even. In strong sun, look for open shade.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, gives a warm glow outdoors.
Dark-coated pets need more light than you expect; expose for the fur, not the background. White or pale pets can lose detail if the picture is too bright.

Get down to their level

Most pet photos are taken from standing height, looking down. Crouching or lying on the floor to photograph at eye level makes the picture far more engaging, because it shows the world from the animal's viewpoint.

Focus on the eyes. Sharp eyes matter more than anything else. On a phone, tap the eye to set focus.
Fill the frame for portraits, or step back to show your pet in its favourite spot.
Watch the background. Move clutter out of shot or change your angle so it is simple.

Capture movement

Use a fast shutter speed for running or playing animals, from around 1/500 second upwards on a camera. Raise ISO if needed.
Use continuous autofocus and burst mode, and pick the best frame afterwards.
On a phone, burst mode or live photos let you choose the right moment from a sequence.
Pre-focus on a spot where your pet will run, such as the end of a path, and shoot as it arrives.

Patience and attention

Let your pet get used to the camera. Leave it nearby during normal life so it stops being interesting.
Use a squeaky toy or a sound to get a brief look at the lens. Use it sparingly, as pets quickly learn to ignore it.
Shoot when your pet is calm, such as after a walk or a meal.
Keep sessions short and end before your pet loses interest.
Ask a helper to hold treats or toys just above the lens so your pet looks towards the camera.

Treats and safety

Use small treats your pet normally eats, and remember they count towards daily food. Never use foods that are unsafe for your pet to get a reaction, and never put an animal somewhere unsafe, such as a high wall, a busy road or deep water, for a picture. Costumes and accessories should only be used if your pet is relaxed about them; ears back, tucked tails, freezing or trying to escape mean stop.

Ideas worth trying

Everyday moments, such as sleeping in the sun or waiting by the door, are often the most treasured photos.
Details: paws, whiskers, a nose, a favourite toy.
Pets with people, especially children or older relatives, record relationships as well as animals.
The same spot every year, to show your pet growing up or growing old.

Older pets deserve photos too. Many owners later wish they had taken more pictures of their pet's quieter later years. Share your favourite photo of your pet and how you got it in the comments.