Taking Better Pictures of Pets
Show your pet in action
Animals love to run and play, so take pictures of them on the go to show their joy. Use a high-speed (400 or 800) film to stop the action. Plan the shot for the action to happen in one spot and focus on that spot.
Take lots of pictures
Take lots of pictures to increase your chance of capturing just the right moment. Even the pros take lots of pictures and think nothing of shooting a whole roll just to get that one great shot.
Dog lovers, cat lovers, even lizard lovers know their pet has a unique personality that you can capture in pictures.
Be patient
Keep picture-taking sessions short and your voice calm. Try to take pictures during natural activities rather than direct your pet during this new activity called picture taking.
Use props to focus attention
If your pet isn't a willing poser, use a flower, a toy, or a small snack to get its attention.
Shoot at eye level
Eye-to-eye contact is as engaging with a pet as with a person. So get down on your pet's level to create warm and intimate pictures.
Get close
Fill the camera's viewfinder or LCD display with your subject to create pictures with greater impact. Step in close or use your camera's zoom to emphasize what is important and exclude the rest. Check the manual for your camera's closest focusing distance.