Photographing Your Pet

Please keep in mind that, unless you have access to a medium or large format camera, using a good quality 35mm, or a digital camera with at least 2 or 3 MB image size and good optics, is the very best way to go.

I am able to scan 35mm negatives, 35mm slides, color transparencies up to 4”x5”, and photo prints (4”x 6” or larger please, if you can provide them). You may also send images by email (jpg or gif), provided they are of a file size which would allow for good quality 8"x10" printouts.

Don’t hold back on the film. Even the best photographers use multiple rolls of film in order to distill out one or two high quality images. The more images you begin with the more likely it is that you will find among them one or more pictures that you love.

You will get some great results if you lower your point of view to the eye level of your pet, and get in close for some of the shots. You may be surprised at how endearing such an inimate shot can be as it can best capture his or her eyes, the source of expression and the windows into your pet's heart.

Be creative - try different angles, sitting, lying, standing, - consider the personality of your dog or cat and what angle of view, activity, or pose may best capture it. An activity typical of that pet can provide a level of comfort and familiarity for them and while providing you with images that best express their persona.

Avoid harsh or extreme lighting. Try not to use camera-mounted flash, and limit the use of any flash unless you have proper (studio quality) equipment. Direct flash flattens the image and washes out subtle detail. Direct sun will also wash out detail.  The best light is soft,  indirect, and somewhat diffuse - a bright area out of the direct sun, if outdoors; near a window or in a room well-lit by natural light, if indoors. If you choose to work outdoors in direct sun, early morning and late afternoon sun is less harsh than mid-day sun and can provide very good results. Just bear in mind that a good balance of light and shadow is the ideal.

Finally, make it enjoyable for subject and photographer - do not overwork your pet or yourself. Take some pictures, take a break, take some more pictures. Spread it out over a few days if need be. And pick a time when your subject is reasonably calm - perhaps after exercise or a period of play. A pleasurable, relaxed atmosphere will result in the best images.

Have fun!

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reproduced without the express permission of the artist.