Pet Photography Ideas

These photos are owned by me and feel free to use it for commercial and personal intentions but don't forget to credit me - corbycat or my cat site www.badkitteh.com. Thanks!!!

I love cats obviously and they are one of my favorite subject in photography. But sometimes pet photography needs a lot of timing and patience. You need to get your pet's focus while taking photos of them. You need to make them feel comfortable in these matters to take quality pictures. I have here my personal tips on how to take photos with your pets.

The things you need to know before engaging in pet photography:

• Camera - you need a camera that can take photos faster. It's okay if you use a point and shoot camera as long as you know the settings for fast moving subjects. Point and shoot cameras mostly have this preset modes > Sports- where it can effectively fast moving subjects. If you're using a Digital SLR (dslr) then it's better since you can change the settings intended for fast moving subjects.
• Lighting - you don't need to buy any lighting equipment anymore as long as the venue or place where the pictorial would take place has a good source of light. Since it's difficult to take your pets especially your cat outside for a pictorial, the room must be adequately lighted. Open your windows and let the sunshine in to get more light. Remember not to use a lot of flash when taking photos with your pets because they get irritated to them easily. Natural lighting will always do the trick and turn that flash off.
• Props and Costumes - prepare the props you need in the pictorial which is based on your theme. Your pet must be comfortable with what they're wearing or what they are going to do with the props. They must have fun also in the photoshoot and remember to praise them everytime they make a good behavior.
• Treats and Toys - you must have the different interactive toys to get the attention of your subject (a dog or a cat). Some pets would prefer treats or toys to lure them to pose in the camera.
• Assistant - you need a helper in this photo session. The person must be an animal lover also or in other words he or she must have a knowledge how to handle an animal. If you don't have an assistant, you may ask the owner of the animal to help you instead. You can also call your bestfriend, sister, brother, girlfriend or boyfriend to help you also.
• Venue - as I've said above, the room must be well lighted, have a good ventilation, peace or quiet and away from disturbance that might startle your pet especially cats. Cats tend to startle easily when they hear something. They have sensitive ears and even a faint high pitch sound will alert them.
• Theme - you must plan a good theme for your pictorial that will also match with the props you're also going to prepare. Examples of themes like Halloween, Beach Party, Christmas, Vintage and a whole lot more.
• Photo Editor - you must have a good knowledge in Photoshop or any photo editing softwares to enhance your images.
• Upload your Photo - let your friends and family see your work.Upload it to your facebook or enter in a contest. This might be a good way to advertise your skills in photography and It will start in your circle of friends. You may never know what good it may come to you in the future. A hobby may turn into a little sideline.
• Be happy with the job well done - self explanatory.