In Ten Simples Steps
Step 1
Know your camera
The first task that must be undertaken before any other, is knowing your camera inside and out.
Say if for instance you don't know where the zoom button is, you could miss a crucial shot, a picture that would have been perfect and may never arise again.
So look at your camera, read the instruction booklet if need be and take plenty of practice shots.
As you try out every option your camera has and remember those options that you liked and/or you think will come in handy when photographing your pet.
Of course this all assumes you already have your own camera. If not, when purchasing a camera make sure it has everything you're looking for.
You don't need to go overboard with extra features that you will never use.
Most camera places will show you how to use the camera anyway, at least the basics and be sure to ask many questions.
For you don't want a camera that won't do the things you're looking for.
To get a general idea of what you'll need to look for, I suggest you finish the ten steps beforehand and then buy your camera around them.
So now that you've fiddled with your camera or you already knew well before reading this what your camera can do, it's time to test it out.
Photograph everything that you find interesting, whether that be your spouse, your garden or some stranger walking down the street.
Take a wide variety of shots, such as people doing activities or leaves blowing in the wind. Each of these tasks will make you better at taking shots on the go, for in a lot of cases most pets like to be on the move.
Therefore you will now have experience photographing moving targets.
To increase the vibrancy of your pictures, learn how to adjust the shutter speed on your camera.
All of these options should again be checked out by you on your camera, if you camera is able, then pick the best option that suits you.
Also checking into your camera's ability to shoot in continuous mode, would be an asset. Then you can get multiple shots and decide for yourself what the best option is.
All of this can also be practiced on your pet, but given that fact that your pet is likely the main focus of your attention, trying your hand at photographing other aspects in life might not be a bad idea.
For you will be taking plenty of shoots of your beloved pet anyway and this will give you a chance to see if you have any hidden artistic abilities.
So now that you are one with your camera and feel confident in your abilities, it's time to focus on your pet.
Step 2
Know your Pet
For this step no one but you and your, if any, immediate family members can answer because in the end, you are the only person or persons that know your pet inside and out.
This step is one a lot of people tend to forget. Instead of trying to fit into their pet's routine, people try and shove their routine onto their pets.
This only makes for more trouble than its worth in most cases and never lets you truly capture the essence of your pet.
For most pets like their routines, you change that routine and they became a tad upset, leading to disobeying commands, unruly behavior and an overall unhappy pet.
This will in turn end up leaving the owner frustrated and just snapping the easiest picture possible, never truly capturing the true nature of their pet.
So instead of trying to get the photos you want when you feel like it, take a moment to think about your pet's routine.
For instance is there a certain time your pet likes to be walked or is in a livelier mood or a lazier mood, depending upon the picture you'd like to get.
For that is when your pet will be more open to you taking their picture. This is because your pet will be enjoying themselves and therefore more likely to tolerate your persisted attempts at photographing them.
Plus this will allow you to capture what you see every day, what makes you want to photograph your pet in the first place, the pure enjoyment they are getting from their daily activity.
Whether that is walking, tearing around the house or simply sleeping on the window ledge.
This is only something you can know, for each and every pet is different and only you truly know what your pet's routine is.
Now that all assumes you aren't looking at a new member to your family. If that is the case, then now you and your new pet have to build a routine together.
In some, if not many, cases this can be a lot easier for you to build your photo taking into your pet's routine.
This will get your pet used to the constant photos and allow you to get many great shots as your pet matures and ages.
Also the most important thing to remember is never put your pet in any discomfort or in harm's way.
For this is not only dangerous to your pet, but will scar them for a very long time and may result in them never allowing you to photographic them.
One other important aspect to remember if you want a great shot, is never get discouraged or upset with your pet, keeps your emotions in check.
For your pet knows better than anyone the vibes you are giving off and if you let them know they are safe and you approve of what they're doing, they'll again more likely to comply with your photo taking.
Step 3
Ideal Situations
This step directly derives from the first two. Now that you know your camera inside and out and figured out the best time to take photos of your pet, you have to make sure you're able to capitalize on it.
Firstly, and probably the hardest part, is having a camera handy at those opportune times when you'd love to have a picture of what your pet is doing.
How many times have you thought, I'd love to have a picture of that. Only knowing by the time you went and got your camera, your pet will have long stopped doing whatever it was you wanted a picture of.
That is why you have to know such things as the mobility of your camera as well.
If it's one that can fit in your pocket, fine, use that, get used to carrying it around.
Whether this be done in your purse or pocket. Of course there always is the chance that you could break it or dirty up the view screen.
But there are plenty of cases on the market that will prevent both and if on the off chance your screen does get dirty, most camera stores will clean it for you and sometimes a soft cloth is all that is needed.
Also another aspect is if you have more than one pet. It can be kind of tricky to get the ideal situation, whether you're looking for a single shot of one of your pets or a shot of both of them together.
For they will easily be distracted by what the other is doing, always wanting to be right there with them.
This may again lead them away from focus on you and the camera and to each other.
But with your camera at the ready, when you see a good shot of the two, or more, of them sleeping or playing together you'll be prepared to get that great photo.
But you must again persevere and use these steps, only factor in how every many pets you'd like to get in the photo.
Step 4
The Background
Now with all of that behind you, you have to think about the background of your photos.
Usually the great outdoors is best for this because you'll never know what you're going to get.
For instance the wind could pick up and blow a couple leaves in the background of your picture, making it that much better.
You could also catch your pet acting rather cute to a nearby noise and just standing in the green grass or pile of snow, adds so much to the photo.
But then not all days are bright clear summer days and sometimes you have to take shots inside.
Also not all pets can go outdoors. If either of these are the case, just remember the less clutter the better.
Unless of course your pet has upset something and you want to get a picture of it.
Other than that survey the background before your pet gets into the part of their routine that you want to take pictures of them in.
Move things aside, clean up a bit, whatever it takes to make your shot that much more focused on your pet and not some unneeded surroundings. Unless of course you're pet is interacting with these surroundings.
All and all you must use your best judgment because after all you are the one that has to be pleased with the pictures and as long as you are, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
But of course it's always nice to hear them comment on how great your photos are.
Step 5
Lighting
Next up is one of the most crucial aspects of photo taking, whether that is pets or anything.
That's not to say everything else isn't as important, but without proper lighting it doesn't matter what you do.
Again if you're outside in a lot of cases this isn't a problem and there would be no need to use a flash or light a room properly.
But if you're inside, your best bet is to make sure there is as much light as possible.
But worse than that if you're facing your pet head on, you blind them, causing them to squint and in some cases ruin the photo.
Plus even worse, your pet would probably rather not have a blinding flash in their face every ten seconds, so they'd avoid you.
They'll learn that the camera causes them discomfort and avoid you with it at all costs, especially up close. Some pets can or do learn to tolerate it, but a lot don't.
So if at all possible get them to a room where you can set up as much common light as possible.
This will not only keep your pet happy and allow you to take pictures of them, but it will make your overall pictures that much better.
Another thing to remember when photographing your pets is their color.
When photographing pets with dark hair try overexposing your photo's to get more detail, again rather than a flash.
The opposite is true with lighter haired pets, try underexposing them and again avoid the flash if at all possible because they may become one big blur.
The same can be said for direct sunlight, which could block them out all together.
Step 6
Adding Props
This is a great way of not only adding to the picture of your pet, but adding to the background as well.
It can also keep your pet content while you snap your photos. For adding props to the mix can get other sides of your pet.
One instance could be showing off your pet's curiosity as they discover something new and interesting or their general dislike for something as they show it in whatever form they decide.
But when using such things as Christmas hats or other holiday dress up clothes, remember to not spring it on your pet unexpectedly and then expect a good picture.
Gradually get your pet used to the new outfit or hat you want to shoot them in.
Then when they can be trusted not to yank it off for at least a few minutes, go for the shot you've been looking for.
Also be aware that there are many different types of hats and such and that each animal has their own likes and dislikes.
For some pets may be more compliant if you put them in a hat that doesn't require a strap, while others may be more receptive to the notion of a strap.
Again it depends on your specific pet and only you have, at the very least, a general idea to how they'll react.
One other way to add props into the situation is to use a friend or family member, preferably someone your pet trusts.
Have them dangle the item in front of your pet, play with them with it or use it for whatever purpose you are looking for.
All these methods are just another way of showing you pet in a different light because your pet has different moods just as you do.
Step 7
Features
Another thing to remember is not to be afraid to mix up the shots you take every now and again.
For you never know what kind of photo's you will get from a different angle on the same shot or by taking photos of different parts of your pets.
For instance try taking photos of your pet from afar, using zoom and not using zoom, trying taking some from on top a staircase, try taking photos of their fur, huge feet or whiskers.
Basically anything that you find makes your pet unique. For the old adage you never know until you try works really well in this case.
You never know what shots can arise from just focusing on one aspect of your pet.
Also predict where you pet is going to go and have the camera positioned there, you may end up being wrong and get nothing or you could get a perfect shot, you never would have got without doing so.
Also remember that some digital cameras can even fix your photo's right on the camera.
Heck some even allow you to zoom in on the picture you've just taken and if your photo has been taken well, you may even be able to see a flea on your pet.
Yes some are that effective.
Also just as you gently touch the button to take your photo, some cameras let you see on screen the exact image you will be taking.
This is a good test to see if there is going to be any red eye or glaring effects in the picture.
Step 8
At Their Level
For this step, although obvious, many people tend to ignore it.
You can and will get good photos from standing at your normal height and snapping photos of your pet, but by stooping to their level you can fully ascertain the level at which your pet presides.
This will give you a whole new way to focus on your pet, opening up many different avenues for which to take photos.
Although this does increase the risk of your pet coming over and rubbing their nose against your camera or figuring you want to play.
Therefore it is recommended you first get your pet used to the camera, by taking photos as you normally would.
Then once you feel your pet has become accustomed to your photo taking, stoop to their level and give it a shot.
You'll find a whole new world of photos has just opened up to you.
Of course in this case you'll have to be sensitive to the lighting, for the closer you are with the flash, the more annoyed your pet may become.
So it would be a good idea not to use it if possible, plus it would greatly reduce the risk of red eye, which will likely increase, the closer you are to your pet.
Also in case your pet persists to see why you're on the floor or yard with them, be creative, throw a few treats their way, have the kids play with them or give them their favorite toy to play with.
But then stooping to their level doesn't always mean you have to get down on your hands and knees, for with some pets, cats in particular, you can get them to come to your level.
Whether it is accomplished through them perched on their cat house, the window ledge or your dog, if allowed, up on the furniture.
Again it all stems back to the routine you've let your pet become accustomed to.
You know when or how they like to be up to your level, so use that to your advantage.
Then all that's left to do is continue to try different features and shots with your pet, finding even more special shots that will give you lasting memories for years to come.
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