You just purchased a new mobile device. Whether it’s a smart-phone or a tablet, you notice it has a camera built into it. You start taking pictures with your mobile device, and you share them with your friends, family and even the world on social media sites. Soon you will want to take photos of your pets. You study the more popular social media sites and notice how everyone’s pet photos are just stunning. Of course you too will want to improve your pet photography skills.
It is why we prepared the following guide to taking great pet photos with your smart-phone or tablet.
- Let them inspect the device. If suddenly you started approaching your pet with a strange-looking rectangular thing, it could get easily intimidated. Before you start taking your pet’s photo, show them the mobile device. Once your pet realizes your device is harmless, it will relax and take it easy.
- Set the stage. Most photographers set the stage before a shoot. You should do the same. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It could be as simple as making sure the broom is not in the shot. Or that the decorative pillows on your sofa look plump and inviting. Before you bring your dog or cat onto the set, it wouldn’t hurt to take a few test shots of the area you plan to shoot in and review them.
- Keep it quiet. Dogs and cats don’t like a lot of noise especially, if a human is barking orders at them. So try using hand signals and voice commands that are familiar to them. For really excitable pets, you might want to give your dog or cat calming supplements before the shoot.
- Go natural. Using flash photography is great for those instant moments. However, the harshness from a flash might startle your pet and ruin an ideal photo opportunity. So, turn off the flash; most mobile devices give you the option to turn it off. If you want to take better photos, use natural lighting. Try turning on the lights in your home, opening the blinds, or going outside.
- Become a photo editor. Most mobile devices come with pre-loaded apps that allow you to adjust the brightness, contrast and color of your image. Learn how to use these functions and you will soon start showcasing better photos.
- Download the App. One of the great features of smart-phones and tablets is that you can download apps to your device. These apps will help you edit your photos without having to hook-up your mobile device to a computer. Just go to the manufacturer’s app store and search for “photo editing”. Choose the one that meets your needs.
- Know how to read your pet. Because of their portability, smart-phones and tablets make it easy to take great candid shots of your pet. Pets have a tendency to strike amazing poses naturally. So observe your pet’s body language for few days, this way you’ll know when to snap at the right moment.
- Get up close and personal. Since they are relatively small, mobile devices allow you to get really close to your pet without making it nervous.
- Show their point of view. Hands down mobile devices allow you to shoot from just about any level and angle without much difficulty. Remember you are much taller than your pet, so don’t be afraid to crouch down to their level when taking their picture. You will be surprised at the results.
- Use props. Keep your pet’s favorite toys handy. Showing them a favorite toy will get their attention, but be quick to snap or you will miss out on a great shot. Also, let them play with their toys. You’ll be amazed at the candid shots you can get just by letting your pet play.
- Reward your pets. Just like top fashion human models like to get paid for working it, your pet will enjoy some treats before, during, and after a photo shoot. Make sure you have their favorite dog or cat treat handy.
Bonus Tip: If you want your pet looking its best for a photo shoot you might want to give it a bath and a trim the night before so it can look stunning in front of the camera.
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