Taking pictures of pets

tipsinartok

I've volunteered to take pictures of dogs and cats for a few local rescues. I'm a very novice photographer, but am trying to get some experience. I have a Canon XS with the kit lens and the 50mm f/1.8, as well as a Speedlite 420 EX. Could anyone give me some advice on taking pictures of animals? Some will be indoor and some will be outdoors. I'd love some advice such as camera settings in various situations. Also, what is the best way to get pictures of black animals so they don't just look like black blobs?

catspaw

The biggest things with pets is to get down low to their level - kneel, lay down, whatever. Shoot them from their own perspective and you get some good shots. the Pet Photography NOW! book has some excellent general advice if you can find a copy at the library or want to buy it from the bookstore/amazon.

As for black animals, I haven't had a problem once you have proper exposure. As someone with a black cat, I know it CAN be done. You can see his gallery at: http://www.catspawphotos.com/gallery/7138495_JtoHn#456393468_WdMpL

good luck and have fun!!! I've considered doing the same for some of our local rescue groups too but haven't organized enough yet. Definitely would help fill the winter months with something, even if unpaid.

Mark Edell

Good advice ^^ Bring a squeaky toy too and have some fun with them. I did shot a pet walk for the local humane society a while back.

Here is a link to the shots I took: http://markedell.com/gallery/5770711_pg5rU#357609441_Apkvv Page three is the best.

ChatKat

Pets
I shoot a lot of pets and have volunteered for pet rescue events as well.

The 50 works well for animals. Let the animals get used to you. In a shelter situation, you have to judge whether or not treats are appropriate because the dogs are stressed and you don't know if they will be gentle or get protective of their prize. A clicker from the pet store is great for getting their attention but you need your hands on the camera too! Let the animals be themselves - you can capture personality that way. Fill flash works great on black dogs. The flash will also freeze their motion. The photo below is taken with a 50 1.2 but your's can do this too. The 2nd one is in my studio. There are a number of dogs in my portfolio on my website.

ajgauthier

I used to take shelter pics for Petfinder for a no-kill shelter. The key is not 'perfect technique', it's about showing the personality, frailty, cuteness, 'you want to adopt me'-ness of each animal. Gotta get to the heart strings of the people who will be just clicking through page after page after page of Petfinder ads. Your photos have to stand out, getting the best personality photo of the animal. Bring an assistant --- it's very difficult to get a cat or dog to play and hold the camera. Most shelter animals are attention seeking, so they may crowd around you, you'll need someone else as a distraction. Bells, jingles, clickers are all good distractions to an animal to look in a particular location for a good shot.

Good luck! Helping shelters find animals their forever homes is a worthwhile endeavor

Adrienne

Chris H

patience! The little blighters never stay still, worse than children in some ways! Very satisfying when you capture the right expression though. This is my cat 'Sweep', it pretty much sums him up, he's thinking about food.......or maybe another nap.


I think this one was saying 'would you just stop taking photographs of me!'....he walked off after that.

tipsinartok

Thank you all for the advice/examples! That will be really helpful. I'm looking forward to starting. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions and for critique once I actually start!

Every Miles A Memory

I'd recommend you bring an assistant (Child, Friend, Parent or Mate) to help keep the pets attention so you can move around and snap the photos.



Trying to do it without someone standing behind you and holding your hand up to attrack the animal while the other hand is holding the camera and zooming in and out


I also agree that getting to their level makes the images more powerful


Following the animal with your camera never out of focus or away from your eye will also allow for some humorous shots when they yawn or make goofy faces





Most improtant thing is to remember to have fun and not get stressed out when the animals dont want to cooporate. I've found that if you never take the camera out of your hand and always have it pointed at the animal, whether you're taking a picture or not, it allows the animal to realize this big thing with a reflective glass on the front of it isnt going to hurt them

Oh, make sure to have the Focus Alert/Alarm, (The little beep that says the shot is in focus turned off) it usually distracts the animal and makes them freak out a little

Good Luck