2020 Issue 6 Nov/Dec - Focus Mid-Tenn Magazine

PAWS-ITIVLY
PICTURE PERFECT
Tips and Photo by H.N. James
You can Google “pet photography tips” and get a range of
responses, from authors who assume you have pro-gear to those
who recommend using what you have, including a mobile phone
camera. There are some things I do, though, that you can too — no matter
what kind of camera you’re using or your photographic skill level.
1
Photograph your
pet somewhere that
they are comfortable,
happy and relaxed.
This may be a favorite
outdoor location or
somewhere in your house.
Keep your pet’s personality
in mind and photograph
them doing their favorite
activities. If they’re very
curious, you can set up
an exploration zone with
interesting objects or treats
in them.
2
Be relaxed yourself!
And have patience.
Spend some time
playing with your
pet, petting it, or wait until
they’re just waking up from
a nap and are sleepy.
3
Watch your
background. Look
around the location
where you’re
planning to photograph
your pet and keep it as
simple as possible. Doublecheck
for objects and
clutter in the background
that you might not want
in your photograph.
Get down on their level.
Photograph them at their
eye level, which may require
crouching or even lying
down.
4
Use treats, toys
and noises to get
their attention.
You might want
a helper for this one.
Someone can hold up a
treat beside or behind you
to get the pet’s attention.
5Make sure the eyes
are in focus — just
as you would with
a photograph of a
human. There are several
ways to do this and pets
like to move around! One
way is to get the focus
where you want it, then
grab the pet’s attention
with treats, noises or a
toy. This is another time a
helper is useful.
H is a music and portrait
photographer living and
working near Nashville.
To see her work, visit
punkrockphotography.net
CHEERS! / NOV+DEC 2020 / focusmidtenn.com / Page 43