How To… Photograph Your Pet

Capturing your pet’s character with a camera

If you’re ordering a portrait from us, we like to have a few good photographs to work from, so that we can get to know your pet and their character and personality. The final portrait will depend on how good your photos are, so taking some time to learn how to get the best photos is definitely worthwhile!

Typical pose, bad picture!

Try to capture your pet doing something typical. Usually this is whatever it is you imagine them doing when they are not with you (one ear up, or head on one side, or sleeping peacefully) and make sure they fill the frame.

We’re fascinated by your house and garden, but for the purpose of pet portraits, pics that contain more pet than patio are better!

Eye level

Although it will seem a bit daft, get down onto the same eye-level as your pet (unless you want a portrait of them looking up at you adoringly). If need be, sit next to them or lie down and if you can persuade someone to stand next to you with a favourite toy or treat, so much the better.

Even saying a word that makes your pet take notice (like "walkies" unless your pet's deaf... or a goldfish!) just as you click the shutter works very well.

Good, natural light

The best place to take your photographs is in a place with natural lighting: by a window or outside. If you are outside, make sure it is a bright, but lightly cloudy day.

Bright sunlight makes your pet's fur look a different colour to its normal colour and you may find dark shadows remove important details. If you really can't avoid the sun, put your pet in the shade and stand with your back to the sun.

Bad flash effects

If you are inside, put your pet near the window and stand with your back it (the window, not the pet!). This stops the animal being lit too strongly from behind and losing detail in the shadow.

Unless you have a clever red-eye reduction flash, try not to use it - it causes the same problems as bright sunlight and distorts true eye colour. Besides, most animals find the sudden light a bit scary.