Pet photography can be a great way to capture your pet’s personality and character. Your beloved animals will not always be around for ever, so let's capture them now! Each and every single pet have such a unique personality and a great energy about them that can really shine through in photos, and it's great to be able to capture these a photograph.
Our pets are precious, be they a horse, dog, cat or a biggie. They teach us compassion, and understanding and most importantly give us a boost when we feel down. Traits that quickly see them earn their own branch on our family tree.
Although pets are more than just a source of support and entertainment – they get us active, both physically and socially. It’s often rumored that dog ownership increases your chances of finding love, just as owning a cat gives you 10 more IQ points (I see you blushing).
So, what with our pets doing SO much for us, it’s only right that we return the favor – right? If you’re after a unique way to do so, then putting them in the spotlight on their very own pet photography shoot could be just what you’re looking for.
Fun, fun… and the odd pose here and there, but mostly fun.
Pet photography with me is all about capturing both your pet’s character and charm. One of the reasons I prefer to take my pet-related shoots on location. It’s out in the open where we’ll catch your four-legged friend being their most natural – the secret behind the best pet portraiture.
On the day of the shoot I’ll be chasing two shots in particular: portraits and action shots. A portrait could be your dog sitting on command and giving puppy eyes to the camera (cute!). Whereas an action shot could be your horse mid gallop or your rabbit poised for their next hop.
As their family, you’re also a HUGE part of their life so I’d always encourage you to star in some of their photographs too. If you ask me, pet photography that captures the relationship between you and your pet tends to be some of the most magical. Saying that, this is your pet’s day, so don’t try and steal their spotlight. Besides, they’ve earned it.
*If you’ve got an idea that doesn’t involve a shoot on location, I do also have a studio we can use, or we could even hold the shoot at your house if you’re after pictures with a more homely vibe.
To establish when to book your pet photoshoot, you first need to narrow down the type of images you’re after. Do you prefer more candid shots or something more posed? Do you want them to be bright or atmospheric? And what’s your thoughts on location?
Once you’ve established this, we can target specific times of day and weather conditions to ensure your shots meet, and hopefully exceed your expectations. While usually pet shoots fall during the day, I’d encourage you not to rule out sunsets. Not only do they add a bit more drama to your photos but they’re also perfect for silhouettes.
Booking 12 weeks in advance is my usual advice, especially if you’re after a certain date or time. But that’s not to say that last minute bookings are impossible – in some cases they can fit in rather well. Only I wouldn’t rely on this being the case as I don’t like to disappoint.
*If your pet is heavily pampered, it’s never a bad idea to book your shoot around their grooming schedule or if they’re a horse, a quiet period in their racing calendar.