Written by: Rachel Holly
Fall is a great season for outdoor photography. The grass is still green, the leaves and bushes are turning colorful autumn shades, and the temperatures are perfect for being outdoors for long periods. This season presents a great opportunity to capture memories with your pet that you will have for for the rest of your life. It’s important to take these moments and preserve them. We’ve got some expert tips below for creating some fabulous pet pawtraits!
Before we get to that however, a word of caution for cat owners. Don’t take an indoor cat (or any other inside pet, like pocket pets) outside or to the park just to get a good picture. It’s too risky; they can easily become frightened and run away. Instead, stick with indoor pictures. You can still get great pics inside. Just adjust your camera settings for indoor lighting and create fall-themed backgrounds with pumpkins and leaf garlands.
Essential Tips For Pet Photography
Don’t Expect Perfection
Pets aren’t professional models. While some may be content to sit perfectly still while you snap away other pets be on the move, looking around, or deciding to scratch themselves just as you aim the camera at them. Patience is key so do this when you have time and are in the right mood. Give them time to relax in front of the camera and give them toys or treats to keep them engaged and interested.
Seek Out the Fall’s Beauty
Take your dog to a park or arboretum for a beautiful natural background full of fall colors. Take pictures of your dog next to the pumpkins on the front porch or playing among the fallen leaves. Inside, gather pumpkins, hay blocks, and a fall leaf garland and make a place on the stairwell or by the fireplace for a photo set. This also adds texture and color to the composition.
Know Your Pet’s Personality
Understanding their quirks and habits can help you manage the photography session better. Is your dog hyper or a lazy lounger? Does your cat love to hide in boxes? Tailoring your approach to their personality will make the session go smoother.
Use Natural Light
Avoid harsh midday sunlight, which can create unflattering shadows. The golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—offers a warm, soft glow that’s perfect for outdoor photography. Inside, take photos during daylight, preferably near a window.
Get Down To Their Level
One of the keys to great pet photography is perspective. Get down to your pet’s eye level to capture them face-front instead of looking down from your height.
Take Candid Shots
Your dog doesn’t have to pose perfectly situated, eye staring at the camera with a big smile. Just snap away and capture the moment. Take photos of them jumping, playing, rolling in the grass. This is what they do normally and you want to preserve these memories. Take lots of shots. When you go through the photos there will be some good ones among them.
Use Burst Mode
Pets move quickly, and sometimes the best shots happen in a split second. Use burst mode on your camera which takes multiple photos in quick succession. Among the many snaps there will be some keepers.
Focus on the Eyes
The eyes are often considered the windows to the soul, and this is especially true in pet photography. Make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes to capture their expression and emotion.
Consider Your Dog’s Color
Photographing black dogs can be a challenge. Underexposing the scene helps preserve details in the dark fur and avoid the blackening out of their features. Choose a dark background to reduce highlights and contrast. Or incorporate vivid colors in the background to contrast and create a more vibrant image. If your pet is back-lit, it will create a silhouette which works great with dark-coated animals.
Get Creative with Composition
Don’t be afraid to play with different compositions. Try the rule of thirds by placing your pet off-center next to pretty foliage. Close-ups can be just as striking as wide shots, so mix it up and be creative.
Incorporate Their Environment
Including elements of your pet’s environment can tell a story and add depth to your photos. Whether it’s their favorite toy or a warm blanket, incorporating these items can provide context and enhance the overall image.
Don’t Forget Yourself
Make sure to have someone take some shots with you and your pet. Or opt for selfies. Just make sure you get some great pics of the two of you together.
Post-Processing Enhancements
After your shoot, you may want to try editing your photos. Simple adjustments like cropping, brightness, and contrast can make a big improvement. There are various editing apps and software available that can enhance your photos and are easy to use.
With a little creativity, and know-how, you can enjoy creating memories and celebrating your furry companions. So grab your camera, have fun, and let your pet’s unique spirit shine through in every shot!
