4 Tips to Take Good Pictures of Your Pet

It might seem simple, but the truth is animals don't usually sit still for very long. Patience plays a big role, as well as other techniques.
4 Tips to Take Good Pictures of Your Pet

Last update: 10 October, 2018

Pets are a part of our everyday lives, especially when they are part of the family. That’s why taking good pictures with your pet is a fun habit for some people and a lifestyle for others.

If you have a pet and have ever tried to take pictures of him, you know that the majority of photos come out bad. Taking good pictures of your pet requires some skill and patience.

Why should try taking pictures of your pet?

People who consider pets to be part of the family will want to have pictures of them, which is why there are some many pictures taken of pets. When it comes to taking good pictures of pets, it can sometimes be a complicated process.

Since most pet owners are not photographers, taking perfect pictures are just a dream. But for many, trying to imitate this style of photography can become a dream come true.

To do so, you’ll need a lot of patience. In addition, there are certain techniques that can help. First, you should consider the equipment needed to take high-quality photos.

1. Lights, camera, tripod?

Two of the things mentioned in the subtitle above aren’t necessary. Nowadays, most smartphones have built-in cameras with quite powerful settings.

A dog standing next to a tripod looking like he is taking a picture

A smartphone camera is enough to take pictures of your pet. It usually takes a lot of imagination and motivation to make the photo session a pleasant activity for you and your pet.

You don’t need a photo studio to take good pictures of your pet. Your home or even the outdoors is more than enough to get some great snapshots. Most of the problems that happen while waiting for the perfect pose is trying to get your pet to do what you ask.

2. Your Pet’s Personality

Just like humans, pets have their good side and look even better when their heart is in it. Everyone has seen photos of dogs running with a big smile and their tongues hanging out. In these types of pictures, the photographer captured the personality of the dogs.

In other words, it’s ideal to know your pet well so you can take a picture of their true personality. For example, if your pet loves to roll around on the ground or run in circles, you should have your camera ready when they start to do this behavior to try to capture their joy.

A picture of dog smiling next to his owner

3. Always Be Ready

Always have your camera ready with enough memory to store photos. When it comes to taking good pictures of your pet, a single photo is not going to cut it.

It’s a better idea to take a series of photos that capture different angles in rapid succession. This is good for getting a good shot when your pet is moving around. If your pet is calm, you can also adjust the angles and camera so that it captures better than what you want to portray.

Play with the environment and the light. These are aspects that make a huge difference when taking pictures. They will change the outcome of the photo for better or worse, depending on what you are looking for.

Avoid using flash because you want your pet to stay calm and comfortable to get the perfect picture. The flash can startle the animal and make it aggressive or scared.

4. Focus on Their Eyes

Your pet’s eyes often say everything you need to know. The best photographs are always focused on the eyes. If you don’t believe us, just look at photos of tigers. Their eyes always stand out.

In other words, the eyes are what gives off the most personality of your pet. This should be your primary objective when taking pictures of him. If you want to take a different approach and don’t want to focus on eyes, consider playing with the environment and angles to highlight the feature you want to focus on.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.