How to create perfect pet portraits from photos? In this article I will show you how to create the right shots for memorable portraits of your puppy
Today I feel really happy. It's December, but I can already smell the holidays and the noise of unwrapped presents.
The first orders for holiday portraits are also starting to arrive. I receive very funny and very cute pet photos that make me smile and get emotional.
You know, it comes to mind when I was trying to do some photo shoots with my big puppy Argo. I enjoyed taking a myriad of photos of him in the most disparate moments: in the moments where Argo dozed off, to those where he enjoyed his favorite croquettes, from his playful moments to our walks and our holidays.
Even Christmas became the pretext for a pet photoshoot: I made them wear Christmas hats, ribbons… you don't know how many laughs!
Speaking of photos, many of you ask me how to take the photo correctly to make the portrait.
So I thought: "But why not try to make some suggestions to that effect?".
Here are some of them..
Portrait Photography Tips For Your Pet
Prepare the setting for your shots: a Christmas tree creates a lively and colorful background for taking pictures of your pet. Other props, such as Santa hats and scarves can add a touch of color and cheer to your shot.
Choose the room where as much natural light enters as possible. The latter is soft and delicately fills in the shaded areas. I do not recommend using the flash as it may scare the animal.
Position your pet for shots: Dogs are usually easier to pose than cats because it doesn't take much to get them interested. In most cases it will be enough to blow a whistle, shout "where is the cat?" or make a funny noise.
Each animal has its own character, but in general it can be said that cats are less inclined to please us.
It takes patience and you may have to wait a while for the cat to relax. Try to get him to settle in one position, such as a comfortable chair or stool (you can also get his dog's bed).
Have his favorite toy or bowl of food handy and gently tap them over the lens to get his attention. If it doesn't do what you want, be prepared to change your approach.
After all, if being aloof is part of his character, why not shoot him?
Read also: Remember your pet at Christmas and create the perfect portrait of your pet from photo
Eyes up here!
Whether you're photographing your pets or your friends, portraying your subject at eye level helps create a connection, as it places the viewer on the same level.
Focusing can be one of the biggest challenges when making these portraits, because you have to get the eyes of the animal in perfect focus, and at any moment it may move its head or run away.
For this reason, it is inevitable that some shots will not be sharp, but if you have a camera that is extremely responsive to movement of the object you will have a better chance of success.
Accurate focus is crucial when shooting close-ups, so simply focusing at the nose may not be enough. Instead, try moving to a single point of focus and aiming it above the eye closest to the camera.
Of course with pet portraits this can mean having to crawl across the floor to duck as low as needed, but it can show the pet's point of view better.
You'll have a lot of fun trying to get the perfect shot, even if your pet isn't always cooperative.
Whether you're trying to shoot a portrait at Christmas or any other time of year, this is a great opportunity to practice your technical skills and improve your photography skills.
Have you ever tried to take a decent photograph of your pet?
Let me know how it ended, I'm really curious about it!
A big hug,
Helen
