Pet Photo Tips

Agador by Kim Hartz Photography

By Kim Hartz-

Photographing a pet can be a tough job!  It’s not easy to get them to sit still, look at the camera, or even just cooperate.  Since I photograph pets for a living, I have discovered some tips and tricks that may help.  I’m sure there are a lot of you out there who have tried numerous times to get a good photo of your dog or cat and failed…miserably!  You are, most definitely, not alone!  It’s hard to get your furry friends to do what you want, i.e. sit still for 2 seconds.

People ask me (a lot) “how did you get them [the pets] to sit still??”  Here is the answer: Patience, treats, and breaks.  I know you are thinking, patience??  Really?  I don’t have all day!  Well, true, but I am one of the most impatient people you have ever met, but I can give dogs and cats their time if it means capturing that one image that really shows that animal’s personality.

Soda by Kim Hartz Photography

Number 2 is treats.  I’m sure you have tried this tactic before, but before you rule this one out, here is how to use the treats.  This part is key.  You can’t just give away the whole bag right off the bat – they have to earn it!  With dogs, I usually show them to the treat first and then place it right on top of my lens and leave it there.  The dog will (usually) sit still for a little bit and focus on the treat (right at my camera).  It isn’t a huge window, but it’s enough usually.  When I photograph outside, I give them a toy and let them play wherever they want and back off a bit.  I’ll get set up and then, when I’m ready I’ll shout their name.  It’s just enough to perk up the ears and get them to look in my direction.

Breaks are also important because if you hound the dog or cat to perform for too long it just isn’t going to happen.  I usually photograph for about 10 to 15 minutes, and if I’m not getting the result I want I just take a break and try again in a few minutes.  This works really well because the dog or cat doesn’t get overwhelmed.

Sometimes you have to play the waiting game, especially with cats.  It’s also a good idea to follow the cat or dog around so they are more comfortable.  I sat on the floor with my cat, Oscar for an hour waiting for the perfect shot.  I eventually got the shot and a very sore back, but it was worth it to me!  I do use treats for cats, but that doesn’t always work.  Occasionally, I will break out my catnip spray…a little bit of cheating perhaps???  It gets their attention though!

Blink by Kim Hartz Photography

One other tidbit to keep in mind when photographing outside with your pets is to make sure you don’t go out in the middle of the day.  The sun is at it’s highest and the shadows are very harsh.  The best time of day to go outside and photography are either early morning or late afternoon sun.  4:00 PM is a great time to get really beautiful, soft light.  If you are photographing indoors, try and position your pet by a window.  Window light is absolutely beautiful, and the same times of day for photographing outside apply as well.  If you can avoid the flash do so because it can create harsh shadows, and it doesn’t create the same quality of light that you find in natural light, which is both soft and flattering.

Kim Hartz is a Houston pet photographer who specializes in pet portraits through her genuine love of animals and patience for them.  To visit her website, please click on the link above.  To schedule a consultation, please call- 713.521.7272