Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Professional Techniques for Pet & Animal Photography

Professional Techniques for Pet & Animal Photography

Unlike human models, animals do not understand the concept of photography, which makes them interesting (and sometimes infuriating) subjects to work with. To capture that perfect moment with your pet, you need to cater to its personality and even set it up to give you the right response as well as attend to typical photography details like lighting and background. Sometimes pet and animal photography is easiest if you have an assistant who can distract, manage or entertain the animal when needed.

Lighting

    Consider the reflection of sunlight when shooting outdoors.
    Consider the reflection of sunlight when shooting outdoors.

    Both domestic pets and wild animals look best photographed in bright natural light. Avoid using flash whenever possible. When you use flash, there is a good chance your photo will show unwanted reflection in the eyes, and according to Picture Correct, some pets will learn to avoid the flash by closing their eyes. Shoot pets outdoors if you can. Note that mid-day is the worst time to photograph an animal outside because bright sunlight can minimize interesting details and features such as coat color or pattern. So, schedule your outdoor shoots early in the morning or late afternoon. If you must shoot indoors in minimal light, use a camera that allows the in-camera flash to be disabled. A professional photographer will use lighted bounced off of a wall to avoid glare.

Details

    Tradional pet photographs focus on the eyes.
    Tradional pet photographs focus on the eyes.

    To capture your pet's features, you need to get close to it and be on its level. Picture Correct suggests you should get close enough that your pet fills the frame and that your viewpoint should be at the same level as your pet's eye level. To get this same effect in nature, you will need to zoom in on the animal or crop the picture later. Traditional pet photos tend to focus on the eyes of the animal, which can be extremely expressive. However, feel free to explore and experiment with this tradition.

Background

    Professional photographers also ensure the background is free of distractions or clutter. According to Picture Correct, the plainest backgrounds are best for pets. When shooting wildlife in habitat, however, sometimes the background is just as important as the subject. Professionals try to shoot wildlife in a natural setting, using the animals habitat as the background. Examples of appropriate habitats include an animal's nest or den, its hunting ground or a shot of the animal drinking using the water source as a background or foreground.

Safety

    The professionals know when photographing any kind of animal, your safety is paramount. Especially when working with wildlife, remember that an animal's reaction to you is totally unpredictable. While it might seem obvious that you should refrain from getting too close to wildlife in an attempt to get that "perfect shot," you must also be alert when working with domestic animals. Even the calmest dairy cow has the ability to kick you or charge at you, so maintain a safe distance (staying on the other side of the fence is preferred). Lastly, the Photography Tips website notes that when you venture out into the bush to photograph wild animals, be sure to notify a friend or family member of your plan.


Professional Techniques for Pet & Animal Photography

Unlike human models, animals do not understand the concept of photography, which makes them interesting (and sometimes infuriating) subjects to work with. To capture that perfect moment with your pet, you need to cater to its personality and even set it up to give you the right response as well as attend to typical photography details like lighting and background. Sometimes pet and animal photography is easiest if you have an assistant who can distract, manage or entertain the animal when needed.

Lighting

    Consider the reflection of sunlight when shooting outdoors.
    Consider the reflection of sunlight when shooting outdoors.

    Both domestic pets and wild animals look best photographed in bright natural light. Avoid using flash whenever possible. When you use flash, there is a good chance your photo will show unwanted reflection in the eyes, and according to Picture Correct, some pets will learn to avoid the flash by closing their eyes. Shoot pets outdoors if you can. Note that mid-day is the worst time to photograph an animal outside because bright sunlight can minimize interesting details and features such as coat color or pattern. So, schedule your outdoor shoots early in the morning or late afternoon. If you must shoot indoors in minimal light, use a camera that allows the in-camera flash to be disabled. A professional photographer will use lighted bounced off of a wall to avoid glare.

Details

    Tradional pet photographs focus on the eyes.
    Tradional pet photographs focus on the eyes.

    To capture your pet's features, you need to get close to it and be on its level. Picture Correct suggests you should get close enough that your pet fills the frame and that your viewpoint should be at the same level as your pet's eye level. To get this same effect in nature, you will need to zoom in on the animal or crop the picture later. Traditional pet photos tend to focus on the eyes of the animal, which can be extremely expressive. However, feel free to explore and experiment with this tradition.

Background

    Professional photographers also ensure the background is free of distractions or clutter. According to Picture Correct, the plainest backgrounds are best for pets. When shooting wildlife in habitat, however, sometimes the background is just as important as the subject. Professionals try to shoot wildlife in a natural setting, using the animals habitat as the background. Examples of appropriate habitats include an animal's nest or den, its hunting ground or a shot of the animal drinking using the water source as a background or foreground.

Safety

    The professionals know when photographing any kind of animal, your safety is paramount. Especially when working with wildlife, remember that an animal's reaction to you is totally unpredictable. While it might seem obvious that you should refrain from getting too close to wildlife in an attempt to get that "perfect shot," you must also be alert when working with domestic animals. Even the calmest dairy cow has the ability to kick you or charge at you, so maintain a safe distance (staying on the other side of the fence is preferred). Lastly, the Photography Tips website notes that when you venture out into the bush to photograph wild animals, be sure to notify a friend or family member of your plan.



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