When you're creating a custom pet portrait, one essential step is to choose a photo of your pet. However, if you don't have any good pictures or one that truly showcases your pet's personality, you might want to consider taking new photos of your pet.
Most of my clients want to know how to get the perfect shot. While it can be difficult, we have a few tips and tricks that will help you capture your baby in all their glory. Here are 12 quick tips for making sure you get the best picture possible for your custom pet portrait.
1. Plan Ahead
Before taking any pictures, it's a good idea to put together a plan. You'll want to clearly define your end goal, whether it's the type of photo you're going for (action shot vs. portrait) or what perfect pose you'd like your pet in. Once you have an idea, it will be much easier to take pictures that are clear and capture your pet at their best. Make sure to set aside a little extra time when planning to get ready for your shoot or in case you need to take some extra shots.
2. Practice Beforehand with the Camera
To get the perfect shot, it helps to know what your camera can do. Practice first with any zoom or other settings until you find the best possible setting for each situation. This will ensure that you are prepared when it's time to take pictures of your pet. You can also use this time to help your pet feel more comfortable with the camera so that they're at their best during the photoshoot
3. Use Natural Light
If you can, try to plan your photoshoot near a window or outdoors during the daytime. This will help ensure that your pet is lit in the best possible way for a great picture. The more natural light you have, the better- it's almost impossible to get a good shot with no source of light. Even if it's an overcast day, you'll still need some light to get a great picture.
4. Use Toys and Treats
If you're struggling to get your pet in the perfect position for the photo, try using treats and toys as motivation. For example, if you want your pet to look at the camera, but they prefer not to do so, try waving a treat near their nose and snapping the picture as soon as they look.
This trick works for most pets, and if it doesn't, you can always try moving on to something else. However, we've found that many pets love this technique because most are food-motivated,
5. Brush Your Pets
Before taking your pet's photo, it might be a good idea to brush them out first. This will help ensure that they look cute and clean for the picture, instead of having any tangles or other distractions in their fur. It also looks adorable! Plus, they're more likely to feel relaxed and calm after a nice brushing session, making it easier to take pictures of them.
6. Have A Friend Help Out
While you can probably take a decent picture of your pet by yourself, it might be even better with a friend. This will ensure that your pet looks at the camera and is not distracted by something else. Plus, if they aren't super social or love people, having another person to help might make them feel more comfortable and relaxed beforehand.
7. Use Familiar Locations
It also helps to choose familiar settings for your photoshoot. It might be more complicated than you think to get your pet to look at the camera and stay still for the shot if they're in an unfamiliar place or the photoshoot is at a time of day that disrupts their routine. If possible, try looking for a location that's similar to their familiar environment so that they feel safe and at ease.
8. Play With Your Pet
If you're struggling to get the perfect picture, don't be afraid to take action shots of them playing! The trick here is to make sure they don't take off with the ball or rope, as having to chase them down might be a little tricky. Try getting your pet used to playing with you first and then set the camera up point-blank. Then, when they start playing, you should take a bunch of shots all at once so that there's a higher chance your pet will be looking at the camera.
9. Keep Them Relaxed
The best way to get a good picture of your pet is to make sure they're comfortable. This might require some time beforehand playing with them, but will be worthwhile in the end. If they start feeling uneasy, try getting their attention with a toy or treat before snapping some shots.
10. Do Not Force Them Into A Position
If you have a particular outcome or position in mind, but your pet doesn't want to do it, don't force them to keep going into that position. Animals hate that, and it will show in their body language. You want to capture your pet in their most natural state, not have them feel uncomfortable or put them in a situation that won't bring out the best in them.
11. Avoid Using Unfamiliar Clothing Or Props
Since it can be hard to get pets to focus when there's something new in front of them, try using clothing and props that they're already familiar with. This will make them feel at ease and more likely to look cute in the picture. Plus, you'll probably get a much better result since they won't be distracted by anything new in their environment.
12. Avoid Using A Flash
When taking pictures indoors, it's a good idea to avoid using a flash since it might startle your pet. Instead, try using natural light by opening the curtains or blinds so that you won't have any harsh shadows ruining your photo. This will also soften up the lighting and make your pet look even better.
Conclusion
At JoyousJoyfulJoyness, we're proud to offer customized pet portraits and pet gifts for animal lovers and their pets. Contact us today to get started on your custom portrait! We take pride in our work and know that you'll be happy with the final product. So let's chat today about your project!