The Art of the Perfect Pet Photo: Tips for Capturing your Pet’s Personality

By: Natalie Pons, Office Manager at Pawsitivity Pet Services

Our pets are more than just companions, they’re family! And just like any family member, we love capturing their unique personalities and expressions in photos. Whether it’s a candid shot on a walk or a posed portrait at home, a great pet photo can bring a smile to your face for years to come.

At Pawsitivity Pet Services, our pet care specialists always aim to snap adorable photos during visits (which we love sharing with you in our journals and on our Facebook!) We’ve picked up some tricks along the way and we are excited to share some tips to help you capture your own great pet photos!

Tips for Capturing Great Photos

Embrace Natural Light

Avoid harsh flash! Flash can create “green eyes” in pets and often startles them. Go for soft, natural light instead. Position your pet near a window or outdoors during “golden hours” (early morning or late afternoon) for beautiful, flattering light. Overcast days are also great for soft, even lighting! (ASPCApro).

Get Down to Their Level

A common mistake is taking a photo from your height. Be sure to kneel, sit or even lie down to get to your pet’s eye level. This will help make them the actual subject of the photo!

Capture Their Attention (Naturally!)

One word: treats! Treats will be your best friend for this. Hold one of your pets favorite treats near the lens to get their focus and create the illusion that they are looking right at the camera. Additionally, squeaky toys or crinkling sounds can be unexpected and get those ears up! Often, calling their name with an excited tone will get them to look or even tilt their head! 

Focus on the Eyes

Sharp, in-focus eyes instantly make a photo capture your attention! Most smartphone cameras allow you to tap on the screen to set a focus point, so aim for their eyes.

Capture Candid Moments

Now, you don’t always have to have your pet pose! Some of the best pet photos are candid. Capture them sleeping in a funny position, mid-play, stretching or just when they are looking out a window! These moments are going to really capture their personality. 

If your pet is active, try using your camera’s burst mode (holding down the shutter button) to take a rapid series of photos. You’re more likely to catch that perfect move or expression!

Mind the Background

When it comes to a background, always keep it simple. A cluttered background can distract from your pet. Look for plain walls, open fields or simple greenery if outside.

If your camera allows, try using portrait mode to blur out the background, making your pet stand out.

Patience and Positive Reinforcement

Make it fun! Keep the atmosphere light and positive. If your pet seems stressed or uninterested, take a break. With anything your pet does that you like, reward it! Give lots of praise, treats and cuddles (if they like them) so they can associate photo time with a positive experience. 

Capturing your pet’s personality through photos is a great way to keep cherished memories of them! So grab your phone, get down to their level and start taking pictures!

We can’t wait to see the photos you take (and we’ll keep sending you ours!).