Pet Photography Basic Tips Tricks

Photo by Tim Flach

Animal photography encompasses a wide spectrum of practices, from pet portraits to advertising and wildlife. In the first part of this series, I’m going to take a look at the kind that most of us have the opportunity to practice: pet photography.

The booming pet photography business is a good way to familiarize yourself with the experience of photographing animals. Pets are easy to find, close to home and many sessions can be executed at the owner’s home or outdoors. With the right reflectors and subtle flash, you can create flattering pet portraits and engaging action shots without ever setting foot in a studio.

Besides the potential extra income, pet photography provides an opportunity to build a door-opening portfolio. According to National Geographic photographer Michael Nichols, photographers get their break by “shooting personal projects in your backyard, your home town, places you can go to repeatedly.”

Cats and dogs are always popular subjects, of course, but your portfolio will benefit from less common members of the animal kingdom. Open your eyes to birds, lizards, and other other, even more uncommon pets. Visit farms or petting zoos, or contact breeders for access to animals that none of your friends own.

“A winning animal portfolio should look like Tim Flach’s,” says London photographic agent Peter Bailey. The multiple-award winning Flach, who counts Cirque du Soleil, Sony and Hermès as his clients, is famous for his clean compositions, intriguing close ups, admirable command of lighting and uncanny portrayal of animal characteristics.

To Flach, “putting across a clear idea is more important than your equipment,” and he recommends concentrating on the concept. Go for bold images that capture the animal’s spirit, aim for perfect focus of the eyes every time and don’t be shy of extreme close ups or verging on abstract. Keep in mind the kinds of themes that dominate images of animals: humour, fun, a sense of freedom, beauty and harmony.