Do you love to take pictures with your pet whenever the opportunity arises? If you said yes, then that makes sense. Because they are always so lovely and adorable, your pet deserves a particular place in your photo album. If you have a lot of affection for your pet, though, you might wish to keep a portrait of it on display. After all, their cute facial expressions would make your house feel more welcoming to guests. And what better way to show them off than commissioning a custom pet portrait from Memorialize Art, right? This professional portrait studio lets you specify all the details you want in a portrait while maintaining quality work.
However, before getting an amazing portrait, the real challenge would be getting a good photo of your dog with minimal fuss. So if you find it challenging to take good pictures of them, here are some simple strategies you could follow:
Manage Your Pet’s Energy Before the Photoshoot
Always remember that you know your pet better than anyone. Depending on your pet’s energy levels, you are going to want to figure out how to best manage his energy to help him focus during the photo shoot.
Get your active pet some fresh air and playtime before the photo shoot. Before an early morning shoot, tire them out with an extra walk or game. You have to do this because you’ll want them to get some of their excess energy out, but you don’t want them to pass out. Your goal is to capture their unique character while they still have the energy to play and have fun.
On the other hand, if you have an elderly pet or a pet who prefers to lounge around all day, it may be best to let them relax the day before the shooting. This will allow them to play at full capacity during their shot.
Catch Your Pet’s Attention
If you can grab your pet’s attention at the proper moment, you can train it to be the greatest poser. It’s crucial to know what motivates your pet so you can leverage it on the day of the shoot. If, for instance, you know that you can persuade your pet to stay still if you offer him his favorite toy, then you should definitely bring it along on the day of the shoot. It’s also helpful to provide treats to encourage your pet to perform tricks.
Costumes And Props
Including costumes and props in your photographs is completely voluntary; but, doing so might increase their visual appeal. It’s okay if they want to wear a hat, scarf, or Hawaiian shirt.
Remember that there is a wide variety of possible props available, so feel free to be creative with what you use. For instance, you may use a frisbee to get a thrilling action shot of your dog leaping to catch it. A picture of your cat cuddling up with a plush animal can also be appealing. But take note that the welfare of your pet should always come first. Use only safe props, keep an eye on them as they play, and put everything away when you’re done.
Familiarize It With The Camera
Dogs and cats are difficult to photograph because they become anxious when they are the focus of attention. That is why training is needed. It’s possible to train a dog to respond to the verbal cues “look” or “stare.” And don’t forget to keep the customary treats on hand to reward your pet with whenever it demonstrates improvement. At first, you might be lucky to catch even a passing glance in your direction. This makes sense, considering how challenging it is to teach your pet to look directly into the lenses. If you have a cat, use a teaser toy and place it near the camera to catch their attention.
Preparatory work using the tools you want to employ is also recommended. Doing so will assist your pets become accustomed to these accessories, making it simpler to pose for pictures when the time comes. They’ll feel more comfortable in front of the camera, which will help them relax.
Groom It
In order to get the finest photo of your pet, it has to be well groomed. You may either do the grooming yourself, or hire a professional. However, it’s best to get your pet groomed at least a couple of days before the photo session. Make sure to get rid of the grime and dead hair that might create knots by brushing your pet’s coat first. And when brushing or combing your pet, take extra caution and be gente so you’ll not hurt them. Don’t forget to give your pet some nail trim in order to prevent your it from damaging your props.
Prepare the Lighting
Natural light is preferable for pets, so you may not need any additional lighting fixtures. Avoid overusing the flash, too. Pets are often frightened by sudden flashes of light. Furthermore, they might give your cat a sinister, reddish appearance in its eyes. So remember to never aim the flash at your pet’s eyes if you must use one.
Final Words
The key to a stunning customized portrait of your pet is getting them ready for the session. When you put in the time and effort, you’ll be able to bring out your adorable pet’s individual qualities.