Tips for getting the perfect photo of your dog or cat!

 

 

Ideally you will need 3 people, one to control your pet (to hold it in a sitting position if possible), one person to get it’s attention and one to take the photo.  It is virtually impossible to do all this yourself, unless you have a very obliging pet, plenty of film or disc space and the patience of a saint!

 

Try to get down to the same height as your pet and if possible, use a zoom lens to concentrate on the face without being too intrusive.  A three quarters view is often more interesting than side view or straight shot.

 

Preferably take your photos outdoors in bright shade or hazy sunshine and try not to use a flash, this can give unnatural shading, deaden the colour and startle your friend.  Get your pets attention by saying something your pet understands, making a sudden noise, offering food, offering a toy or as a last resort by walking out of sight, seriously dogs can be at their most alert at this point!  This may all sound like common sense, but it does work!

 

Good Luck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Dog Portraits

All images on this site © David McCarthy 1989-2006, no reproductions permitted