Section 2 Shooting
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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Pet Photography
Your dog, cat, or other pet animal can be a
great photographic subject and is easily accessible
for practicing animal photography techniques.
An advantage in photographing your own pet is
your knowledge of his or her moods, habits, and
favorite activities. There are three basic ways to
photograph a pet:
• A portrait, either in a formal close-up or a
wider environmental context.
• An action shot of the animal engaged in a
favorite or typical activity.
• A picture of the pet interacting with another
animal or a human being.
While many of your pet photos will be
spur-of-the moment shots, Figure 12-41, you
should devote some time to making a planned
photo shoot. If possible, select a location with
good lighting and a minimum of background
clutter, such as a floor area with ample light
coming through a window or patio door. The
location must be one that the pet frequents
or will remain in long enough for you to get
your shots.
Like children, pets are best photographed
from their own level. Kneel or even lie down
on the floor. If someone is available to act
as an assistant, he or she can help draw the
animal’s attention to a certain direction
or introduce the toy or other activity. This
frees you to concentrate on getting the shots
you want.
Photographing in the Wild
Some photographers are fortunate to
be able to travel to exotic locales, capturing
dramatic photos of African lions, penguins in
Antarctica, or moose in Alaska, Figure 12-42.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 12-40. This portrait of a mandrill at a Phoenix
zoo would have been less striking visually with flat frontal
lighting.
Katie Gorham
Figure 12-41. Informal pet portrait of a kitten.
Suzanne M. Silagi
Figure 12-42. A moose browsing along a roadway in
Denali National Park in Alaska.