"Say
cheese!" Okay, maybe not "cheese." If your
dog is anything like mine, that word may be a little distracting-but
then again, that immediate snap to attention may be exactly
what you need to get a great photo of your pet.
This month we want to help you get the right shot, whether
you are looking for something to send along with this year's
annual holiday card, wanting to take advantage of the season's
decorations to create the perfect festive look for next year's
card, or just hoping to capture another great piece for the
mantle.
Here are the five steps you can take to enhance your pet photography
results:
1. Choose a setting with plenty of light: We've all
ended up with what would have been great photos, if
only the flash had not turned little Fifi's eyes cloudy
and red. To avoid this "alien" look on your
pet, find a bright or well-lit area to set up your scene
so that no flash is necessary. Then, if you're indoors,
make sure any extra lamp light doesn't shine directly
at your pet's eyes when you take your shot.
2. Take a minute to set your scene: Find a place where
your dog will sit comfortably, such as a usual hangout.
If you prefer a different setting-next to the Christmas
tree, for example-then clear a nice spot where you'd
like him positioned and lay out a little bedding so
that he will want to hang out there. Next, tidy up any
mess that will take away from your photo. You might
also want to give your pet a quick brush or clean any
discharge from the eyes, etc.
3. Get down to your pet's level: Instead of standing,
get down on the floor or even with the couch where your
dog is positioned so that you can take the photo straight
on, rather than from an angle. This way, your pet will
appear in a more natural position, and your photos will
take on a more portraiture look and feel.
4. Stabilize the camera: Several newer cameras have
stabilization features that help keep your pictures
crisp and clear even if you sway or shake a little while
snapping the photo. If yours does not, however, there
are a few things you can do to steady your camera and
avoid those blurry shots. The first and most obvious
choice is a tripod, but if you do not have one available,
try using a nearby coffee table, the fireplace hearth,
or a stack of books. Set your camera so that your picture
is framed the way you want it, then patiently wait to
click until the opportunity is just right-i.e., when
your pet is facing the camera and giving you that look
you love.
5. Grab your pet's attention: Don't want to wait around
all day for that perfect shot? Try a little incentive
he cannot resist. Like the word "cheese,"
props such as a favorite toy or treat can be used to
get and keep your pets attention right before you click.
Quick tip: Try balancing the treat on or near the camera
so that his attention is focused in the right direction.
Of course, this trick can also quickly work against
you by rousing your pet to run to your side and leave
the scene you so carefully constructed, so be ready
to click fast and don't delay once you set that plan
in motion.
Happy memory making! P.S. - Capture a great
photo using these tips? Email it to us at: comments@doghealthnewsletter.com
and we'll include it in a future issue of The Dog Health
Newsletter!