Pet photography: tips for dogs, cats and their people
Pets do not take direction, but treats, patience and fast settings help. Learn how to capture personality in dog and cat photos.
Pets are family, and great pet photos capture personality: the dog who always tilts its head, the cat who owns the sunniest spot in the house.
Settings
- Shutter speed 1/500 or faster for moving pets, 1/1000 for running dogs
- AF-C with animal eye detection, available on Sony cameras
- Aperture f/2.8 to f/4 so the whole face is sharp, especially on long snouts
Get their attention
Squeaky toys, treats and strange noises work for a second or two, so be ready before you make the sound. Have the owner stand behind you holding a treat near the lens.
Get low
Shoot at the pet’s eye level for a more personal perspective.
Light and backgrounds
Outdoor shade or soft window light works best. Avoid harsh sun on dark coats, which lose detail. Choose backgrounds that contrast with the fur color.
Action shots
For running dogs, prefocus on a spot, use burst mode and track with AF-C. Ask the owner to call the dog toward you.
Include the owners
Some of the most meaningful photos show the bond between pets and their people.
Next: Street portraits: how to photograph strangers respectfully
