Anyone who knows me knows that I love dogs. Our beagle, Daisy, was our surrogate child and greatest joy. Among her many talents, Daisy regularly served as a model while I tried out new cameras, lens, and flash settings. She was an exceeding patient dog and an extraordinary subject - she could sit still for long periods and set her soulful eyes into the lens. In fact Daisy's deep gaze was once featured in Taste the Bay Magazine after winning pet photo of the year.
While I'd like to think I'm talented photographer, in this case as in many, the subject made the photo and I was only fortunate to be the one behind the camera.
As I've mentioned in prior posts, pets are absolutely part of the family and no portrait is complete with out them. I'd like to further recommend featuring pets primarily on their own.
Take the time to capture some pictures of your pets, you'll be glad you did.
Recommendations:
- Don't worry if your pet isn't looking directly at the camera.
- Avoid the use of flash - pets' eyes capture poorly with flash resulting in red-eye.
- Consider black and white as a medium to capture more of their expression.
- Be prepared to use a higher shutter speed - pets move quickly and randomly.
- Include a special toy, favorite bed, or pose.