Capturing the moment: Easier said than done

“Quick, get the camera!” I whispered. “Puppy Cat’s sleeping upside-down in the laundry basket. She’s adorable!”
My husband, Eric, rose slowly and quietly, then tiptoed towards his camera. So far, so good. He stealthily headed toward his subject, raised the camera and then ... Puppy Cat bolted upright and began grooming her not-so-adorable parts in a proud and defiant manner. Defeated once again, Eric muttered a few choice words and set the camera on the counter just in case.
Those of you with pets can surely relate to the often frustrating activity of photographing animals. Their unpredictable nature can make capturing the moment a challenge. However, there are some easy ways to improve the odds of successfully photographing your treasured companion.
Composition
Be conscious of the setting. That photo of your dog catching a treat might have been perfect, if not for the pile of dirty laundry in the background. Conversely, an unremarkable photo of your rabbit might have been improved had he been captured nibbling a fresh carrot.
Get down on your pet’s level. Professional photographer Darren Rouse explains that images shot from above result in a very “human perspective.” Photos are more personal and intimate when shot from your pet’s level; they give a sense of entering his world. It can also be fun to zoom in very close. I have one photo of just my dog’s wet nose and lolling tongue that makes me smile every time I look at it.
Context
Make it fun for your pet. If you’re going for a certain pose, use treats, favorite toys and your most upbeat voice. Candid shots are great too. Capture your pet doing what is reflective of his personality. Is your pup forever digging up your garden? Does the cat stalk her pink sparkly ball with warrior-like intensity? Such photos can be positively
priceless.
Lighting
Natural lighting is usually best. If there is a specific light source (sun, window), put your back to it. Too much light, however, and shadows may obscure your subject. Ironically, a flash can come in handy here. It fills in the shadows, evening out the lighting. A flash is also useful with a dark-colored or black animal. According to Rouse, dark fur tends to absorb light, and a flash can add detail. Conversely, he recommends avoiding the flash with a light-colored pet.
More is more
Take lots of photos. When photographing adoptable cats at the shelter, I take at least 10 pictures per animal in order to get a couple of good ones. In the beginning, my cat photos were downright pathetic. Over time, however, they have improved significantly. I don’t rely on fancy camera settings, just my experience and imagination.
Virtues
Be patient with your easily distracted friend and don’t give up too readily. If you become frustrated, the session ceases to be fun for both of you. Take a break and try again later.
Afterward
Once you’ve finished your session, you may wish to consider using a photo editing computer program. While you don’t want to get carried away, sometimes cropping or adjusting the contrast can be the finishing touch you need.
Style
Finally, keep in mind that photography is a very personal art form. Browse professional pet photographers’ websites and study their images. What styles do you find appealing? Then, practice and experiment to develop your own skills.
Eric never did get that shot of Puppy Cat in the laundry basket. We’ve learned that sometimes it is better to simply enjoy the moment without the distraction of a camera. Nonetheless, with practice and a bit of luck, we’ve taken some great shots of our pets over the years. Now, go grab your camera and have fun.