Love animals? Pet photography is the most rewarding experience! Whether I'm working with a rescue or a private owner, it is most rewarding.
Here are some tips that help for a smooth shooting experience:
Plan the shoot in a designated area that is away from distractions. For home shoots, make the area comfortable and inviting with playful and familiar toys and bedding. If at a rescue, do the shoot away from any other activities that may be occuring at the rescue. If an outdoor shoot, shaded areas on a warm day work best and limit volunteer assistance to two people.
Do plan the shoot when your pet is alert and ready to participate. If you know your pet is gassed at a certain time of day and does not want to be bothered, schedule for another time. Animals can be a lot like small children and you never want to force them to do photos.
Photo shoots should be limited to the photographer and owner for home shoots and the photographer and two volunteers at a rescue. Other animals and/or people are disruptive to the shoot. Nothing is worse than trying to conduct a shoot and your subject is running after other animals or having extra people on the side offering suggestions. It may be well intended but remember you are the photographer and it is your shoot. Every photographer has their own unique style and what may work for one may not work for another. It's also a bit rude.
My last tip, and the most important, is to do a brief "meet and greet" with your new furry friend. Remember that you are unfamiliar to them and they have no idea what it is that you are holding in your hand, pointing at them. Some animals do not like the clicking sound of the camera. I like to introduce myself, play with them and often will allow them to come to me and poke around my camera. If I'm at a rescue and on limited time and an animal doesn't want to cooperate, I move on to the next one and will revisit that particular animal at the end. Again, never force it.
Remember, relax, go with the flow and have fun!!
Kym
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