How to Come Up With That Great Contest Pet Photo
People who are both pet and photography lovers must be having a field day in this decade. All around are numerous contests for pet photographs that are not only a challenge for owners but an enjoyable diversion as well. With the advent of digital photography, it has become increasingly trouble-free to come up with that perfect contest pet photo. Nonetheless, even with a great and expensive digital camera, an owner who intends to have that immortal contest pet photo will benefit greatly from traditional tips that have stood the test of time.
Lighting
Crucial to any shot is the lighting. The perfect contest pet photo therefore should have adequate lighting. The best source of course is natural lighting. A sun shiny but somewhat overcast sky may provide a great opportunity for that contest pet photo. Some experts would suggest not using a flash since this may either startle your pet or cause a red eye if your flash hits your pet squarely on the eyes. You do need a flash however, if your pet has dark fur. A flash will help create great shading. If you are taking your contest pet photo indoors, considering positioning your pet near a light source like a window but do not take shots which are positioned directly at the light source.
Your Position
Pet photo experts unanimously agree that unless you have a reason for taking overhead shots, the best pet shots would be the ones that are level with the animals. You may therefore want to get down and dirty as you look for those perfect shots for your contest pet photo. Don’t be shy. Kneel low or lie down on the floor or carpet just to get up close and personal with your friend. You may also consider using your zoom to get closer facial shots.
The Pose
If your are restricted by contest rules and regulations you may have to build your contest pet photo according to requirements. You may for example have to take pictures of your pet in a Halloween costume or in a Christmas “mood”. If this is the case, you may just have to coax your pet pal into poses he may not agree with. Try using food treats to convince him to pose for you or try making sounds or using squeaky pet toys to make him look at you or something else. If there are no contest requirements however, you might just want to get a natural pose. Candid shots are surprisingly one of the best simply because they are unaffected and unpretentious. This would require some sneaking up on your part to take that contest pet photo. You’d simply just enjoy what your cute pets are up to while they think you’re not looking.