| If you can keep the three following tips in mind | | | | slightly behind your subject matter. |
| while photographing your pet you can almost be | | | | Using a flash, even in bright light, is probably a |
| assured of a satisfying result. You can use these | | | | good idea as long as the flash does not |
| tips as a springboard to ever more sophisticated | | | | overpower the existing light. Using the flash as a |
| and creative pet portraiture. | | | | supplement is known as "Fill Flash". It can bring out |
| Tip Number One: | | | | the subtle details as well as adding a "catch light" |
| Get Down. Get down onto your pet's level. Seeing | | | | to your pet's eyes. Adding a simple catch light can |
| your pet at eye level makes a shot inherently | | | | bring an otherwise drab image to life. |
| more interesting. We are always looking down at | | | | Tip Number Four: |
| them, but by shooting them at eye level we not | | | | Center yourself, not the picture. You're focusing |
| only get a more interesting perspective, but you | | | | on the eyes, right? Make sure those eyes are not |
| can also achieve stronger connection. | | | | in the center of the picture. Most people center |
| Tip Number Two: | | | | the eyes leaving a lot of empty space at the top |
| Focus on your pet's eyes. Even if you don't get | | | | of the frame. Try putting your pet's eyes on the |
| anything else sharp, get the eyes sharp. In fact, if | | | | upper right or left quadrant for a starting point. |
| your pet's eyes are sharp, and nothing else, it can | | | | And fill the frame; it is hard to be too close! |
| even be a creative plus. Again, the connection you | | | | Tip Number Five: |
| establish with your subject will be much stronger | | | | Get your pet's attention. You have the eyes in |
| if the eyes are sharp, and connection is ultimately | | | | focus. The composition is looking good. Now get |
| what it is all about. | | | | your pet's attention. It might be calling their name, |
| Tip Number Three: | | | | making a noise, or even having a friend hold a |
| Get the light right. Having the light behind you a | | | | treat just above your head. |
| little to the left or right almost guarantees your | | | | But be prepared. You want to press that shutter |
| pet will be well lit. Not necessarily the most | | | | point just when your pet's eyes zero in on you |
| interesting light, but I'd rather have well lit than a | | | | and his or her ears perk up. That precious look |
| featureless blob. If you want to get a little more | | | | usually only lasts a fleeting moment, but capture it |
| sophisticated, set your flash to 1/3 under | | | | and you'll have a picture you can treasure |
| exposed (if you have an adjustable camera and | | | | forever. |
| flash) and have the available light from behind or | | | | |