Chapter 1 – The Essence Of Portrait Photography
People love to take portraits. A portrait is a captured likeness of the subject, in this case a person, especially their face. Portrait photography however has deeper a connotation than that, being understood as a superior quality image, capturing the individual’s physical likeness, their character on a digital or film camera’s sensor. It is also understood that portrait photography produces pleasing and attractive results to the person being the subject.
Character revelation is the focus of portrait photography. At least one element of the subject must be shown in the photo. Elements may include the subject’s attitude, personality, unique mannerisms, and any other traits or features that shape the very unique nature of the person. The portrait photograph tells the viewer something that suggests of the subject’s individuality.
It is often times that a viewer expresses agreeableness that the photographer really captured the subject’s likeness, in which may be referred to as their exact physical likeness. However, what one is consciously saying about them is that the photo reveals something that is very identifiable of the character of the subject. Portrait photography therefore is not mere capturing of the image likeness, but arresting the true character deeply formed in the subject; a task that can be challenging as photographers as they may never have known the subject before.
So, how do you capture these character traits?
Each individual has unique characteristics, traits, attitudes, and features. However, not all people are the same when it comes to expressing them. There are just some who can easily convey their individual character or trait with immediate transparency. Others, on the other hand, have difficulty in doing the same.
For the portrait photographer, it would be easier to deal with the former type. But for the latter, it will take more work and proficiency to study the true essence of the subject otherwise it can be hard transporting this essence into the portrait.
Having said that portrait photography isn’t only about taking shots but rather it involves studying one’s character, like observing for signals displaying the subject’s mannerisms, expressions, body language, and even reactions. It will take a lot of skill and understanding for the photographer to do that, but such is required to reveal the true character of the subject.
Engaging them into conversation is one way of doing it.
Finding a common ground for a topic can begin the studying of person’s likeness. It can be any subject, so long as the subject is cooperating and opening up. Creating a rapport is also another important way to do it. It easily makes the subject more comfortable at your presence, and therefore makes them more natural looking when you start taking photos of them.
When do you start taking pictures?
You can begin right away once you find the subject is comfortable and relaxed. Starting right away can begin the tension to set in the subject, therefore, making it hard for them to be at ease or settle down just yet. They may look posed in the pictures, but often they can result to a portrait lacking the subject’s true essence.
Rushing portrait photography is never a good idea. And unless, you knew the subject very well and are already comfortable working with you, you can begin right away. In the case of portrait photography, it works best by using your best judgment before executing any shots.
Chapter 2 – Baby Portrait Photography
If you’ve never had kids and wonder why your mom-friends keep showing pictures of their babies to you every chance they get or why they are so obsessed with taking baby portrait photos, the answer is simple. Baby Portrait Photography is a very fascinating and enjoyable leisure!
Mothers and fathers have taken the art of baby portrait photography into their own hands. In fact, if you’re a new parent, I bet you have a camera tucked in your bag all the time. To capture the witnessed unexpected ‘firsts’ or simply, capturing the right moment that candidly presents itself, are sure the ultimate joys of a parent.
Poses at Specific Ages
However, there is also a challenge in taking baby photos; and that is, babies do not know how to pose. The subject is still too unaware of its surroundings or at certain ages, unpredictably active. So it would be helpful if we could be least expecting of their abilities to strike a pose. We know babies can barely hold up their heads or retain a particular position at 0-3 months that’s why we would need to hold them to pose.
Experiment on how the baby could be held but make sure that the focus of the photo would be on the baby and not on any one else. You must find a way to capture only the baby’s profile while being held by another person. There are still limited positions you can capture when you are taking photos of babies between the ages of 3-6 months. The good news is that babies can now hold their heads up so it’ll be much easier to get the face into profile. Costumes and props that are safe for these ages may also be used to liven up the photos.
Babies begin to sit around 6-9 months and this is when you can capture very odd poses from the babies. Since the babies start to become very active, this is the time when you need to master the shutter speed feature of your camera. And from ages 10 months onwards, some babies may be able to recognize that their photos are being taken and might even hold their poses a little longer. Candid photos may do very well during these ages.
10 Things to Keep in Mind about Baby Portrait Photography
1. Make sure that your camera has film all the time and that your batteries are fully charged all the time
2. If you are using a digital camera, it is best to have batteries ready.
3. Familiarize yourself with the use of shutter speeds and camera flashes.
4. Do not be afraid to take ultra-close up photos of your babies.
5. Try shooting at distances and capturing the drama of the scene.
6. If you are going to pose your babies, hold them securely.
7. Your babies need not be dressed in costumes all the time, just make sure they are clean unless you intend to take photos of them wiping chocolates go on their faces which is very adorable too.
8. Try shooting in grayscale. Black & white photos come out very classy and elegant, so if you intend to frame the photos, you will never go wrong with it.
9. Remember that babies can easily get distracted, if you caught your baby doing something very nice, be quick in clicking the camera or you might miss the moment.
10. Get others involved. Have your relatives of family members make coo-coo sounds to make the baby smile or simply talk to the baby to get eye contact.
There is nothing like capturing the essence of a child in a photograph. They grow up so fast so you want to really get every precious moments on film. You will learn simpler baby portrait photography techniques as you go along, and you’ll be proud each time you get a cute little smile recorded for eternity.
Chapter 3 – Do-It-Yourself Steps to Portrait Photography
Long before digital cameras have come to existence, people have been fascinated by portraits mainly because it captures the essence of a person. Portrait photography has the power of capturing one’s image and depicting that person’s character, at the same time imprinting such images for all to remember. However, people do not realize that ever since cameras have been developed and made available to everyone, they have been secretly becoming a threat to the techniques that professional photographers have studied for years. Learn about portrait photography and you’ll see how amazing this hobby can be!
It doesn’t take a genius to take amazing pictures really. All you need is a little practice, some basic portrait photography practices and these helpful tips to take the greatest photos to die for!
1. Capture the Character
Capturing one’s character through a photo shot could be considered most challenging. This is simply because it is extremely difficult to identify one’s character by a mere look at an image shot by a camera, most especially when you do not know them very well or haven’t even met them. Engaging in small conversations and getting to know the subject a little bit before shooting might just do the trick.
Magic happens when there is a clear relationship or camaraderie between the photographer and the subject. That is why when you look into the lens, make sure you are able to connect to the subject, sense the subject’s sincerity and smile, the intensity of the scowl or the emptiness of that distant look. If you’re able to that, then you could say you have successfully captured the character of your subject.
Maximize Natural Light
Camera flashes produce red eye, so to avoid this on your photos, try getting the most out of the light that is already available. Position the subject facing against the light so the brightness will illuminate the face. In unavoidable cases wherein there’s no natural light coming in, simply resort to using red eye removal software that could minimize these for you. Most digital cameras today come with a red-eye removal feature.
2. Focus on Me
The focus of a portrait should always be on the subject and not the background. So make sure that you shoot in plain backgrounds or make the necessary adjustments in the focus of the camera to highlight the subject and lay back the background a little bit. Remember that the subject has to always stand out against the background. Otherwise, the essence of the portrait is forfeited.
3. Eyes Open
Except when it is called for, like for a dramatic or theatrical effect, the eyes should always be open. A photographer cannot fully capture the image or the character of the subject without seeing the emotions radiate from within. Blinking even just for a second is a photographer’s no-no! So give your subject the due warning or practice first to pre-condition the eyes to the flashes of light. Here are other hints about portrait photography now.
4. Black is Drama
You think black and white is out? No. It’s still very popular and instantly creates drama and elegance.
5. Instant cover up
You don’t need to have professional make up artists to do your face before shooting a portrait. Covering or minimizing blemishes are made easy by simple overexposure of the photos. It makes the skin seem luminescent and cures a portrait from its imperfections.
6. Make your subject move
Try to engage your subjects in a conversation or instruct them to move freely then speed shutter. These will give you very interesting photos which look candid and spontaneous. You can also take advantage of these features when shooting portraits of children.
7. Decide to dress up
Imagine this portrait blown and hung up on the walls of your living room. Would you want your family and friends to look at you in shabby clothing? If you’re going for the elegant look, go for dresses, gowns, suits or tube tops for a topless look. Or if you insist on simplicity, that’s fine. Just make sure you avoid something you don’t like to be caught wearing.
Now, you have the list of must-dos and a total picture of portrait photography. All you need to do is practice, so start picking up that camera, start shooting and you’ll see yourself improve everyday. Do not hesitate to play with the lighting techniques and do some experimenting on portrait photography. It is truly a worthwhile leisure of art!
Chapter 4 – Do’s And Don’ts Of Family Portrait
Photography
Throughout history, noble families have paid painters to make portraits of their proud lineage. Family portraits remain to be one of the best ways to preserve a family’s heritage. This practice has evolved since and today the digital age of cameras gave birth to more modern family portrait photography techniques which made it easier for members of the families to take their own family photos if they do not want to employ a professional to do it.
Here are some easy to follow do’s and don’ts that could help you record great family memories:
DO: Choose the Photographer
If your family has the luxury of time, you can always schedule an appointment with a professional portrait photographer. All you need to worry about is how you should dress up on the occasion and the photographer will take care of the rest.
You can always do the portraits by yourself. If you have a friend that could hold the camera for you, just take the lead in giving instructions. If you don’t have anyone else that could click the camera, try using the good old timer. Digital cameras can hold up to about 20 second, giving you ample time to pose, prepare and hold the smile.
DON’T: Take Pictures without Make-up On
If you want to take photos up close, tell your family members to at least wash their faces and put a little make up on. Blushers and lip glosses for men will do; eye liners, blushers and lip colors for women. Go for the natural look unless you are wearing formal clothes where you would need full make up on women and the men’s feature highlighted with powder and some foundation and liners. You may also go to professionals to do these for you but the easiest way is to ask Mom to do it.
DO: Plan on What to Wear
There is nothing shabbier than a family portrait that has you looking like a rag doll next to the well dressed Mom and Dad. You don’t want anyone else to stand out. If you decide on wearing formal clothing, make sure that everyone is in formal clothing. The colors have to be coordinated as well. You can either wear the same color or dress in contrast, or monochrome, but please have one specific and recognizable theme in place. This will show unity and harmony in print.
If you go for a less serious portrait, then going crazy on colors is allowed. For instance, if you intend to pose on the beach, just make sure that everybody is dressed in swimwear.
DON’T: Shoot when someone is in a Bad Mood
Professional photo shoots are often scheduled, so make an effort to keep each other happy prior to the photo taking. If you have been planning to take photos by yourself, get everyone in the mood first. Have them laughing naturally so that the innate glow in their faces will show. You don’t want the faces on your family portrait to look glum or uninviting. Even if you were instructed not to smile on a particular photo, especially in formal ones, it doesn’t mean that you are miserable. Any negative vibe could be reflected, so unless you want your family portraits to look like a photo of a wrestling match – make each other happy!
DO: Change the Scenery
Dare to be different. We are no longer in the medieval ages where pictures of families are very stiff and formal unless this is the direction you want to go. Experiment with the poses, kneel, lie down, jump, go high or low, and get wacky! Take pictures on the beach, while driving, bungee jumping, or anything that is out of the ordinary and you’ll be amazed at how original your pictures will turn out!
Truly, Family Portrait Photography is easy and fun. It was turned into a tradition not only to capture the images of the lineage members but also as a bonding moment for the family to be together. And later on in so many years, you probably won’t remember what type of camera the photographer used to take the photo or what car you were driving on the way to the studio, but you will forever remember the faces and laughter you had together as a family while having the family pictures taken!
Chapter 5 – How To Be Natural With Portrait
Photography
The problem with portrait photography is coming out with a portrait that has the subject either uneasy looking, stiff, nervous, or is just plain discomfited with their awkward smiles prominently displayed in the photo.
A photographer should crack their subject’s openness up so they would lighten up and cooperate with you. They’d be more natural too and so easy to work with. It would result to portraits that are not just lovely but lively with the subject’s true essence captured in the image.
So, how does one crack up the code to make their subject work their way up towards having the most natural self and so you begin taking their portrait shots in the easiest and most natural manner too? Here are four
tips:
Tip #1
Work on the subject’s hands. Well, not that you will take different shots of their hands. Instead, give something which they can hold to. Keep their hands busy so that they have cognitive distraction and therefore can curb any camera anxiety they are suffering. That will make for a good shot because it will appear the most natural when the portrait show the entire image with the subject’s hands busy doing something.
Tip #2
Always use a chair. A chair can be the handiest tool you can have while taking their portrait shots. It is always a proven trick to make the subject sit and find them more comfortable and natural than when they stand. There is more a casual thing in the air in which you can take advantage of and do your different angles taking pictures of them.
Tip #3
Learn the art of attracting the distraction. Sounds confused, yes? But here is the idea: get the subject distracted by letting them talk about something which they are interested in, maybe about their favorite pets, family, hobbies, and just about anything that you know will make them soften and open up. Out of these distractions, make good laughs out of it.
This is called shifting techniques that easily loosen up the subject and create the mood that you want when you want to begin shooting up. Not only will you have a lighter, more casual work tandem but you can use them up to have shots with a general sense of fun and light aura, making that up for more natural and sweeter photos.
Tip #4
Do remember to always bring with you respect for everybody you work with. No matter how old your clients are, it is always a good thing to pass on respect to everybody. Whether you are doing personal portrait photography works with your own family, the children or your spouse, or with clients who hired you, respect will clear the atmosphere up and will bring good natured photo sessions.
For instance, if the subject is exuding discomfort during the shoot, it is best to bring them on a location where you can secure privacy. Also, don’t just drop and move if you have something in your mind. Be outright and tell your ideas, and have conversation with them to ensure they are open with what you are trying to impose on the shoot.
In portrait photography, all four tips above are essential if you do want to make your subject or clients more at ease in front of your camera and to bring results that have the most natural effect in them. Make sure then to bring with you these tips to a more effective and productive photographer in you.
Chapter 6 – Portrait Photography Made Easy
Mobile phones have evolved into a well-loved technological gadget that you could bring anywhere you want. You could capture moments with a simple click on your camera unlike when you have to bring along your professional or digital camera, which could really be very inconvenient. If you will browse through the various network sites you will find millions and millions of photos taken with a mobile phone camera and yet producing very distinct and appealing portraits of people. Truly, portrait photography has evolved and gone a long way!
So let us look into into this innovative hobby of taking pictures freely by merely using phones and uploading them into websites. Here are some helpful hints on how to catch that beautiful light and turn something ordinary like an ordinary occasion into an unexpectedly great event!
Tips for Shooting Portrait with your Camera Phones
1. To flash or not to flash
Some high end mobile phone cameras are now equipped with flash bulbs ensuring that pictures may still be taken in the dark or at night time. However, it is likely that you will get red eye in your photos if you will decide on using a mobile phone camera. Why? This is mainly because you will be shooting closely to the subject or to yourself if you are taking your own picture.
Find an area where there is ample light so the flash will be deflected. And if you are shooting in the dark, make sure that there are no mirrors to reflect and intensify the light. Better yet, you can cover the flash with a sheen material to lessen the brightness.
2. Where to look
You do not always have to look directly into the camera. Find a space and focus on that space instead. Internalize and stare as if you are looking at nothing. Exude the emotions through the eyes without having to look directly into the lens to achieve a more dramatic effect.
3. Use your camera features
Increasing brightness would allow for a smoother photo, and increasing darkness would attract the eyes to the lighter areas of the photos like the eyes of specific features of the face. You can always create pictures that will spell drama by simply playing with the various features of your camera phone.
4. Closer please
Do not be afraid to get close. This will capture the true emotion behind the eyes and will draw the attention to details such as skin texture, eye pigments or the shine on the skin.
5. Try different faces
A portrait photo doesn’t have to always contain a subject full of smiles. Even Mona Lisa was barely smiling at her portrait, remember? You would be surprised to find out that there are so many things you can hide and at the same time expose from your personality when you try on putting different faces and looks on the camera. Experiment it and see for yourself.
6. Edit when necessary
Make sure you edit your photos before you finally upload them on the websites. If you have red eyes on your photos, you may reduce them by selecting some programs from your camera. Simply adjust the brightness and contrast of your camera, or better yet initiate some tweaking in the colors of the original photo.
7. Get props, get posing
Be innovative! Remember that among the millions of photos on the various websites accessible to us, 95% of them show very simple, straight up photos of people smiling, with their teeth showing and rarely doing anything unusual. Pick up anything, pose anywhere and anyhow. Don’t be a mediocre and step out of the ordinary!
Bottom line is, to capture what is real. The main point of portrait photography is to seize the emotions and actions of people, knowingly or candidly, and save them for the rest of their lives. One doesn’t need photography classes to develop an eye for beauty. You may start learning the art of portrait photography by simply using that tiny gadget you always have in your pocket, your mobile phone.
Simply shoot portraits at different angles using various color effects.
Master the art of portrait photography by practicing zooming in and out to un-focus or focus backgrounds. Experiment on lighting so you will know how to get a really good angle for close up photos. You will be amazed at how professional the pictures would look on your homepage when you upload them.
Chapter 7 – Portrait Photography Tips For Capturing
Baby Moments
Capturing the baby moments can be a struggle to most. But if you know how to do portrait photography, it should never be the case. If you want to take the best shots of your baby, here are the things to remember:
Angles
Finding a good angle where to shoot from can be difficult to most since babies are more swaddled in rugs most of the time. The little flaws that you find for the newly-born babies don’t help either, so here’s what you can do: get close. Close ups can give you angles that will make it easier for you to capture the best baby portrait.
You can do it by either using longer focal length or you physically moving in to the baby and then taking shots at a close angle. You can also get down low to take natural baby shots. Nursed shots are another way to get good angles as the baby is in more human-like position opening up many angles that you can take advantage of.
Macro Shots
Babies are so cute and they have tiny parts which you can actually zoom in on with your camera, called the act of macro shots. If the camera has this macro mode feature, you can isolate each body part of the baby and utilize it for the focus of your photos. Taking shots for all the cute, tiny, little body parts of the baby and collecting them will make for great feature portrait shots.
Check for Happy Times
Another big challenge that photographers often found when taking baby pictures is that babies don’t often smile a lot. In fact, you will find them doing many other things, but seldom smiling. So take chances when you see them smile.
Always be on the lookout. You can catch happy times when the baby is having a bath, mid morning feeds, and little play. When the baby giggles, this is often times a time that you will capture a great portrait with its wide opened eyes and laughing mouth.
Keep Your Camera Always Ready
You never know when the baby is in the mood. So, always make sure the camera is nearby and is ready anytime the baby is displaying happy moments or expressing funny, little, and sometimes weird but fascinating, expressions. If the camera is out of sight, you will lose all those moments worth capturing in a portrait.
Keep Shooting
Babies rapidly change, in a daily manner, particularly in their early months. The change is quite exponential and is amazing to discover these changes. It makes for the best chances to photograph them and capture the best moments and angles. Don’t miss daily shots, because you can have great photos out each day. Do keep shooting and don’t stop even if the baby is growing up.
Do Black and White Photos
Black and white photos are great baby portraits. There are many reasons why. One is they hide little skin flaws such as marks, blotchiness, and scratches. They lessen the impact of these flaws when captured in a photo. Black and white also softens the shots. The cuddly, cute, soft characteristics of the babies can be accentuated by black and white background.
You can also edit the intensity of the color. You can de-saturate or leave just little color in the shots so that the image comes softer. When it comes to portrait photography for babies, you can always do experiments with color to achieve a more dramatic and effective outputs.
Chapter 8 – Portrait Photography: What Clothes To Wear
When doing portrait photography, it is often a common concern for people to be worried on what to wear during the session. Though may seem a trivial matter, what clothes you wear during portrait photography can impact significantly as the photos come out. If one wants to have the best looking yet most natural portraits, be sure to advise them of what clothes are proper to be used on the set.
To avoid having clients who are uncomfortable in the set, be sure to give them tips about what to wear during the shoot. This article therefore is aimed at helping photographers what advise to give their clients in regards with proper clothing on the set.
Be comfortable.
It is often the biggest challenge for photographer to make their subject relaxed and more at ease when photo sessions begin, so what clothes they wear is one of the key factor in helping them be more natural. Wearing comfortable clothes will ensure they don’t make a big fuss when your camera starts clicking; therefore, instruct them to wear the most comfortable yet presentable clothes during the shoot. If they are contented and happy with what they wear, then huge chances that you are capturing them that way.
Clothes you wear in your portrait tell who you are.
As much as people condemn the idea of judging a person with clothes they wear, it is common reaction for viewer to say something basing on what the subject in the portrait is wearing. The outward appearance talks first, and it is difficult to correct that since all the viewer can see in the portrait is still image.
So, letting the subject wear their best comfortable clothing will help a lot in coming up with a portrait that communicates their most physical and inner likeness. The subject can opt to wear clothes that show their funny side or wear one that show demonstrates their serious side.
Plain, Unobtrusive Dark Clothes
Plain or dark clothes can be a good choice for the subject about to be shot for portrait photography. This is not only because dark and plain clothes tend to make the person wearing them look slimmer but they allow the focus to be on the image of the person’s face. This is important in a portrait photograph; after all, you would want the viewer to see the face expression and reaction first before the other entire details in the portrait.
Unobtrusive plain clothes just have good effects on the totality and background of the portrait as they allow the focus to be directed on the subject itself; therefore, easily demonstrating the true character likeness of the person.
This cannot be easily achieved with clothes that have crazy patterns, wild and bright colors, dots, lines, and overly elaborate designs as they can draw the focus out the primary subject consequently defeating then the true purpose of portrait photography. Of course, you have to consider the complexion of the subject. Nevertheless, you will find plain colors that will suit each kind of complexion.
Pants, Long Sleeves, and Collars
For men, collars are a great detail that their clothes must have. Collars are amazingly a way to frame the face up which can be flattering when captured in a portrait. Also, long sleeves are much preferred than short sleeves, as pants are than shorts. The less exposure of skin, legs and arms in that case, takes away the distraction which can actually be negative for portrait photography.
Chapter 9 – Random Portrait Photography Tips For
Stunning Photos
When you take out your camera to take portraits, how do you do it so that you will have them with wow factor? Do you adhere to the rules usually known as standard with portrait photography? Don’t you find your portraits boring and monotonous? If so, why not break some rules and think out of the box when snapping those moments away?
For all you know, capturing moments without following the rules may come out with pictures that are not only beautiful but striking too? Want to try it? Then get those rules out for the meantime and check the following helpful tips to get those portrait photos that you so wanted for a long time.
Altering your Perspective
Traditional rules say that you take pictures pointing your camera at an eye level of your subject while the latter looks at the lens to convey communication. But now, you can achieve better photos if you can change that perspective and try adding some randomness by getting high up the ground then shooting down or going close to the ground then shooting up. Either way, it will create an angle that will produce an interest to your subject.
Playing with Eye Contact
A couple of random ways to play with an eye contact are available for you. Either you make the subject look off the camera or look within the portrait’s frame.
The first one can create a sense of candidness as well as can elicit interest and intrigue as people will wonder where the subject is looking at. It is particularly true when there is a sort of emotion displayed by the subject in their eyes, whether laughing, sad, surprised, or amused. Be sure to capture though the subject’s eyes even while they’re off the lens.
If the subject is looking within the frame, say at an object, it can create a story where a relationship between the subject and the object is established drawing out interest from the viewer.
Playing with Lighting
Using lights in randomness is a great way to play up with your portrait photography. In fact, limitless possibilities can be created when you know how to play up with the light against your subject. Silhouetting, backlighting, and side-lighting are some of the techniques to create drama or hide some features of the subject.
Moving the Subject Out of Comfort Zone
Thinking out of the box when taking photos of your subject includes removing them out of their comfort zone. It means that you have to make your subject act random things while you are taking shots at them. You can create special and exciting and not awkward, dull, or stiff portraits from out of “silly” shots.
Using Props
Props can add drama and flair to the shots. Use random things for the props, where they can serve as points of interest. Just remember to not take away the spotlight from your primary subject.
Shooting Candidly
Candid shots are, of course, different from, posed shots. The former can add refreshing touch to the portrait while posed shots can sometimes be stiff and plain. Photograph your subjects while they were busy doing things. Shoot continuously or set your camera to a burst so that it continues to click capturing different angles of subject, which you can later on choose your best work from.
There are many different techniques that you can use to produce stunning shots. While it is good to follow rules if you are afraid to getting mistakes, but “out of the box” thinking can be so much fun and useful for portrait photography.
Chapter 10 – Take My Pictures: A Guide To Pet Portrait
Photography
Pet Portrait Photography is very popular these days. It’s natural! You love your pet so much that you treat him like family. There are photographers who are expert on taking pet pictures but you can always do it in the comfort of your own home. Simply ready your digital camera at all times.
Read on to find more hints on how to take better pictures of your pets.
The Candid Shot
You cannot really expect animals to pose for you, can you? They are naturally active and highly temperamental. They rely on instinct all the time so as long as they are stimulated, you must expect distractions to come your way. It is just impossible to teach the animals take the pose you exactly want them to do.
So instead, be like paparazzi! Catch them doing something cute and clever and funny; or when you think they’re about to do something very mischievous, sneak up on them and start clicking away. You’ll be surprised at how good the pictures were taken.
Making Your Pet Look Its Best
A well-groomed pet is always comforting to look at. There are unexpected moments of clumsiness like when they run into a puddle of mud that you may want to remember. If your pet goes to the groomer regularly, then you will have more chances of catching them at their best. But be aware that whenever dogs or cats with long hair are given a shorter hair-cut, they are prone to get a little bit depressed, so taking photos right after won’t harness good results.
Moods and Swings
You are probably familiar with your pet’s behavior by now; as to whether they feel most sleepy after they’re fed or if they’re playful during the mornings when it’s not too hot or too cold. If you want to take a photo of them in a specific mood, try to know the patterns when these moods are usually exhibited.
As Close as Possible
The cutest photos are the ones that show the face. And because pets are normally smaller than humans, you might need to really get down to get a clear view of their eyes or get a close shot of their faces. Zoom lenses are very helpful for taking photos of pets – that is if you can’t get close enough to them.
Plan the Scenes
Carefully plan your scenes. If your cat likes to play with toys then make sure to have loads of them around. If your dogs like to chew, give them bones to play with or doggie toys they can throw and bite, too.
Sprinkle colors in the area and make sure there is adequate light. For a more airy effect, adjust the brightness of your camera; add a little contrast if you want to expose the light in their eyes. There are a million ways to catch your pet doing something cute. As they are, we’re sure they’re already fascinating to look at and that’s exactly what you want to remember about them. Pet portraits are great keepsakes so practice on the techniques of pet portrait photography and experiment on other ways to add beauty to your pet’s pictures!
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