How do you photograph YOUR own pet and capture who they really are?
Below are some suggestions on how to do this. While I normally photograph other people's pets, I did take some images of my own just to try and get the reader's perspective on photographing your own pet.
Enjoy the images below of Willow, my rescue pup, and Dr. Wheaton and Blythe's pets, Starsky the lab, Sally the Australian Shepherd and Grover the orange tabby cat.
Suggestions:
1. Photograph what makes them special. In my dog's case, her silly dewclaws that hang off her back feet make us laugh and they are one of the little things that make her who she is.
2. Use natural light (window light or an area with even light like under an overhang or a shady spot). Flash isn't always the best thing when you are photographing animals as it sometimes startles them when the flash goes off or it makes red eyes. You can go without flash if you let more light into your camera via bumping up the ISO (this is like the film speed - remember in the film days - 100 for bright sunny days, 400 for shade or indoors, etc.), lowering the aperture or lowering the shutter speed. (But this is getting technical and calls for a separate post. Just remember there are other ways to get more light than using your flash.)
3. Put them in their natural surroundings. They are most relaxed and looking like themselves in places they are comfortable, such as their own home or favorite park.
4. Photograph them with their special toy or friend. 
6. Get up close and personal. A wet nose, the whiskers on their chin, etc. make for cool shots.
7. Pay attention to details. Make sure you get rid of anything you don't want in the picture (eye boogers, distracting elements in the background, etc.) BEFORE you take the photo!
8. Be patient! Don't be in a hurry when you are trying to take their picture! It takes time, especially if you want the images to really look like them.
9. Variety: Try different angles and different locations. Note that your pet looks different depending on the angle so try experimenting. Also, it is more interesting to have images from different locations (at home, at the dog park, etc.).
10. Take ALOT of images! Thank goodness for digital cameras where you can shoot away and then delete the images you don't want. The film days were expensive!
If you'd like to see more pet photos to get ideas for different shots, feel free to look through the images on my site, www.greyboypetprints.com.
Thanks for reading! I hope this helps! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them on my FaceBook page or email me at m@greyboypetprints.com. Happy photographing! :-)
BYLINE:
This guest post is by Mandi Pratt, artist at Greyboy Pet Prints and dedicated volunteer to The Pet Rescue Center. Mandi creates portraits that visualize the relationship between pet and owner and capture the pet's unique personality in a natural, stress free experience with the end result being custom, archival artwork that you can enjoy and have forever to remember your special companion! Contact her at 909.843.5454 or m@greyboypetprints.com for a free idea on how to display portraits in your home.
