Hush.. Hush.. Puppies...its snap time..!
September 17th 2006 14:33
I... I... donno why but I kindda feel funny with this rEd bOw around my neck..
Thought of dedicating today’s post to our four-legged buddies, the domestic pets!! Photographing pets is as difficult as photographing kid. Both are vibrant, full of energy and very, very unpredictable!!! At the same time when both these little worlds are in a playful – cheery mood nothing beats that moment.
So how do we go about capturing these fantastic moments through the lenses? Or rather how do we get to such a shooting spree atmosphere?
Let’s see.
we're waitin for taxi...for hours now... hey be quiet will ya..
Tip #1: Patience
The most important rule to remember is that the pets don’t dance to your tune, so you have to literally dance to their tune. You have to figure out a way to do this. It’s a good idea to know and understand their behaviour. Most pets are dull during mid day or after a heavy meal. Some automatically get into the playful- cheery mood in an open space like park, beach or along riverbank. Its up to you, to decide on the location.
Tip #2: No trick, no treat
Abolish this idea if you want your pet to look normal and natural. This trick – treat attitude will only increase the anxiety on your pet and the photos will look more like a shot at a circus rather than ‘you and the pet’ kind of relation.
what no food? oh well then... no photo too..
Tip #3: Flash – to use or not to use?
Flash in an open-air environment under daylight is not compulsory. But if you are photographing during sun set along the beach its advisable to use flash to neutralise the light around the subject.
Avoiding flash will solve the problem of green/ yellow eye reflection on the photo being created (like the red-eye syndrome in people, animal’s eyes reflect to flash as green/ yellow colour)
Gee... give us some privacy, will ya..
Tip #4: Indoors
If you are shooting indoors its ok to use flash. But at times this might jilt your pet! So be cautious of it. Especially if it’s a kitten or puppy that is only couple of weeks old please refrain from using flashlights. Instead go on a wide angle, close up shots. If the pixel of the camera lens is 4.5 and above you’ll get a good shot of the image which will be a clear image with details.
Always remember its good to work with the natural light as far as possible. This is not only convenient & easy to shoot but also will give a natural tone to the photo.
ya..ya.. we get to play in water.. & photo taken..how good is that!
Tip #5: No one knows your pet the way you do!
The master knows his pet better than any other. You know your subject’s mood and behaviour, not to down play its personality. As a wildlife photographer will painfully watch his subject for days in a row to capture that perfect moment, you too have to be observant and vigilant.
err.. photo shoot.. did ya fix an appointment with me? I don't see any in my diary
Tip #6: Be prepared
Pets are unpredictable. Some might fidget for any sound heard or action seen. Try not to distract it. This might be difficult to achieve in a public place. Try to time in by avoiding peak times of the public area. Avoid kid’s park! Unless you plan to photograph with your kids. It’ll be a menace trying to have your pet under control.
The trick is to go on a clicking spree, at the right spot or moment. This will give you plenty of snaps to choose from.
Tip #7: Keep it active
Get them to do a task like chasing after a butterfly, fetching a stick (please don’t through too far, unless you don’t mind running a mile after the dog to get that shot..)
Hey.. heard they hid the cat food in here...
Tip #8: Be creative
Try tossing your shoe (old preferably!), and watch for that naughty look on your pet when they trot slowly to get the shoe and stuff in their snout. Sure it looks like a peek-a-boo playtime! It’ll be fun and will lead to fascinating photo shoot. This is my personal favourite. I as well as the pet enjoy playing in this manner. You can also wave a scarf in the air to shoot that wide-eyed, curious look on them.
Tip #9: Close ups
Try to get a good shot by closing on the subject. Fill your camera lens with subject itself. Especially in public places. This will reduce the possibility of other objects of the environment being captured.
wow.. I get to sleep in here tonight... sure pink is not my colour but its cool..
Tip #10: Be ready
The moments and mood can't be recaptured. So be ready at all times. Have the batteries of the camera charged fully and spare memory card (flash memory) ready right throughout.
(Photos published are from the website click exclusively for reference only)
These photos are taken by amateur photographers
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Comment by Joy
Comment by Cinico
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Comment by Smiley Eyes
join the 'club' I miss mine too... well that's one good reason why we should take snaps of these sweet little adorable ones =) Hope you be united with yours soon!
Thanks Cinico... I sort of like the photos to be reflected as 'talking' images too...
welcome to comment on them..
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by Smiley Eyes
it's a good idea to get it snapped clearly & correctly on the first instant itself!!