Tails Untold depends on your photographs to make our stories come alive. But getting good pictures of your pet is challenging, from getting them to stay still to getting the best light, it can be a frustrating task. And photos of our pets are so important, it’s one thing people always wish they had done more once their pets are no longer around. It’s important also to capture their stages when they are young and as they grow up. Who doesn’t wish for a few more images of their puppy at a few weeks old – or even a few months!

Here are some photography tips from professional photographers that will help you get great pictures of your pet. We hope you share them with us when you place your order for a tailsuntold adventure book.

Lighting Can Make or Break Your Pet Photography

Red eye gives Fido that evil or possessed look. A loss of definition may cause your finely groomed Kitty to look like a washed out ball of fur.

To prevent lighting from ruining your pet photography, follow these instructions:

• Avoid using your camera’s flash. If you must use a flash, get an off-camera flash so it doesn’t reflect directly from your pet’s eyes.
• Use natural, outside light if possible. However, avoid direct sunlight.
• If photographing your pets outside is not possible, place your pet near a window with the light coming from the side.
• Rent indoor lighting equipment for the day.
• Avoid fluorescent or tungsten light that can distort your pet’s natural colors.

Positioning for Perspective
While you’re probably taller than your pets, you don’t have to photograph them from your natural angle. Instead, take the picture from their level to get their perspective.

Here are more tips for positioning your pet for photography:

• Lie on the floor or put your pet on a higher surface to get a more original perspective.
• Use your camera’s zoom feature or a zoom lens to take close-up photos of your pet’s face.
• If your pet won’t sit still and you’ve given him ample time to calm down, have someone hold your pet in place. If you’re trying to snap a portrait, your can edit out the person’s arms and hands at a later time with computer software.

Here are more tips on taking pictures of all kinds of pets.