Hi! I’m Lindsey from Live Sweet Photography, and I am so excited to share my favorite tips about photographing all those critters in your life! We have quite the furry family at our home, and I love capturing all their cuteness!
Use Natural Light (Whenever Possible!)I always shoot in natural light when at all possible, and I never use a flash. I do most of my photographing by windows, doorways or outside so I have lots of nice, natural light coming through on my subjects.
Get On Their LevelWhen photographing your pets, try getting right on their level. I find that my favorite images of my pets are when I lay down on the floor or ground and get right at eye level with them to take the shot. Or you can move them to your level by allowing them up onto a bed or couch (if that’s allowed in your house, of course!).
Place Them Somewhere Unexpected
To get some really fun and different kinds of shots, try putting your pet in unique places you normally wouldn’t find them (of course make sure they are always safe and supervised), like in a basket, on the table, in the sink or on a cool chair. Seeing something out of its element often makes for a more unique and interesting image.
Shoot Lots of OptionsOne of the main keys to getting great shots of your pets is taking lots of pictures. When I do a little shoot with our Pearl girl (the pig), I probably shoot about 10-20 pictures to get one great one. Animals are always moving around, so every picture won’t turn out.
Capturing people with animals is always sweet and creates special images, so don’t forget to photograph your kids or family and friends with your pets. Have your loved one hug or lean into your pet to show more of a connection.
Try Using PropsI always love to have a little fun with my animal photography every now and then by adding a little hat, crown or other fun prop to make the image a little more interesting or add a pop of color! I had a ball photographing our #chickswithsweets series where I put our baby chicks next to or on top of all kinds of different sweets. When in doubt, always try to think outside the box and just have fun with your images. When I play around and am having lots of fun is always when I get my best pictures!
Above all else—always try to make it fun when photographing your pets. Treats, toys and belly rubs make for happy critters and better pictures! Our Pearl gets lots of belly scratches, cucumbers and carrots (three of her favorite things!) every time I take her picture! I also always try and call it quits while I’m ahead and everyone is still happy and having fun. If your pet just isn’t into being photographed today, take a break and try again later or tomorrow. Remember, you are trying to capture a happy memory of your furry friend!
I hope you enjoyed these fun little tips and have a wonderful time snapping some shots of your furry friends! -Lindsey
You can follow Lindsey and her family’s adventures on their blog or on IG @livesweetphotography. You can also shop some of their critter-themed whimsical gifts for the young and young at heart at the Live Sweet Shop (IG @livesweetshop) where they have designed a whole line of critter plushies, pillows, tote bags, shirts and more!
Credits // Author and Photography: Lindsey Bonnice.
This is a bets tips about better pet. I love pet.
That lil’ piggy was just adorable! Cutest post I have ever seen.
This is, hands down, the cutest thing I have ever seen in my life. I’m almost crying.
Thanks for the great tips! I absolutely love your photos, they look amazing!
Hi Christine, thanks so much! She is pretty much house trained, very similar to a puppy, she goes on a pee pad most of the time when in the house and then we take her in and out several times a day to play and go potty! She of course does have accidents though! I will definitely take a peek at your bunny pics! Always love me some cute critter pics!! xoxo Lindsey
Hooray Michelle, so glad you enjoyed the post so much!! Makes me so happy to hear! Good luck photographing your own critters!! xo Lindsey
So glad you enjoyed it Haley!!
Oh my gosh. I’m dying. <3
Oh my goodness, I absolutely love this! Beautiful animals and beautiful pictures 🙂
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Very helpful, my little doggy is going to get a photoshoot! xx
All of these pictures are so cute! Great tips 🙂
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Awesome tips!! We have two bunnies and a Chow Chow and they RARELY sit still for photos!
omg i want a piglet!
Great compositions of talent(animal)and inventive props. Just the inspiration that I need to put a positive slant to document the recovery of my half Ragdoll/Persian after he was attacked by a Bandicoot 3 days ago, at least I think it was one of the growing family of Bandicoot s that I have been providing habitat for since the fires here in the Perth Hills,(Australia) a bit over a year ago. Not very thankful of them, but I love them all. Props will be fun in the photo then I use Photoshop.
Phoebe
Aww so many cute photographs!!
Emily // Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
xx
A pig in a flower crown? My life is made.
These are some great tips – pet photography is so hard! I love the idea of using props – although I think the day Bruce the terrier lets me put a crown on his head may be a long way away.
Aww love this post! My family have some pretty funny ones of the dog with sunglasses on…
Lots of Love, Lottie ♥
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Lifestyle blog to make you smile 🙂
Oh my goodness these are all amazing, especially the pig! I love it
The White Corner Creative
These are so cute! http://www.hannamarielei.com
I already have a cat, but now I want a dog, pig, goat and chick as well lol. And how darling is the sweet little girl in her tutu???