Let them first sniff the camera, change your iPhone settings, and get other easy tips from photographers and wildlife experts
Exercise your dog before the photo session
Photographing any moving subject is tricky, even for professionals, and Callie Jenningsa dog trainer who helps humans better understand their dogs’ needs, says the best way to get quality photos is to provide your pet with proper exercise before any attempt.
“A calm mind leads to a calm body,” says Jennings, owner of Nashville training company Dog Vegas. “Give yourself time before the session to allow your dog to explore all the stimuli so he can concentrate better when you need to relax him, especially if it is a new place.”
Offer rewards to dogs and cats
Providing adequate “payments” in exchange for your pet’s attention is also extremely helpful, says Jennings. “Use a treat or reward to lure your dog into the desired position. Reward them at high frequency to keep them there,” she says. “And if the dog needs a break, make sure you give him one.”
Cats can be more delicate train. But Jennings says to use catnip mixes with a silver vine – an herb that produces a euphoric response in cats – can help them relax and increase your chances of retaining their attention. You can find it sold in cans, as well as in the form of chew sticks and toys.
“Add to that a reinforcement like a treat to lick to keep them engaged, and you have a good starting point,” she says. “Choose a time when your cat tends to be more active: waking him up from a nap or interrupting his observation through the window probably won’t bode well for you.”
Desensitize your pet to the phone or camera
A long lens on a camera or even a bulky smartphone can be an oddity to your pet, so try to gradually familiarize your pet with the device. That way, they’ll be less likely to panic when you want a photo on demand, says Jennings.
If you’re sitting your dog for a professional photo shoot, she points out that the her equipment could also be scary. “Since sound is often a trigger for dogs, ask the photographer to press the trigger, then reward the dog. Repeat several times until the dog loses interest in the camera,” she recommends.
Photographer in Los Angeles Sophie Gamand specialize in photographing shelter animals. She echoes the advice to relax. “You can help your dog become familiar with the camera by letting him sniff it, rewarding him with treats, and going slowly,” she says.
Another tip Gamand suggests if you’re using a real camera is to not take photos through the viewfinder, instead using its screen and making sure your pet can see your face the entire time while you’re photographing. “It can be scary for dogs (or cats) when we disappear behind our camera and all that’s left is a big black ‘eye’ (the lens) staring back at them,” says Gamand.
If you own a black dog or cat, you know how difficult it is to make your pet’s features stand out in a photo. But “catographer” Nils Jacobi specializes in capturing the smallest details of our dark furry friends.
“If there’s one thing you can never have enough of when taking photos, it’s light,” says Jacobi, whose TikTok account @FurryFritz has more than 4 million followers. “If you have enough light, you can focus on contrast. The easiest way is to use a lighter background that makes the silhouette stand out.
Don’t have your own professional studio equipment? No problem. You can use a camera flashlight, ring light or lamp to light the scene and illuminate your subject against an empty wall – just avoid direct sunlight; your subject should be in all the shadows. To illuminate the subject’s face, place the light in front of them. For a more artistic silhouette of your pet, place the light source directly behind the dog or cat.
Focus on the animal’s personality
Avoid trying to pose your pet in an elaborate manner, opt for a more natural photo instead. Focus on your pet’s face and let their personality direct the shoot, advises Gamand. To do this, she recommends being gentle and giving the animal clear indications of what you expect of them.
“Dogs respond better to calmer, calmer situations. Once they are in their place, use a soft voice and whisper – or say their favorite word. It doesn’t take much to pique their interest,” she says. But if something doesn’t work, don’t force it. “There’s no point using the same command 20 times if your dog doesn’t respond, or shoving treats under his nose if he doesn’t want to take them. Let them breathe, let them get comfortable and choose their own pace.
Gamand adds that it’s especially important for rescue organizations to learn how to take quality photos of their animals, because images are often the key to showing an animal’s unique personality to adopters.
“Some dogs I’ve photographed have been adopted… because someone fell in love with one photo,” she says.
Dressing your pet in something unfamiliar will only lead to stress, both for your pet and for you. Instead, says Gamand, if you must accessorize, stick to items your pet is already comfortable with, like bandanas, collars, or even a bow tie that resembles one of between them. Avoid anything elaborate, especially outfits that restrict their movements.
Pay attention to body language
Jennings says keeping a dog on a tight leash during a shoot can be confusing for the animal. Instead, it’s important to keep a loose leash and use a reward to lure your dog into the desired position.
“Making sure your dog is comfortable is a very essential part of getting a great photo,” says Jennings. “We’re looking for soft eyes, open mouth, forward ears, soft body…if your dog is rigid, showing the whites of the eyes, ears flat back, mouth tightly closed, then take a minute to reset and reassure yourself before continuing.”
With cats, Jacobi says, it’s crucial to give them time to sniff out the scene before you start photographing them, because “their sense of smell is really important” in helping them feel comfortable.
It is just as vital that the person behind the camera remains calm. Maintain a peaceful demeanor and relaxed body language to signal to your subject that there is nothing to worry about.
Use your iPhone’s capabilities
Learning the ins and outs of your phone’s camera can go a long way in helping you capture those unexpected, even chaotic, moments.
“iPhone Live Photos are my favorite. You can easily turn them into videos, GIFs or boomerangs, using your phone or an app,” says Gamand. “As they capture a few seconds – a little before and after the photo is taken – you can also edit them on your phone so you can choose which image should be the main one. It’s great for not missing the perfect shot.
In the same way, put your phone in burst mode lets you capture multiple images in the same scene, so you can select the most flattering photo of your pet later. And if you’re lucky enough to have a pet who knows how to sit still, try turning on portrait mode, just like you would when photographing a human friend, for a more professional look.
Kristin Luna is a writer in Nashville who covers home design, art, travel and food.