Tips for Getting Better Photos of Your Dog or Cat

Our photos of our pets are some of our most cherished, aren’t they?   Pet photography is often tough, but usually worth it.  I think all of us can use tips for getting great dog or cat photos, don’t you think?

Today, I want to share some things that have worked for me, as I’ve taken on the pet photography challenges through the years.  A list of tips and topics is below.

I’m a little obsessed with photography, and pet photography is one of my favorites. It’s all about light, timing, and patience.

Our Lucy kitty, who passed a few years ago, was the most photogenic. And, she knew it!  Her nickname was “The Beautiful.” Our Sunny was the sweetest, scruffiest, most loveable Yorkie you can imagine. She passed in September of 2022. The many photos of her give me some comfort.

I think Lucy looks especially regal here.

And here, in her favorite spot on the deck.

Sunny’s charms were her sweetness and her quirkiness.  These qualities come across in almost every picture of her.

Even in this somewhat fuzzy phone picture!

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Tips for Pet Photography

Focus: I usually use single point auto-focus, and I try to focus on the eyes.  If you have a DSLR, you can set this. You don’t want to use the default auto-focus mode, (which is how the focus setting is when you get a new DSLR.) That default setting will focus on whatever is closest to the camera, and you don’t want that. Check your manual, or look online, to see how to change it for your particular camera.

If you have a really active animal, you can also change the focus type to Continuous Focus. (AI Servo for Canon,  and AF-C for Nikon.)  You can also use Sports Mode, if your camera has that.

Shutter Speed:  To freeze action and keep from having blurry shots, it helps to use a shutter speed of at least 1/250, and sometimes 1/500, or even higher if your pet is running around.  You can use Shutter Priority Mode or Manual Mode to do that.

Of course, full manual gives you the most options, but Shutter Priority is a good option for animal photography too. (I’ve used slower shutter speeds than 1/250, when  my pets were staying very still.  But sometimes I got lucky with that…)

Lighting:  Natural light is wonderful, but if you are indoors, you will want a really sunny spot near a window or a door to get sharp photos.

I often use a type of flash called a speedlight that fits into the hotshoe of my camera. This type of flash can be used to bounce light off of a ceiling or wall (preferably white ceilings or walls.)  It’s one of the simplest, easiest ways to improve your photos and will make them look much more professional. For simplicity, get one that is made to use with your particular camera brand, (and you don’t need the best one.)  I got mine (for my Nikon DSLR) right after I got my camera, and it immediately improved my photos.

I don’t recommend direct flash — Not only are the pictures not as nicely lit with direct flash, but it’s also upsetting to some pets.

Composition:  Get down on your pet’s level. I often lie down on the floor to get good shots.  Also, get some shots up close.  Some macro shots of eyes or fur can be fun. Try to get photos of your dog or cat playing and having fun, just being his or her typical self.  Capture the expressions that make your pet unique.

Motivation: I often make funny noises to get Sunny’s attention and focus.  This only works for a little while, though!  Some people use a noisemaker app on their phones.  You might need an assistant to do that.

Having some little treats on hand can be really motivating for your pet too and will make it fun. Just put some treats in your pocket, and bring them out to perk up your pet or to get him or her to look a certain direction.

Keep your backgrounds simple and uncluttered, but having some toys or props is fun too.  For cats, a feather toy, paper bag, string, or other toys will be fun and motivating.

Lenses:  I’ve taken pet photos I’ve loved with several different lenses, and even my phone. The lens is not the most important thing; you can get great photos, regardless of the equipment you’re using.

With that said, I love my Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens for its low cost, and the ability to shoot indoors in very low light.  It’s a prime lens, so it does not zoom. There is a Canon version also. It is probably the lens with the most “bang for your buck” because you can get great results without spending a lot.

For a little more money, you can get the 40mm 2.8. My Nikon version of this lens allows me to get a bit closer to subjects than I can with my other lenses. It’s the lens I have on my camera most of the time. There is a Nikon version and a Canon version.  (I’ve never used the Canon version, so I’m not sure how/if it differs from the Nikon version.) It isn’t quite as good in low light as the 50mm lens, however.

I also have a zoom lens, (my kit lens), that I like to use outdoors. The ability to zoom is nice when you are outdoors, wanting to capture your dog at play. There are much nicer zoom lenses available than the kit lens, but mine has been very adequate outdoors. (It doesn’t have as wide an aperture as a prime lens, though, so it’s not as useful indoors without a flash.)

Patience: 

Most of all, be patient.  Have fun, and take a lot of shots.

The dog, below, had just leapt into his trainer’s arms. The shutter speed was 1/500, which prevented the photo from being blurry, even though there was a lot of movement. I tried this shot a few times before I got this one.

In the shot below, Lucy was in her favorite place, the deck, and she started to sniff the air. Ideally, I would have taken a vertical shot, but I had to be quick. The composition isn’t perfect, but it’s still one of our favorite photos of Lucy.

I hoped you’ve enjoyed these tips.

Photography is often about patience and luck, and several of my favorite pictures of my fur babies were taken before I even understood some of the guidelines.

Enjoy capturing memories of your sweet furry family members.

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