With almost three-fourths of American families owning at least one pet, it is clear that pets are an important part of contemporary culture. Families from all parts of the country are showing off their treasured pets by including them in their holiday photo cards. Halloween grr-eetings featuring a devilish doggy, Thanksgiving cards picturing a cute kitty with all the trimmings and seasons greetings that show off a duo of cozy golden retrievers by a roaring fire are filling the mailboxes of friends and family with pet-icular cheer. Create your own pet greetings by following these tips.
Picture-Perfect Pooches
Just like people, pets look their best in photos when they are freshly groomed, well fed and alert. A trip to the grooming salon is in order just prior to your photography session. Make sure your pup is rested, fed, walked and ready to focus. You can find great advice for taking cute candids with your pup or other pet on plenty of websites. For example, NationalGeographic.com advises that taking pictures on overcast days can actually enrich the colors in your photographs.
Stress-free Felines
Minimize distractions when you want to capture your cat’s true character in a photo. Pet photographer Susan Loesch says it is important to respect the pet’s comfort zone and not intrude too much. Create a calm atmosphere by switching off the radio or television. Remove everything from the photo area that could catch a kitty’s eye, such as dangling light pulls, plants and toys. Keep your voice modulated to a soothing tone that your cat is accustomed to as you encourage her to watch the birdie.
Appropriate Pet Props
When you are selecting costumes for dressing up your pets or props to include in the picture, remember that those warm doggy eyes or expressive ears should be the focal point of your photos. Take a tip from the New York Institute of Photography by focusing your lens on your pet’s personality rather than on a tutu or team jersey. A floppy velvet bow or a few strands of tinsel may be all you need to add a note of holiday cheer to your greeting card. Keep in mind that a simpler scene and minimal accessories let your pet’s personality shine. A fabulous photo deserves a uniquely artistic setting and Minted cards are a wonderful way to turn your pet pic into a an epic greeting card. You can choose from dozens of pre-designed cards or create your own, step by step.
Light and Lovely
If possible, photograph your pet in natural light. Camera flashes are liable to wash out the luster of your lab’s coat or make the beautiful blue eyes of your siamese look red. Try setting up your studio space near a sunny window or move it outdoors. Professional pet photographer Shaina Fishman says that overcast days are best for taking pictures of your pet outside. You’ll get a more evenly lit, natural-looking shot that puts your pet in its best light. According to National Geographic, the right quality of light can reflect the intimacy of the moment, which communicates how you feel about your pet.
Great tips! I want to do holiday greeting cards for Kayo this year. Most of our pics are on the fly and I can’t be too concerned about the circumstances since I’m taking pictures with my phone. But I’d like to take some nice photos soon!