The Ps of Animal Photography

Taking a picture is the melding of the photographer’s skills and personality with capturing the uniqueness of the subject. All photographers just want to capture the best of the characters and setting.

Knowing the capabilities of your camera is where to start. Do all inside shots require the flash? Do outside shots ever need the flash and when?  Do you know the camera’s flash range? 

Directing the scene never hurts to get the picture you want. Deciding on lighting, focus, horizontal, vertical, close up, distance, the choices are yours. However, pictures of animals present a few challenges.

First experts say getting down to eye level is essential, no problem. Getting up to eye level poses challenges too, like giraffes, elephants, and camels. Ah! Better add a cherry picker to the equipment list. Domestic animals can be challenging also.

Second, experts advise props, patience, preparation, and prompt are essential for snapping the cutest gazes only possible by that particular animal. Animals feel tension around them and react in ways not compatible with perfect photos.

Use props like a favorite toy to get their attention. Treats work too. Be quick, steady and prepared for anything. Level with their eyes, relaxes and invites most domestic animals to participate or stay still long enough to shoot at least one picture.

Backgrounds are important; for instance Wee Wooby the Pekinese  may offer the absolute cutest face to the camera. Later, when reviewing the  takes, Wee Wooby has dandelion puffs on his head. Choose a plain  backdrop to emphasis the subject. Too many visuals behind the animal can distract from the total picture.

Locking in the focus means, get the animal in focus before clicking the shutter open for the shot. Center the animal in the viewfinder. Press down only halfway on the shutter button, keeping the subject centered in the frame, if the animal moves there is time to abort.

Press the shutter button completely when the animal poses for a good take.