How to Take Good Pictures of Pets and People

People and pets can add interest and personality to a picture, but they can also be challenging subjects to capture. Whether you are a novice photographer or have been snapping pictures for years, there is always something new to learn about taking better pictures, especially of people and pets. This article offers some tips to help you in taking better pictures so your friends and family will like how they look and you will be pleased to share your pictures with them.

Taking Better People Pictures

The best pictures of people are, of course, with their eyes open. But more importantly, their personalities should come through. A picture will capture a person’s likeness, but it can be contrived and forced if a person isn’t comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. The solution? Spend some time talking with the subject, camera ready. You will know when the person starts relaxing and that special smile or look comes out. Always keep your camera close so you can snap when the person is most comfortable.

A few technical tips:

• One thing to remember is that Portrait mode tends to distort, making the subject look wider or younger. No one wants to look wider but, depending on age, may not mind younger. It is best to avoid this distortion all together by zooming. Here is what you do - remember to “fill the frame” with your subject, take one step back, zoom in to fill the frame and snap your picture. Easy!
• Use natural light when possible. If indoor lighting is your only option, select lamps with full spectrum bulbs. Remember that low ceiling light usually creates unacceptable shadows.
• Shoot in high resolution so that you can make large prints of the favorites. Be sure to display them in picture frames or frame them and give as gifts.

Taking Better Pet Pictures

Unless asleep, pets are usually in motion. One of the most important tips to remember for taking better pictures of pets is to set your camera to Sports mode or a high shutter speed.
A Burst mode, if your camera has one, can be very helpful with pets in motion as it will give you a lot of picture choices.

You can also use Portrait mode for a slower shutter speed if you want the blur effect of rapid motion, like your dog chasing its tail. Play with the freeze action of a higher shutter speed and the blur effect of a slower shutter speed - two very different effects, both providing wonderful pictures of your pet.

As with people, maybe even more so, natural light is best. This will prevent the animal from being upset by a flash. If you must use flash, refer to your camera's safe distance recommendations (usually four or more feet) so you protect your pet’s eyes.

If your pet has a dark coat, direct sunlight will help to bring out the richness of the dark color. But, if your pet has a light coat, a bright overcast sky will highlight the light color best. As with all outdoor photography, the best time of day is when the sun is lower in the sky.

For the best candid shots of your pet, arrange to have a lot of time to follow and watch your pet, and by all means, have your camera ready. Use the zoom for close up shots so you aren’t intruding on your pet’s curious wanderings or distracting him from play. Remember to keep your distance and use the zoom – yes, optical zoom is best.

Finally as with people, focus on the eyes. Get eye-to-eye with your pet to capture each adorable facial expression and those big, beautiful expressive eyes.

Practice these simple tips for taking better pictures of people and pets and you will be very pleased with your results. Have fun capturing those candid moments and be sure to frame the best photos to share with others.