It's a difficult task. You just want them to sit still, they keep moving around, and everything except their face is sharp. But you can't be mad a them because they're just so darn cute. If you're a pet owner, you know what I'm talking about.
Taking photos of animals can be tricky, but it's a good way to get some training in. When taking pet portraits, you need to know what will catch his attention? What will make her sit still? How can you capture her at her most content? These questions can apply to humans as well, especially children. If you're taking photos of your own pets, you can judge these things on your own. If you're photographing a client's pets, it can be trickier. Try to talk with the client ahead of time to understand what kind of temperament you will be working with. Maybe their dog is afraid of the camera flash? You will need to know this knowledge in advance to prepare accordingly.
What do animals and sports have in common? They require a fast shutter speed. By using a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, you will will have more success of capturing a clear photo. Some of the best pet photographs are dogs in their natural habitat, doing what they do best: playing. Try photographing a dog as he jumps to catch a ball, or a cat playing with a mouse toy. These will show the expression in their eyes.
Speaking of eyes, get to the animal's eye level when shooting photographs. This creates a more personal touch in the image, and brings out personality. Natural lighting is also a preferred option to shoot pets in. As mentioned before, maybe you're working with an animal that is afraid of the camera flash; natural light eliminates that worry. It's also the easiest lighting option to work with. Selecting an environment beside a glass door or window that's not directly facing the sun will work best. Natural lighting from windows creates a softer light, that doesn't create harshness on the subject.
Finally, be patient. Much like taking photos of children, your pet subject may be cranky or sleepy. Unless you want to capture these expressions, it's best to wait until the moment is right. Don't stress your pet if they just woke up, finished eating, or just generally want to be left alone. A helpful tip when the time is right, is to use treats and toys. Maybe your cat won't look towards the camera, but a food bribe will catch their attention. Of course, if these pets are not your own, always check with the client for permission before offering treats.
