| OK. You have your pet. You have your | | | | |
| camera. You have the desire. Why can't you | | | | BE GROUNDED! No, that doesn't have anything |
| get a picture that doesn't show the back of | | | | to do with taking photos in a lightning |
| your pet's head as he/she walks away from the | | | | storm. Pet photography is at its best when |
| camera or a shot of an oversized nose as they | | | | it's taken from the animal's perspective. |
| try to sniff your lens? | | | | Your pet will be far less intimidated by the |
| | | | little black (or silver) eye that appears to |
| The professionals make it seem so easy, don't | | | | be eating your face if you get down to your |
| they? I've noticed that when you read their | | | | dog's level. Remember, your dog |
| instructions about how "easy" it is, you wind | | | | (cat-bird-iguana) doesn't know that you are |
| up more confused than ever and get completely | | | | the owner of the camera and that you control |
| lost in the ISO's of the thing-a-ma-gigs and | | | | it. From the animal's perspective, this is a |
| the whatzit number on the whoszits. | | | | strange little box that has removed one of |
| | | | your eyes from your face and flashes blinding |
| Let's get some basics in here. We know you | | | | light in the pet's eyes before it lets you |
| may not be interested in becomming a | | | | go! |
| professional photographer. You may not even | | | | |
| be interested in taking a professional | | | | Try not to use the flash! Yes, it's easy for |
| looking photo of your pet. You may simply | | | | me to say that as you grovel around on the |
| want a nice photo of Skippy to stick in your | | | | living room floor at dusk. Obviously when |
| wallet, on your fridge, or in a frame on the | | | | you can, it is better to try pet photography |
| piano that doesn't make him look like an | | | | outdoors in natural daylight. Brilliant |
| alien. | | | | light can be tough despite the fact that it |
| | | | seems to you that the colors around you |
| First of all, if you're still using film and | | | | appear wonderful. You will have to check for |
| you're shooting outside, stick to ISO 400. | | | | shadows, both your own in the frame, and |
| Suffice to say it will help make your pet | | | | shadows on the face of your pet. Cloudy (not |
| photos less blurry. If you are inside, go | | | | tornado type cloudy) but lightly overcast |
| for ISO 800 since chances are you will have | | | | skies can create soft light and sublte |
| less light to work with and you will need it. | | | | shadowing both indoors and outdoors. |
| Take my word for it. | | | | |
| | | | If you must participate in pet photography |
| Now, if you are still using film you are | | | | indoors, try to use the natural light from |
| either a professional already and not reading | | | | your windows. Reposition a chair next to the |
| this, or as stubborn as the day is long and | | | | window that contrasts nicely with the color |
| determined not to be dragged into the 21st | | | | of your dog or cat...or iguana, and make him |
| technilogical century unless it's kicking and | | | | comfy. The animal will be less stressed and |
| screaming that there's "nothing wrong with | | | | undoubtedly thrilled to be allowed on the |
| your old camera!" | | | | furniture. |
| | | | |
| Well, there probably isn't anything wrong | | | | Don't forget to speak! Remember, if the |
| with your old camera but the "new-fangled | | | | little black or silver box is swallowing your |
| digital cameras" have several distinct | | | | face and you don't make any noise, your pooch |
| advantages in the pet photography department. | | | | is more likely to thik either you or he is in |
| Most of them can shoot several pictures | | | | serious trouble. Whatever cutesy words you |
| quickly in a sort of "stop action" | | | | usually use to get Fido or Spatz-Kat to |
| animation-type sequence. You will at least | | | | behave will do wonders for camera-stress. |
| have better odds of one decent moving shot! | | | | |
| The new fangled digitals also let you check | | | | There you go! You may not make this month's |
| immediately for how badly you screwed up, let | | | | National Geographic, but Grandma will love |
| you ditch the pictures you hate, and give you | | | | the picture of Fido digging up her prize |
| plenty of time to try to get Fido to chase | | | | roses. |
| that squirrel up the tree one more time. | | | | |