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Animal Photography
When our much loved family cat died, one of our biggest regrets as a family was that we didn't have enough photos of him. Finding any picture of Mickey from then on was like striking gold - we cherished every one. With Trouble, things changed. I took tons of photos of him, even if it was just half of his head when he moved; and I also got into the habit of trying to draw him. Hopeless as I'd been at art at school (always bottom of the class), I was surprised at the pleasure trying to draw my cat gave me. After about 100 drawings, they even started to look a bit like him. Taking photos of your pet or drawing him can be a lovely way to gather a sort of story of his life. |
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Taking photos of your pet
Animals can be very difficult to photograph or draw because "keep still" never seems to register. However, those wonderful people at Photobox have some great tips for those of you who want to take photos of your pets or animals.
Energetic pets
If your pet’s a fast mover, you'll know that you have to snap fast. Take lots of pictures - & delete those you don't need later. A zoom lens will help give you flexibility when your pet is running around. Photobox suggest that using a fast shutter speed, or action mode, is a good idea
Get down!
That means you not your animal! It's the same for phtographing kids: Photobox recommend that you to get down to the animal's level level to achieve the most interesting shots. You can even vary the angle by looking down onto your pet, & encouraging them to look up; or you can lie on the floor & take photos of your pet looking up at them. Many of your best shots are likely to be those at their eye level, where you’re really interacting with them
Forget the flash
Using flash often results in red-eye. With pet pictures you can also end up with yellow or green-eye which doesn't look good either. Yes, you can edit it out - but using flash is likely to unsettle and even frighten an animal. It certainly won't help with future photo sessions - one sight of the camera and they'll disappear as fast as you can say "vet". Go for good natural daylight instead |
Take pictures of your pet doing unusual things |
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Try bribery!!
Out and out bribery may well work, using their favourite treats or a game. Hold the treat or toy up in the direction you want your pet to look in, or get someone else to hold it up. This usually does the trick.
Get close up
To capture a close-up of an animal, without having to actually get too close, use a zoom lens. For small creatures in close proximity, Photobox suggests that a macro lens will be your best option for capturing superb detail.
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Create a little photo album of your pet
Create a fun photo story adventure, with your pet as the star, of course, can be a great way to keep a lasting memory of your dog, cat, horse, rabbit or whatever. starring your pet, with our PhotoBooks or StyleBooks - something the kids will adore. Or make a this-is-your-life type book, showing them grow from kitten to cat etc. A good variety of sleeping, playing and feeding shots will help capture their personality. Photographing any funny habits, or something they shouldn’t be doing, will add a comedy factor too! |
Get FREE prints & save £££
Photoboxhas over 8.5 million members, who enjoy secure online photo printing, storage and sharing. You can register free here to claim free prints, save money & find out fast about their special offers etc. You can create, share & sell a photobook online; they also have diaries & calendars, wall decor, & gifts. | |
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For the Kids
Why not have them create a photobook of their pets? This could be a terrific thing to do over the summer holidays, especially on those days when it is raining. You could either do a photobook, or use a scrapbook, whatever suits - but this is a great way for the children to keep a record of their pet & really celebrate the fact he or she is part of the family.
Get a Pet photoshoot
So another thing you can do is to have a professional photographer take photos of your pet - they should have all the know-how to get your pet at the best angle. And if you're looking for a present for a pet owner, this could be a gift idea for them. A number of experience days companies offer these, including Virgin Experience Days (£29), Activity Superstore (£24), Prezzybox (£50) Buy a Gift (£50) & Into the Blue (£35) Please take good note of the expiry date of these gifts & make sure the recipient does, too, and that prices may change slightly, depending on any special offers available, slight increases/decreases since writing this. |
This lovely photoframe is available from
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