Paws and Poses: Expert Tips for Capturing Your Pet’s Personality in Photos

Portraits by Karen Presecan Photography

It’s not impossible to take great pictures of your pets, even on your own. Dogs and cats can photograph beautifully but require very different techniques. Before you begin, find a place in your home or outside that doesn’t have a distracting background. For example, in front of a solid color wall, or with a bush or plants in the background if outside. 

Once you have your pet in place, you need to grab their attention. You know your pet better than anyone, so use their favorite treat or toy. For dogs, have them sit, and show them the treat or toy, then place it right above your phone or camera. Step back and click away. 

Don’t forget to give them the treat if they stay put for you before you try again. If you want to get those cute head tilts, make a high-pitched noise, or use an app on your phone. Squeaky toy sounds, bird sounds, and duck calls all work well. Different noises work for different dogs. And most of the time, the noise only works a few times, so don’t waste it.

For cats, a toy on a string works wonders. Dangle it in front of them to grab their attention and be ready to snap away. For both dogs and cats, it helps if they are on a chair or in a basket.

Throughout my years of being a pet photographer, I have photographed dogs, cats, hamsters, sugar gliders, pigs, rabbits, birds and a lizard. It is possible to get beautiful images of any pet. It takes a lot of patience but is so rewarding once you create that perfect image.