If you are a pet owner or photographer, at some point, you may have asked yourself. “How can I capture candid family portraits with pets? Or how can I pose my cat or dog in our family portrait?”
There are several ways you can achieve this as a photographer. One of these methods includes using treats and toys to grab the pet’s attention. However, finding the perfect location for everyone on the spot and getting everyone, especially the furry friends, to cooperate during the photo session can pose a little challenge.
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Nonetheless, in this article, I will show you how to capture memorable family portraits with pets. Whether it is a dog, cat, or any other animal companion, I have compiled a list of expert tips, poses, and ideas to help you create picture-perfect moments.
Without any further ado, let’s dive into how you can improve your pet and family portrait photography skills and start capturing the love and connection between your clients and their pets.
What makes a successful family portrait with pets photograph?
I consider a family portrait with pets successful if the pictures showcase the unique personalities of every subject captured in the frame. To achieve this, pay attention to light, poses, and competition.
10 Tips To Take Family Portraits With Pets
Below are some professional tips you can rely on or try when taking family pet portraits.
1. Choose the right location
Select a location where all your subjects, including the pet, will feel comfortable and safe. You can use the backyard, the family’s favorite park, or any place familiar to them.
2. Get the pet groomed and ready for pictures
Before the photoshoot, encourage your client to groom the pet and make it ready for photographs. It should be moderately fed, brushed, and dressed. You can also encourage the subjects to rock matching outfits if you want to capture formal portraits.
Portrait photography aims at capturing the personality, character, and emotions. It can either be candid or artistic. Portrait photography requires more than just the ability to understand your camera settings, lighting, and composition.
You must also possess the ability to connect with your subjects and capture their unique qualities. So, it is a difficult but rewarding genre of photography.
Click Below to read a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering the art of portrait photography.
3. Grab the pet’s attention with treats and toys
Yes, posing a large group, especially family members, for portraits is difficult. But posing pets is even more challenging due to their unpredictable behavior and constant movements.
Although pets are fun and friendly, you might find it difficult to grab their attention for photos. Because, unlike us, they have shorter attention spans.
Thus, I encourage you to use pet treats or toys to grab the animal’s attention and keep it engaged during the photoshoot.
4. Pose other members of the family first
Do not pose the animal first. Instead, start with every other subject and only include the cat or dog when everyone is set; and you are ready to capture the photo.
You can instruct or encourage any of the family members to genuinely interact with the pet during the photoshoot. This can involve cuddling, playing, or even just sitting together. This will help keep the pet in place and focused.
5. Be swift
Since pets are often full of energy and may have difficulty sitting still for an extended period, I encourage you to be swift with the shots. Take the family portrait the very moment you get the attention of every subject.
Consequently, I recommend you set your camera, lighting, and everything else before you include the animal. If you must take test shots, you should do that with the other subjects.
6. Familiarize with the pet
Get closer to the pet. Introduce it to your camera before the actual photoshoot. One of the easiest ways you can achieve this is by using the pet’s favorite toys.
You can also engage the pet in some physical activities before the session to help burn off excess energy. A tired pet is more likely to be calmer and easier to pose, making your work faster.
7. Have an assistance
Furthermore, enlist the help of a family member or friend to assist during the photoshoot. They can help you hold props, keep the pet’s attention, or lend a helping hand when needed.
8. Opt for natural light
What is the best lighting for family portraits with pets? You should use natural light for portrait photography, as it creates a soft and flattering look.
Avoid using flash, which may scare the pet and result in a red-eye effect. Take the family portrait outdoors, where you easily access natural light. If you are shooting indoors, ensure the room is well-lit before proceeding.
9. Capture candid moments
How do you take family pictures with pets? Sometimes, the best shots come from capturing spontaneous and unposed moments. So, you can allow the pet to be itself and interact naturally with the family members.
10. Try different settings
Finally, try different backdrops, lighting, and styling. You can also experiment with different camera settings and shoot from a variety of angles.
5 Poses And Ideas For Family Portraits With Pets
Below are some poses and ideas for family portraits with pets. You can try some of these unique ideas in the studio, while others must be done in an outdoor setting.
1. Snuggling pose
If the pet is comfortable with being held or cuddled, you can have the family members hold it close or gently lay it under their laps. These intimate poses can evoke a sense of warmth and closeness.
2. The candid walk pose
Let everyone walk side by side or in a line, with the furry friend leading the way, and capture the candid moment. You can click the photo from the front or side angle.
3. The pet in the spotlight pose
This is another creative idea you can try. Simply create a focal point on the pet by having it sit or stand in the foreground while the other family members gather closely behind it. This pose is best if you want the pet to be the center of attention.
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4. The action pose
Have the family members engage the dog or cat in a fun activity, like playing fetch or chasing a toy, and capture the picture with a slow shutter speed, such as 1/30th of a second or slower.
5. Silhouette family portrait
Finally, capture a silhouette of the family with their pet against a beautiful sunset or a well-lit background. This type of portrait can be dramatic and artistic, highlighting the unique shapes and outlines of the family and their pets.
In conclusion, you must be patient and create a relaxed atmosphere if you want to capture beautiful family portraits with pets. You should also have some treats or toys on hand to keep the pet’s attention and reward its cooperation in the photo session.