Purr-fect Family Photos: Family Photos Featuring Your Pets

Save to notebook Email article Print article More articles

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Okay, as much as I “hate” to admit it, I’ve actually become “one of them”. Despite my allergies, and my repeated testimony that I’d NEVER treat a pet like part of “the family” I’ve found myself increasing attached to my husband’s cat (she was part of the marriage deal) and I even sent out cards with her name signed in them. Heck, I even bought a birthday card for my husband from the cat. And, I’m not beyond dressing her up on occasion. I figure if it’s good enough for the Hollywood types, it’s good enough for me.

Well, if you’re one of us proud “parents” of a pet, then you’ll also likely be intrigued by the increasing opportunities to celebrate, pamper and pay homage to them, including increasingly popular pet-photos.

But, if your going to get your pet in pictures, you’re also going to want him/her to pose, and that may pose quite a challenge. So, before setting aside some time for a “family portrait”, here are just a few pointers for taking the best possible picture of your pet.

Food For Thought: Experts suggest trying to pose your pooch prior to feeding, using treats as rewards for taking a pretty picture. Cats on the other hand tend to get more catatonic after a meal and that may mean being more camera-friendly. However, experts note that the best shots are often those that aren’t planned, so it’s probably a good idea to keep your camera handy and ready to go.

Seeing Red: Almost unavoidable is the effects of red-eye or a glowing reflection from your pet’s wyes when snapping a photo with a flash on. The simplest “solution” is avoiding an eye-to-cameral lens angle that puts your pet’s eyes’ in the direct line of the camera’s built in flash. Instead, keep camera a bit above, below, or to the side of your pet’s eyes.

Scenic Suggestions: Keep in mind that using some of the special features offered on your camera can help enhance your photo. For instance, image stabilization can help limit blurriness if your pet is moving when the photo is taken.

Also, special scene modes such as portrait or self-portrait can help maximize your camera’s exposure settings to accentuate the shot. If your camera offers a self-portrait feature, you can acquire a picture of you an your pet via simply holding the camera at arm’s distance and pointing it at both of you.

Long Island Pets Articles > Purr-fect Family Photos: Family Photos Featuring Your Pets