Kia Ora, pet lovers! Are you tired of taking boring, uninspired photos of your pets? Do you want to capture their distinct personalities and amusing quirks? As a keen pet photographer, I have some pointers to help you take amazing pictures that’ll take pride of place on your mantelpiece!

Use natural light: As much as your pet may enjoy being the centre of attention, avoid using harsh artificial lighting. A good tip is to have your back to the window so through the camera the natural light is on their face.

Get down on their level: No one wants a picture of the top of your pet’s head. Get down to your pet’s height and photograph them from their point of view. It will add an interesting element to your photos while also highlighting their gorgeous expressions!

Concentrate on the eyes: “The eyes are the window to the soul,” so make sure the focus of the photograph is on their adorable little eyes. This will capture their distinct personalities while also emphasising their cuteness!

Take plenty of shots: Photographing pets is notoriously difficult. They move a lot, making it difficult to get the perfect shot. So, to capture multiple shots and hopefully one will be just perfect!

Use treats and toys: These can be great tools for getting your pet’s attention and keeping them focused during the shoot. Especially with group shots of pet friends, a treat or a squeaky toy usually does the trick.

And remember, be patient. Photographing pets can be challenging, as they often move around a lot. Take your time, be relaxed, and keep shooting until you capture the perfect moment.