Natural Light and a Squeaky Toy: The Secret to Taking Great Pet Photos

Recently I was hired to work at a 2-day event here in Edmonton, it took place at a park downtown which is adjacent to an off-leash area frequented by folks who live in the area. It was put on by Edmonton Downtown and I was hired by the nice folks over at Foundry Events - they wanted some fun, candid pet photos. It was going to be almost 30 degrees both days I was down there, so I lathered up some SPF 50, grabbed my camera bag and my favourite squeaker and headed out. The event was a smash success and I probably captured around 150 dogs throughout the 2-days.

I wanted to dive into some of the techniques I use to take stunning, natural pet photos by focusing on the effective use of natural light to capture your furry friend during a really brief photoshoot (30 seconds to a minute for each dog). Feel free to use some of these techniques yourself to show off your pet's good side on IG Reels or Tik Tok.

Understanding the importance of natural light in pet photography

Natural light plays a crucial role in pet photography, as it offers numerous benefits over artificial light sources. When you use natural light, you can capture the true colors, textures, and details of your pet's fur and surroundings, resulting in more authentic and visually appealing images. Moreover, natural light often creates a softer, more even illumination, which can help to avoid harsh shadows and highlights that may detract from the overall composition of your pet photos. Additionally, natural light is often free of charge and readily available – all you need to do is step outside on a sunny day for the perfect conditions.

Choosing the right time of day for optimal natural light

In this case, I was hired to shoot from 1-4pm when the sun is high. While this doesn't lend well to some of the harsher shadows top-down sunshine can cause, we did have some partial cloud cover so when the sun was dampened, I would try and shoot more.

Ideally, I aim to shoot during the golden hours, which occur shortly after sunrise and before sunset, which is a prime time for pet photography due to its soft, warm and diffused light. This magical lighting condition not only flatters your pet's features but also adds a dreamy atmosphere to the images. Keep in mind that the duration of the golden hour may vary depending on your location and the time of year, so plan your photoshoot accordingly.

Techniques for using natural light effectively in pet photography

Positioning the pet in relation to the light source is crucial for capturing well-lit images. Because the sun was landing on our heads, there wasn't a lot I could do in this particular instance but normally while on a session I am experimenting with different angles and directions, observing how light falls on your pet's fur and face. Morning and early evening are usually the best times for outdoor pet photography in the summer months, as this is when you can benefit from directional light.

I should also mention that utilizing shadows and backlighting can add depth and dimension to your photos just be aware of your exposure settings not to underexpose the photo. Adjust your camera settings to accommodate the natural light conditions, paying attention to shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Balancing these elements will ensure your pet is properly exposed while maintaining the desired depth of field and minimizing image noise.

Tips for photographing pets with different fur colors

When photographing pets, it's essential to consider their fur color to ensure the best possible results. Different fur colors require specific techniques to capture their unique features and ensure they stand out in the final images. If I am working with a light-coloured fur you can bet I am not shy about heading into the narrow paths of a forest where the light is speckled in, however, I would shy away from that location with a chocolate lab for instance.

By the same token, for pets with light-colored fur, it's important to avoid overexposure, which can cause the fur to lose its details and appear washed out. If you want to avoid this, make sure to position your pet with the light source behind them, and adjust your camera's exposure settings accordingly. You may also consider using a reflector to bounce light back onto the pet and bring out the details in their fur. I do this often and it produces amazing results.

On the other hand, photographing pets with dark fur can be challenging, as their features may not stand out against the background. To achieve the best results, incorporate shadows into your compositions to create contrast and dimension. Adjusting your camera settings, such as increasing the exposure or using spot metering, can also help ensure that your pet's dark fur is well-lit and detailed in the photograph.

The role of squeaky toys and other attention-grabbing props

Squeaky toys play a significant part in EPP sessions. I use them to get the pet's attention, drawing out their natural expressions and poses. You can try this too to quickly grab your pet's attention, making it easier for you to snap a photo of them looking directly at the camera or engaging in a playful pose. Be sure to experiment with various toys and sounds, as different pets may respond better to specific stimuli. If your pet isn't quite enthralled with the sound of my squeaky toy, I will often bark like a crazy person I mean a Saint Bernard.

For the event, to maximize the return on each short interaction I had with the dogs, I held the camera low and had my autofocus set to the center of the frame. I don't look directly through the lens during these engagements, I rely solely on practice to know how to hold the camera in relation to the dog's face to ensure I get something in focus.

I have the squeaky toy in my other hand and I hold it over the barrel of the lens so that the attention given to the toy guarantees that the dog is looking right at the camera. To make sure I get at least one shot of each dog in focus I take about 7-10 shots in quick succession slightly raising and lowering the camera while squeaking the toy so that I am going to get something focused on the eyes or at least the as close to them as possible.

In addition to squeaky toys, you can consider incorporating other props and techniques to keep your pet engaged during the photoshoot. These can include using their favorite toys, playing a game of fetch, or even having a family member or friend interact with them. The key is to find something that will hold your pet's interest and encourage them to display their unique personality, allowing you to capture authentic and endearing images.

Incorporating treats and food rewards in pet photography

Incorporating treats and food rewards in pet photography can significantly improve the cooperation and engagement of your furry friend during the photoshoot. Food rewards serve as positive reinforcement, encouraging your pet to follow directions and adopt desired poses with greater ease. When using treats, it's essential to choose healthy, pet-safe options that your animal companion finds enticing.

To ensure your pet's comfort and safety, offer the treats in moderation and avoid using any food items that may trigger allergies or digestive issues. Keep the treats small and easy to consume, as this will allow your pet to quickly return to the photoshoot without any distractions. Additionally, consider using a treat-dispensing toy or having an assistant hold the treats to direct your pet's gaze and focus, resulting in more captivating and natural-looking images.

Showcasing your pet's personality through creative compositions

Capturing your pet's unique personality is key to creating memorable pet photographs. One way to achieve this is by focusing on action shots and candid moments. These types of images highlight your pet's natural behaviors and playfulness, resulting in genuine and engaging photographs.

Incorporating your pet's favorite toys and activities into the photoshoot can also help showcase their character. Observe your pet's interactions with their toys or during playtime, and use these moments as inspiration for your compositions. This can create more connection and authentic moments between you, your pet, and the camera.

When composing your shots, consider using different angles and perspectives to add visual interest and emphasize your pet's unique features. Experiment with low angles to capture your pet's point of view, or try shooting from above to emphasize their size and form. By being inventive with your compositions, you can create captivating images that truly celebrate your pet's individuality.

In the end, the key to capturing stunning, natural pet photographs lies in mastering the use of natural light and understanding your pet's behavior. By choosing the right time of day, positioning your pet effectively, and using squeaky toys or treats to keep them engaged, you'll be able to capture breathtaking images that showcase their unique personalities.

If you're looking to take your pet photography skills to the next level by osmosis or simply want to capture memorable images of your furry friend, consider booking a session with Edmonton Pet Photography. EPP specializes in outdoor pet photography and I am passionate about bringing out the best in your pet during photoshoots. Reach out today to schedule your pet's photo session.