Looking for ways to improve your pet photos? Here is another in my series of tips for pet photography.

We’ve all heard the acronym KISS: Keep it Simple Stupid. Now often referred to as Keep it Simple Silly. This is a design principle that states that simplicity should be a key goal in design, and unnecessary complexity should be avoided.

We can apply this same principle as a tip for pet photography where we keep it simple and all unnecessary distractions are avoided.

We all know how important it is to capture memories of our fur friends. But how do we get the best shots? And what makes a great shot?

One of the best tips for pet photography is to keep it simple.  So what exactly do I mean by that?

1. Always consider your background.  A simple background is best for making your precious dog or cat the star of the show! Try to find a plain and uncluttered background. This doesn’t mean that you can’t show the environment, especially if its outdoors, but watch out for unwanted distractions.

   For example, if you are taking photos indoors make sure to clear away the clutter that could detract from your pet.  Coffee cups, cell phones, computers, phone chargers and other household items can all be distracting. Remove them before snapping that shot! Or find a plain wall to serve as your backdrop.
   
   If photographing outside watch out for people, garbage bins, light posts, other dogs etc. Remove sticks and leaves from the ground. These are unwanted distractions.
   
   You’ll see in the photos of Bella below, the first image has a few distracting leaves on the ground. By simply removing them I’ve simplified the photo and it looks far better, making Bella the star and avoiding the viewers eyes from looking around at the leaves on the ground!
   

Lovely outdoor scenery or buildings showing the surroundings in which your pet is being photographed are acceptable and even desired because it tells a story. There’s a difference!

2. Watch carefully to make sure that nothing is “sticking out of your pets head.”  I know that sounds funny! But have you ever noticed photos where someone is placed in front of a tree and it looks like the tree is growing out from their head?  Or maybe its a lamp post. Now that you know about this tip you’ll be sure to notice it when placing your pet in a certain spot for the photograph.

Take a look at the pictures below. In the first picture there’s a very distracting tree that appears to be growing from behind the girl. I should have noticed that and asked her to stand a few paces to her left! Thank goodness for photoshop I was able to fix the problem.

3. Do you love props?  They can definitely add some interest to a photo, but keep it simply by limiting the number - one or two interesting props is sufficient so as not to detract from your pet.

4. Try using the zoom feature on your camera or phone to capture a close up of your pet, essentially cutting out whatever is in the background if it’s ugly or unwanted.

5. Watch the lighting.  Make sure that there are no harsh shadows to distract from your pet’s natural beauty. That may mean looking for a shady spot if you are outdoors and having the pet face a window if you are indoors.

6. Finally does your dog really need to wear that harness that covers his body and diminishes his or her natural beauty? Can you remove the tags hanging from the leash? They can be really distracting. If your pet is wearing a leash outside in a public place, when you photograph him or her, try to place the leash behind your pet so that it's not hanging in front of his body.

Pet photography can be a great way to capture special memories of your furry friends! Keeping it simple is a great way to make sure you get the perfect shot.

Click the links below to read more tips for pet photography.

Get down low

Use leading lines

Negative space in pet photography

These pet photography tips are definitely useful, but If you think that you need help getting the most amazing photos of your pet, or want to be included in the photos so you have great memories of you and your pet together, then feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation.

I am a pet photographer based in and around the Toronto area and would love to discuss a pet photography session with you!

If you’re not quite ready for a consultation - no problem! Feel free to join my mailing list below for all things dog related, helpful info, special offers on photography and more. I’d love to have you follow along.

This post is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from around the world. The theme of this week’s blog was KISS. Massachusetts and New Hampshire dog trainer and photographer Darlene Woodward shares the simple steps to teaching your dog to kiss.
When you reach the bottom of her post you can click the link to read the next post. Continue clicking the links until you get right back here.