Get ready to showcase your beloved pet in the Animal Protective Foundation’s (APF) third annual pet calendar photo contest! Your furry, feathery, or scaly friend could be the star of the cover or even be featured as the pet of the month. However, the competition is tough, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your pet’s photo stands out from the crowd. And don’t worry, you don’t need a professional camera to capture a winning shot – your phone or a simple point-and-shoot camera will do just fine. Just keep these guidelines in mind:
- Lighting is Key. If you’re indoors, try to photograph your pet near a window. If you’re outside on a sunny day, find a shady spot to avoid harsh glare and squinting. This is especially important for pets with dark fur – you want their eyes to be clearly visible.
- Capture their Personality. This could be a characteristic facial expression, a moment of play with other pets or people, or even a display of their various moods. Try to capture the essence of your pet. For instance, if your energetic dog also enjoys quiet moments, try to capture both. It’s always fun to see pets interacting with each other or with children in the household. If your pet is more playful or reserved, try to showcase that. You could also highlight their favorite environments, like lounging in a sunny spot, running in a field, or playing at the beach. For dogs, try making unusual noises to get a cute head tilt. Ensure your pet looks relaxed – their ears should be alert, not pinned back in fear, and their body language should be casual.
Try to get a low Angle. Aim to have your eyes on the same level as your pet’s eyes. You might even need to lie on the floor. A direct gaze into the camera can create a powerful connection with the viewer.
Remove Distractions. Be aware of what else is in the frame. The camera tends to “flatten” everything and doesn’t show depth as well as our eyes do. If there’s too much going on in the background, remove it or change your shooting spot so your pet stands out. Try using a plain wall or a pretty curtain as a backdrop.
Try to Contrast your pet with the background. A dark-furred animal will stand out against a light-colored wall and vice versa. A black puppy held by someone wearing a black T-shirt will just blend in.
Consider using the Edit options on your phone camera. Do you want to highlight your pet’s expressive eyes or their playful movements? Experiment with different crops to zoom in or out. If your photo has many colors, try converting it to black and white for a less distracting look. If your photo includes a landscape and the horizon is crooked, straighten it using your phone’s tools. Feel free to experiment until you get the perfect shot, but avoid overusing filters as they can sometimes detract from the image. Remember, less is more when it comes to editing.
That’s all there is to it! Grab your pet and your camera, and let the fun begin!
For more information about APF’s pet calendar photo contest, visit animalprotective.org/photo or email chronicles@animalprotective.org.
I disagree, the perfect moment to snap a picture of your pet is when they are being themselves, not staged.