Common Mistakes in Pet Photography
The most common mistake in pet photography is not correctly setting the white balance. This can make all the difference in your image. When using a flash, make sure you set the white balance right so that the subject is not too darkened. It can also impact the number of highlights and darks you have in your photo.
Setting the white balance
There are many options for setting the white balance on your photos. You can do it manually, use presets, or even rely on the Auto White Balance setting. No matter which method you choose to use, it is crucial that your photos have the right color.
Many cameras have a white-balance option. It can be accessed via the camera’s menu. It automatically sets the white balance using the reference photo. This works well when there’s not much variation in lighting. But it can cause problems when you’re shooting something unique, such as a flower.
Many editing programs include temperature sliders that allow you to alter the color temperature. Your photos will look more natural if you increase the color temperature. It will make your photos more blue if it is decreased. Depending on the type of light source you’re using, it may also need to be adjusted for green-magenta shifts.
RAW files can also be used to adjust the white balance in your photos. You can adjust the settings of your DSLR or other high-end cameras by selecting the Custom White balance mode.
Some cameras offer a Preset mode, which will let you select a color temperature. A preset can be selected based on the colors in the sky or sunset. Most photographers will need to adjust their white balance while editing photos on their computers.
Using presets can be a useful way to help your images look better in indoor environments. A flower taken under an incandescent bulb can look wrong. To warm up your picture, instead use a shaded or cloudy setting.
Animal behavior should not be captured
One of the most important aspects of photographing animals is understanding their behavior. This will ensure that the shoot runs smoothly.
Animals are energetic, fast-moving creatures. Photographers must be creative and patient in order to capture great photographs.
A good way to capture the subject is to get down on the ground. For close-up shots, a macro lenses is ideal.
It is also a good idea for your pet to use a self timer. This will allow you to snap a photo of your pet playing with a toy, or chasing a ball.
The best photos of pets show their individuality. Consider adding props to your photos, such as a favorite pet toy or a background. This will add character and personality. You can also add artwork to the image.
Understanding your pet’s behavior is another key to taking quality photographs. Some animals are very active, while others are more mellow. Learning about their habits will help you to focus on their unique characteristics.
Flash should be avoided when you are photographing your pet. Flash can create red eyes. Flash can also distort an image.
Using creative angles and a high shutter speed can help freeze motion. Also, use a continuous drive autofocus lock. These are the best methods to ensure that your focus remains accurate.
Pets are also fun to work with. The best photos are taken while having fun. They may not want to sit still for a picture, but they will do just fine if you offer them treats or a toy.
If you are new to pet photography, don’t hesitate to practice. Take your time to learn and develop your own style.
Do not forget to remove tags
The above mentioned cell phone tagging of cats is not a joke, but it can be a pain in the bum. However, a little pre-planning will go a long way. You can tag your cat with this handy little device that fits into a tiny clip. This is especially useful when travelling abroad as a cell phone is a bit of a pain.
You can even get a more permanent solution. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Reputable companies will inform you about potential pitfalls and help you avoid them. Don’t forget about helping your local animal welfare charity by making a donation in honor of your pet. Your furry friends deserve a little pampering.
As you can see, pet photography isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re going to be around for the long haul, you might as well make the most of it. Whether you’re on the hunt for an award winning photographer or you’re just snagging the family dog for the night, remember to make it a fun and memorable experience. Your four-legged friend will be more than happy for you to help. It can be the best thing for your pet to be part of your family. A list of approved pet photographers is a good idea to keep in your phone or wallet.
Highlights from the blown
Blown highlights are a common mistake when photographing pets. You can cause distortions in the vertical lines if you use a wide-angle lens. Even if your lens isn’t wide-angle, you may still notice that you haven’t captured any details in the shadows.
Good exposure is important to avoid blown highlights from affecting your photos. This will ensure that all the tones are within the camera’s dynamic range. The histogram will indicate where to adjust your exposure.
A neutral density graduated filter can also be used. These filters are available in one, two or three stops, and help reduce the amount of light in bright areas of the image.
You might also need to increase your shutter speed. This will allow you to capture your pet moving. Animals move quickly. However, they can be unpredictable. They might move their head or change their pose.
Color casts are another problem that can arise when photographing pets. Many animals with black fur will display an undesirable color cast. For example, blue and red tones can appear.
The same applies to white fur pets. They will show less detail in brighter areas of the image. Modern digital cameras are unable to capture all tones, from black to white. This detail will disappear if you try to edit an image. This information can be recovered in post-processing.
Finally, you’ll want to check the LCD display of your camera. If your camera’s metering seems off, you’ll want to add another stop of negative exposure compensation. Also, switch on the Highlight Alert in the menu system.
Not working fast
Time and patience are key ingredients in pet photography. It is important to plan ahead in order to get the best shots. Many pet photographers will schedule an appointment for the next day, even if it is not yet here. This allows you to prepare the scene and be ready for the moment when the muse arrives.
Pet photography is one of the best genres because you can get close to your four-legged friends. Depending on where you are located, you might even be able capture a photo. With the right lighting conditions, you can shoot hundreds of frames in an hour.
It isn’t always easy to capture the moment. To help you out, here are some tips and tricks to improve your odds of a successful shoot. Before you go, do some research about the area. Likewise, be sure to know what your camera is capable of and how to use it. If you plan to take a lot of photos, it is worth hiring a professional. Aside from ensuring your pet is as comfortable as possible, you’ll need to be on your toes if you want your pet to pose for the picture of the year.