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07/11/2009 03:02:28 AM · #1 |
| I'm doing a pet photoshoot as a benefit for a not-for-profit organization tomorrow (Sadly, I had to borrow a camera). Does anybody have any tips? I have done plenty of photoshoots for my school... but that was with people. Anything that I should be aware of? |
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07/11/2009 03:59:17 AM · #2 |
Have some sort of 'noisemaker' or attention getter in your hand...a squeekie toy for dogs, a feathered toy for cats...something with bells maybe. They can sometimes produce some interesting expressions.
Since, you don't know the animals probably...It also helps to have some sort of table or pedastal to sit them on of course...they have to pause for a moment before darting off on you. Really depends what you set up will be...Good luck! |
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07/11/2009 08:44:56 AM · #3 |
| An assistant is VERY useful for handling toys and getting attention. Basically you need to be ready for the expression and you can't be screwing around with toys; the best moments tend to be for split seconds. If you have toys that make a variety of noises, all the better, in case some don't care for certain items. Try to keep things ready and composed for a shot at all times and wait for the moments to come to you via your assistant. For cats, a laser pointer might get some really perked up shots- you can have it shot on a wall off camera (also works with some dogs). Also, a thin ribbon tied to the end of a stick can work (for cats, of course). Flash may make the animal squint in your photos and they don't like it anyway, so the more natural light the better (or maybe continuous lights would work, but I've never tried). |
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07/11/2009 09:53:18 AM · #4 |
Try to shoot the animals at their eye level as much as possible.
I hope that you are familiar with the loaner camera. If not, then spend some time with it to learn how to work the controls before the shoot.
I an assistant would be a great help.
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07/11/2009 09:55:57 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
Try to shoot the animals at their eye level as much as possible. |
Don't know how I forgot to mention that! You'll be spending a lot of time on your knees. This very important and adds a lot to the shot. |
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07/11/2009 10:42:29 AM · #6 |
| don't forget the kibble - bribery works great.... |
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07/11/2009 12:14:21 PM · #7 |
If you are going to be down low a lot, a knee pad of some kind may be useful.
If you are using direct flash, you may have some pretty bright eyes to correct in post processing. It is a good idea to soften the flash with some kind of diffuser or use reflected flash if the ambient light is not good enough.
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