Trying to get the perfect snap of your cuddly companion can be one of the most frustrating experiences. In one shared selfie you may look totally on point, but the photo isn’t Insta-worthy thanks to your pet’s lack of focus. Follow our tips to make sure every picture of your pet is top-notch.
Note: we’re not liable for any jealousy arising from your pet getting more followers than you.
- Pick the day carefully
Pets have good and bad hair days just like people. If your pet visits a groomer, or has a regular bathing day then it’s a no-brainer which day to get snapping. Otherwise, look out for a day when they’re looking particularly cute. This may sound like a qualitative measurement, and it absolutely is, but if you’re looking at your pet and find yourself particularly overcome with its cuteness, today is a good day for photos.
Also evaluate their mood – a day where they’re particularly revved up and looking for excitement might not be a day to try and have them sit still and say cheese. Instead, a day where they are looking for attention and coming to you for pats and cuddles is better, as they’ll be more willing to stay still.
- Groom
When you’ve picked a good day, it’s time to make them look even better than they already do. Obviously if you’ve visited a professional groomer then this step is already done for you, but if not have a go at doing it yourself. A brush and a cloth is really all you’ll need – the brush to remove any excess dander, and the cloth to wipe away any unwanted slobber from their mouth (If you have a pet other than a dog this probably isn’t going to be a problem).
Don’t go as far as giving them a bath, as they will take some time to dry and by the time they do you will have moved on from your desire to photograph.
- Obedience
This one is a huge help, but not something you can do overnight. Also, if you own a pet other than a dog you’re likely to have more difficulty here than a pooch owner will. Training your pet to sit, or at least to stay, will leave you able to focus on other more important elements without worrying about your furry friend going walkabout.
There are numerous resources out there on how to train obedience, but it basically all boils down to rewards and the expectation of rewards, so have some treats on hand if it’s going to be a long photo session.
- Getting the shot
It’s one thing to have your pet sit still for a few minutes, it’s another entirely to have them look in the right direction. Unfortunately, pets don’t understand the notion of photography, and so having them look at a specific spot can be difficult. If possible, adapt the photography to where they want to look, move into their eye line and take a photo from there, instead of agonising over how to get them to look where you want. In the case of joint selfies though, this might be more difficult, so maybe consider using their favourite toy to draw their attention to the right spot for long enough to photograph them. Just make sure you play with them afterwards because otherwise it’s a bit bait-and-switchy.
Once you have your photos consider any last minute edits, but honestly your pet will be looking so fine that all that remains is to pick the best few to post or print.
Remember too, that if this all seems like a lot of work, sometimes the most well-received photos are ones that your pet had no idea you were taking. Candid photographs of your pet doing what pets do can be as good as staged photos, or even better if you have a good eye for the right moments (or otherwise just a bit of luck).
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