I take so many pictures of Ruby I won't even go there, but I also always try to get a good picture of my clients' pets. I do this because: I love taking pictures, I've found it's a great way spend time with and get to get know a pet, it's nice to have a visual collection of my clients' pets, and my clients love it. Taking pictures of pets is not easy however. It requires a lot of patience and my number one secret to getting a good shot is to take a lot of pictures. And I mean snap away! My other top tip is to get down to their level. For a lot of the pictures I take I'm usually laying down flat out on the floor. Not all of my shots are masterpieces by any means but my clients don't mind because they love the subject so much! The only thing I haven't quite mastered yet is how to take a good picture of a black cat. Please let me know if you have any ideas.

I found some really good tips on how to photograph pets.

The first list of tips is from the Digital Photography School blog. Incidentally, on this page there's a picture by a friend and client of mine, Kevin Steele, master pet photographer. Pictured is Toby. When I pet-sat for Kevin I didn't take any pictures because his are so good!

1. Start with Your Pet’s Personality
2. Think about Context
3. Get in Close
6. Lighting
7. Include People
8. Freeze the Action
9. Be Playful
10. Catch them Unawares
Update - 11. Try a Wide Angle Lens

Click here for details on these tips.

The second set of tips are from Antoine Khater at All Day I Dream About Photography and include:

1. Use Natural Light
2. Keep the Eyes Sharp
3. Go to Them
4. Give Value to their Character
5. Go Macro
6. Surprise Them
7. Schedule your Session
8. Be Patient
9. Experiment

Click here for details on these tips.

Happy snapping!