There are many qualities that a good pet photographer must have to insure that   that the portrait experience is enjoyable for the client and their pet(s) and the finished portraits  are great .

The list is long, but the first and most obvious  is patience.  Understanding the different temperment of dogs and using the appropriate techniques that experience has taught will work the best.  Next, state of the art  cameras,  lighting and the knowledge how to capture the split second poses that are absolutely great.  It is critical to show great detail  and sharpness in the blackest AND whitest fur.

A variety of squeeky toys and the ability to make a wide variety of vocal sounds that dogs find fascinating  and work wonders to get those ears up.

The most important skill  of a good pet photographer is  ALWAYS  being ready and able to capture that split second expression that is the essence of a dog or a group of dogs. It is always exciting and  is one of the qualities that separate a good pet photographer from a mediocre one. If you miss that perfect split-second pose  chances are you will not see it again!

Also important is confidence in ones ability and creativity, the ability to give subtle but specific directions to the ‘wranglers’ (those who help arrange and control).It is very important to  NEVER become frustrated with the dogs or their people if it is a hectic session.

These observations  and ideas are the backbone of my pet photography business. I have used them with the hundreds of dogs I have photographed. They have served me very well.

MinnesotaDogGuy

PatrickNauPhotography.com

When I prepare my studio camera room before a pet portrait session there are a number of things I do.  Of course, the obvious are to set the lights correctly, to have the right backround and so on.
I also have  all the squeekies and noise and attention getters at the ready. During a session depending on [...]

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There is a common misperception that a black dog will not photograph well at all. It partially based on truth–that is, every black dog photo taken with a camera and flash is using a single burst of harsh light that hits the face and front of the dog lighting up just a part of the [...]

How many times have I had someone  tell me “my dog won’t sit still for a portrait.”  The response I always give is  “It doesn’t matter.” Then I talk about the couple with 8 dogs that I photographed or if I am at an event with my portraits I show them the portrait and they are amazed. [...]

I have met many pet  owners over the years who have lost  their beloved dogs and have said to me “I wish I  had a portrait of my dog” but sadly  of course, it is too late. I remember one man who told me he lost his dog 15 years ago and STILL regretted not having a portrait [...]