Admit it: you’ve got thousands of photos of your pets on your phone. Some of them are PAWMAZING and the rest? Well, the rest could probably be deleted from your photo collection. When it comes to those we love (pets included) we want to capture as many moments as we can so we can look back on them fondly as well as share them with others. Here are some tips to help you take stunning photos of your fur-kids that show them in all their glory.

Get Them Comfortable

If your pet isn’t relaxed, then you probably won’t get a great photo. Some pets are shy (you may have noticed some pets turn away when they see phones). Bring along their favorite treats or toys to keep them engaged and happy. Understand your pet’s body language; a drooping tail, shaking, and pinned back ears mean they are stressed. Take a break and let them play or relax before trying again. If that doesn’t work, wait to try again while they are in their favorite environments, like their bed, in the backyard, etc.

If you want to take outdoor photos, they may get distracted, so we suggest waiting until their training is more honed.

Use Natural Light

Chances are you do not have the same lighting tools as professional photographers. But don’t fret: natural light is amazing for pet photography. Take your photos near windows or outside. Early morning and late afternoon offer soft lighting. If you’re inside and notice the lighting isn’t optimal, then turn on a light. No matter where you choose to take your photos, make sure there are no distracting shadows on your pets face.

We recommend NOT using the flash for your pet photos. You may frighten your pet, and potentially damage their eyes if your pet is younger.

Consider Your Surroundings

A little clutter in your home can be distracting to the viewer. To help keep the focus on your pet, try simplifying the background; this can mean cleaning or moving to a less busy location. If you are exploring a new city or park, they can add to your photo.

Get Low

One of the best tips for taking great photos of your pet is to get down to their level. Sit down or lay on the floor when you take your photo. Photos from above may focus just on their face, but photos where your lens is level with their eyes show more personality. It can also help pets feel more comfortable.

Treats, Toys, and Tools

Treats, toys, and weird sounds from you are great ways to get your pup to focus and stare in the direction of your camera. This can help speed up the photo process. There are many tools available that attach to your phone and hold your pet’s treats. Additionally, shots of your pet holding or playing with toys show off their personality.

Focus on the Eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and that goes for pets as well. Make sure that their eyes are in focus to draw in the viewer give them a glimpse of their personality. Most cameras and smartphones allow you to tap on the screen to focus on a specific point—make sure that point is the eyes.

Capture Their Personality

Every pet has a unique personality, so aim to capture what makes your pet special. If your dog is playful, try taking action shots of them playing with their favorite toy. If your cat is more relaxed, capture them lounging in their favorite spot. They may be more accepting of the camera when they get to truly be themselves. If your pup has unique details, like an underbite, birthmark, or large paws, then try a closeup shot!

Use Continuous Shooting Mode

Does your pet like to move? If so, it can be a challenge to capture the perfect shot. Cameras and smartphones have a continuous shooting mode (also known as burst mode) that allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession and give you options for photos. You can also use action mode or increase the shutter speed to avoid blurry photos. Many modern phones and cameras also have stabilization and autofocus features that can help you out.

Make Minor Edits

Phones are so advanced now that they contain great editing tools, or you can use an app to make edits. You can fix red-eye, adjust brightness, crop, zoom in, and more! Simple adjustments can make a big difference. However, avoid over-editing, as this can make the photos look unnatural.

Be Patient

Photographing pets requires patience and a lot of it. Your pet may not understand that it’s photo time or they may not cooperate. Stay calm, be patient, and have fun with the process. The more relaxed you are, the more likely your pet will be too, leading to better photos.

Practice & Experiment

Like any skill, pet photography improves with practice. The more you experiment with different techniques, the better your photos will become. You get to learn more about what working with your pet is like. You may even get them to enjoy the process. Try different angles, perspectives, environments, and more!

After you've taken a great photo of your pet, make sure to reward them with snuggles and treats. The experience can be positive for both humans and pets, and will leave you with beautiful memorable images that you can cherish for years to come. We hope you take these tips and share your pet's photos with us!