Pet Photo Guide

Step 1: Taking a great photo for a portrait

Example of a good pose for a pet portrait

*The best images are at eye level, not looking down at the pet.

*Your pet facing slightly left or right showing the features of the head works well.

*Soft lighting is better than bright sunlight because it avoids dark shadows and glaring highlights. This is especially so with black and white dogs.

*Profiles (side views) work for certain long-nosed dogs such as greyhounds & collies.

*If your pet is facing the camera be sure the nose is not disproportionately enlarged. To resolve this, retake with the camera at least three feet away from your pet.

*Having a toy in its mouth obscures the pet's natural features making for a poor portrait. The more natural the pose the more character we see of the dog.