CHENNAI: I wasn’t supposed to become a pet photographer. In fact, when I did my Masters I specialised in Architecture photography. But a love for animals made me take pictures of dogs on the street and of friends’ pets every now and again. A friends of mine later suggested that I shold consider doing it professionally and so quite by chance I started doing doggy portfolios, mostly for people who just thought it was fun and I knew well. After a month though, with the calls pouring in for Petfolios, I understood that pet owners wanted to save their cherished memories with their loved ones beyond the quick mobile click - and it’s been a fun furry-filled ride ever since. Here are glimpses from behind the lens and behind the scenes at a pet shoot, and yes with a few handy tips and a little patience you could get your pooch to pull off the perfect pose too.
Funny Story on the Job
Once, after I had finished taking photos of a puppy, he pulled out some money from my bag and started to eat it. Even after me taking it back from him, he would end up going back to the bag, put his nose in it and then have a happy chew! Another time, I was doing a session of photos of a dog and it unexpectedly started to rain. We were worried for the first five minutes, but later we could see that he was enjoying the rain and running around in the garden. So the rain worked to our benefit and we ended up getting some some amazing mood shots of him.
What I have Learnt in Order to Pets to Pose their Best
One has to have immense patience in order to get good shots of pets as they are quite dynamic and you move around a lot. However, giving them their space and time is the key to create great images. Light plays a very important role once you start taking pictures. You need to be aware that the right amount of light is falling on the pet. Timing, is another necessary aspect one needs to look into. Capturing the right candid moments is the key. And one gets way better images when you capture moments of them doing their own thing rather than making them pose for us.
I have learnt better ways to bond with pets at a personal level. Every shoot until now has been a varied and amazing experience for me, which is also what motivates me to keep going.
What NOT to do
Forcing the pet into posing or doing anything against what the pet wants must be avoided. After all, a good picture is achieved only when there is mutual co-operation.Without that connection, its very hard to deliver good photographs. The pet has to get comfortable around you and the surroundings to begin with. Dragging them by the leash to get a shot is a definite no. Also keep in mind, once they’re exhausted it is better to wind it up as expressive shots may not come through.
Crazy/unusual requests
I have had the opportunity to photograph guinea pigs, hamsters and macaws, so I’d say that’s crazy enough!
(The writer is a pet photographer and can be reached at 9940070163)