Capturing your furry friend’s personality on camera can be trickier than herding cats (or sheep, for that matter). But fear not, aspiring pet paparazzi! With these tips, you’ll be snapping pics worthy of a gallery opening on Cuba Street in no time.
1. Know Your Subject:
- Cats: More unpredictable than Wellington weather. Patience is key.
- Dogs: Easier to direct than a group of tourists at Hobbiton, but prone to sudden zoomies.
2. Location, Location, Location:
- Indoors: Your lounge can be as good a studio as any in Wellywood.
- Outdoors: New Zealand’s landscapes make for stunning backdrops. Just mind the kea if you’re down south – they might fancy your camera!
3. Lighting is Everything:
- Natural light: As flattering as the golden hour at Mount Maunganui.
- Avoid flash: It startles pets more than a possum caught in headlights.
4. Get on Their Level:
- Kneel or lie down: You’ll look as silly as a penguin in a heatwave, but the shots will be worth it.
5. The Right Equipment:
- Smartphone: Can work a treat, like a Kiwi’s number 8 wire solution.
- DSLR: For shots sharper than a tuatara’s claw. Use a fast shutter speed for action shots.
6. Treats and Toys:
- Bribery works: Wave a treat like you’re conducting the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
- Favourite toys: Get their attention faster than yelling “Fush and Chups” at a Kiwi expat.
7. Capture Personality:
- Quirky habits: Does your cat sit like a meerkat? Brilliant!
- Action shots: Catch your dog mid-fetch, looking more focused than an All Black during a haka.
8. Be Patient:
- Take loads of photos: You’ll need more shots than a rugby team has after winning the World Cup.
- Perfect timing: Wait for that head tilt that’s cuter than a kiwi chick.
9. Post-Production
- Edit wisely: Enhance, don’t alter. Your pet’s more beautiful than Milford Sound at sunset already.
- Filters: Use sparingly, like Marmite on toast.
10. Props and Costumes
- Kiwiana: A tiny Swanndri or gumboots can be choice.
- Seasonal: Christmas tinsel or a Halloween cape can work a treat.
11. Group Shots
- Multiple pets: Harder to arrange than a flat’s chore roster, but so rewarding.
- Pets with humans: Capture the bond that’s stronger than a rugby scrum.
12. Action Shots
- Sports mode: For dogs playing fetch at the beach.
- Burst mode: Catch cats mid-pounce on a cabbage tree leaf.
13. The Unseen Photographer
- Set up and walk away: Catch candid moments when they think you’re not looking.
- Hidden treats: Place them strategically like you’re setting up a Lord of the Rings scene.
14. Themed Shoots
- Holidays: Easter bunny ears on a cat? Hilarious and adorable.
- Kiwi occasions: Waitangi Day, Matariki, or just a good old Kiwi barbie.
15. Share with Care
- Social media: Your pet could become an influencer faster than you can say “yeah, nah”.
- Prints: Nothing beats a framed photo on the mantelpiece, next to the Edmonds Cookbook.
Remember, the best pet photos capture the essence of your furry friend. Whether it’s a dignified portrait or a silly snapshot, the goal is to reflect their unique personality. With these tips, you’ll be capturing memories faster than a Kiwi demolishes a pavlova at Christmas.
So grab your camera, a handful of treats, and start snapping. Before you know it, you’ll have a collection of images more treasured than your gran’s secret pavlova recipe. Happy photographing, you good sorts!
