Practical Tips for Taking Better Travel Photos with Your Pet
By Saloni Khatri*
As the awareness among pet parents is increasing, more and more people are opting to take their furry friends along with them on vacations and why not? After all, pets are members of the family, and spending time together on a trip can create unforgettable memories. However, capturing those memories can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to taking good pictures with your pets. As a pet photographer, I often hear pet parents complain about not being able to take good pictures with their pets during their travels. In this article, I will suggest some practical ways for pet parents to take better pictures with their pets during their travels.
Be Patient and Calm
First and foremost, it’s important to not rush and force the pet. It’s understandable to be excited to include your furry friend in your pictures, but we must remember that it is something that we want to do, not necessarily our pets. Therefore, we should be patient and stay calm because our pets can pick up on our body language. A relaxed pet is more likely to cooperate and look comfortable in the pictures.
Timing is Key
When it comes to timing, try to take family pictures during the golden hours. This time is not only preferred for photography, but it is also a much cooler time of the day. During this time, our pets are less likely to get tired quickly and are more likely to be in a playful mood, giving us a better chance of capturing their goofy side. Taking pictures during the golden hour also creates a warm and inviting ambiance, making the pictures more visually appealing.
Learn the Basics of Photography
Spend some time researching and understanding the basics of photography and composition. Believe me, this can do wonders, and you will notice a huge difference in your mobile or camera photography just by understanding and applying the basics. Learn about angles, lighting, and framing, and how they affect the final outcome of the picture. Understanding these basics will help you capture better pictures with your pet.
Invest in a Tripod and Trigger
Investing in a tripod and trigger is a small but significant investment that can help make your memories last forever. I don’t recommend using the timer function on your camera because you will have very little time to settle and get the perfect shot. Instead, use a trigger to take pictures at the right time. A tripod will also help keep your camera stable, resulting in sharper and clearer images.
Avoid Dressing up Your Pets Outdoors
Accessories are fine, but avoid making your pets wear clothes outdoors. They can be uncomfortable, and it is best to let them be themselves. There is nothing more beautiful than capturing your pet’s natural beauty. If you do decide to use accessories, make sure they are comfortable and safe for your pet.
Capture Tender Moments
There comes a point when your pet will get tired, and this can be an excellent opportunity to take pictures of you scratching their ears or talking to them. These moments can be very soothing, and you can capture them forever. However, make sure your pet is tired and not exhausted, as this can make their facial expressions look forced. The bond between you and your pet is special, and capturing these tender moments can be emotional and heart-warming.
Include Your Pet’s Entire Body in the Frame
Try not to cut off any part of your pet’s body from the frame. It just doesn’t look good and is technically incorrect. Make sure you have a visible connection with your pet, whether you are looking at each other or connected through touch, reflecting the bond between you and your pooch.
Prioritize Your Pet’s Safety
Always prioritize your pet’s safety and be cautious. Check for ants or insects before sitting somewhere for pictures with your pet outdoors. Look for a space with fewer distractions to increase the chances of good pictures. These tips will surely enhance your travel memories with your furry friends and help you overcome the struggles of taking good pictures. Remember, only real moments can be cherished forever, so have fun with your pet, and you’ll be able to relive the precious moments in the future. As a professional pet photographer and founder of Sniff Stories Pet Photography & Videography in India, I encourage pet parents to take more pictures with their pets, no matter how imperfect they may be. Perfect and posed pictures are a sign that you had a good time together with your pet, but the imperfect ones will take you back to the moment, and you’ll be able to recall the whole ambiance and story behind it. In conclusion, taking pictures with your pets during your travels can be a challenging task, but with these tips, you can enhance your memories and cherish them forever. Remember to prioritize your pet’s comfort, safety, and have fun with them, and the pictures will capture the love and bond.
* Saloni Khatri is the founder of Sniff Stories, a visual storytelling platform that captures the essence of pet and animal bonding through heartwarming photographs. At the age of 19, Saloni stumbled into entrepreneurship, combining her passion for animals and her creative background in filmmaking to launch Sniff Stories in July 2020.
