Keeping Them Still

For me, the hardest thing about photographing pets is getting them to be perfectly still. I am lucky to get one shot out of 10 where the animal is completely still, and even then there's a nostril moving. I have very few pet shots that are not a little soft in focus.

Anybody have any tricks?

I'm lucky if I can get the cats to move. This one had settled in for a long stay when I shot this.



This one was a little harder, he wanted to get down from my friend's shoulder where he was being held.

Charles L Webster said:

I'm lucky if I can get the cats to move. This one had settled in for a long stay when I shot this.

This one was a little harder, he wanted to get down from my friend's shoulder where he was being held.

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I know this kind of sedate cat. I've got one. It's the dogs that create a problems. They are of the hyper alert variety, even when sleeping

D

nothing wrong with a faster shutter speed

Down Stay and Obedience Training or...

My dog, Daisy, will pose for me. My dog, Gizmo, sees the lens and goes and hides. Other animals, I find do best when they are doing something that comes natural to them or after they have eaten (just like babies!) when they are more tired. I have images dogs that are sitting and staring out of windows, are on duty as watch dogs. I often will put a treat between my lips so they see it and stare at me while I click. They have to be food motivated. A squeek toy works too = get their attention and squeek before clicking. Cats just need a toy on a string to get their attention. Oh, a fast shutter speed helps and flash freeze the action - no more moving nostrils.

Gary Ayala said:

nothing wrong with a faster shutter speed

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I guess I should specify that I'm talking about still portraits.

Gary Ayala said:

nothing wrong with a faster shutter speed

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This is a beautiful natural picture, a pleasure! What happened after that?

Doug,

The little kitten with it's head on the side is so enchanting.



It's as if it's posing for you.

Asher

Something about my dog makes her difficult to photograph. It may be the color. Nevertheless.

My Sister-in-Law's Dog



The reason Pepper is so still is that he is totally concentrated on the tennis ball he hopes I'll pick up and throw in the pond. Except for tail, of course.

Related!

Your dog is related to my Gizmo! A pound rescue Lhasa Apso in a puppy cut.

A good contrast color piece of fabric is what you need to bring out the color detail, maybe a burgundy color.

Thanks Asher, I shot James so my friend could advertise him for adoption. She does feral cat rescue and my pictures have found many kittens new homes.