Capturing the purr-fect holiday moment can be done in a flash with the just right technique of course! Simply follow the steps below to help ensure visual keepsakes for years to come of your favorite furry pals.
Expressions and Poses
Animals are individualists. They have their own special set habits and personality traits. You should honor your pet’s personality when taking a photo just as you would a fellow human. Observe your pet’s most characteristic expressions and try to recapture them on film. What unique habits does he have? What sets him apart from other animals? What does your pet do to entertain itself?
Dogs and cats have an inherent grace and beauty, but most do not pose. It’s easy to take a good photo of an animal because of the subject matter, but how do you take a unique and great photo of your pet? Expression in dogs and cats can be summed up as all eyes and body forms, whether it’s capturing an alert, amazed or loving expression.
Patience is a prerequisite for taking pet photos. Have your pet’s favorite treats and toys placed in a restricted area, limiting roaming space. Don’t be afraid to be silly and play with the toys in front of the camera. Your pet will feel more at ease in front of the camera and inclined to participate. The lens should be focused on your pet and the most important part of the composition.
Film Lighting & Shutter Speed
Animals can be quirky and move quickly without warning. Set you shutter speed at about 1/125th so your pet doesn’t come across as one big fuzzy blurr. Use a high-speed film such as ISO 400 or even 800 film when shooting indoors. You should overexpose just a bit (1/4 to 1/2 stop) for an accurate fur texture. The best possible light is always natural light. When shooting indoors choose a space near a large window.
Backgrounds
Simple backgrounds are the best. Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, absolutely no clutter! Outdoors, watch for lawn furniture and distracting images in the background.
Camera Angles
Take the photos on the animal’s level. Do whatever it takes, sit on the grass or lie on floor. This is important for full body shots. If you’re shooting a festive holiday close-up,“use a close-up lens”. Your pet’s expressive face should fill the frame as much as possible!
Remember, these are your treasures and should be preserved and presented as such. In order to maintain the quality of your printed photos, lamination and framing can certainly help. Keep photos away from intense sunlight, as this can damage the true color of the print.
THE SCOOP ON TWO OF THE
LATEST DIGITAL CAMERAS
Pentax Optio 450
• Price: $499.95
• 4.0 megapixels
• Optical Zoom: 5X
Point & shoot and manual settings capability
for added control Auto and manual focus
• Color modes: color, black & white, sepia, red,
pink, yellow, green, blue and purple
• Movie with audio recording
• Weight: approx 8.8 oz loaded
Special features:
• Continuous shooting to capture action.
• Time-lapse movie function to run a set of
recorded frames as a short film.
• Retains any combination of preferred settings
for easy access.
• Multiple exposure function allows multiple
pictures in the same shot.
• Image protection guards precious shots against
accidental deletion.
Quote from Minolta PR contact:
Find a setting that offers contrast to your pet’s coloring. A sandy beach or snowfield may work well for pet’s with dark coats, while a deep green lawn or dark floor covering can set off lighter colored pets.”
For more information visit: www.pentax.com
Minolta DiMage Xt
• Price: $299.99
• 3.2 megapixels
• Optical Zoom: 3X
Point & shoot plus extended shutter speed
range for control in various light conditions
• Autofocus Color modes: Color, black
and white, sepia
• Movie with audio recording
• Weight: approx. 4.2 oz
Special features:
• E-mail copy function “compresses image
for easy sharing”.
• Optional marine case (sold separately) allows
camera to be taken to extreme locations.
• World’s fastest start-up time of 1.1 seconds.
• Direct print with Epson USB
Direct-Print printer.
• Can be used for video conferencing.
Quote from Pentax PR contact:
“In sunny situations, use fill-flash. It softens harsh shadows and adds life to the eyes. It is especially effective with dark animals.”
For more information visit: www.minoltausa.com
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