Blog
Photographing pets II (09.01.2017)
Text and photos: Kaire Rjadnev-Meristo
Chairman of the board of The Tibetan Mastiff breed club
The member of the board of Estonian Tibetan Mastiff Rescue
Member of Estonian Kennel Union
Member of American Tibetan Mastiff Association
Member of World Dog Press Association
Choice of lens
I have used both of these lenses in the showroom: NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/2,8E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR.
I once tried fixed focal length lens but it was very risky to use it because you cannot always get close enough to the situation. Or the opposite, you cannot back up far enough since there are dog cages, their owners, handlers, friends and audience all around you. That is why, zoom lens is necessary and NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/2,8E FL ED VR https://store.iamphotographer.eu/EE/6116/4956/jaa830da-nikkor-af-s-70-200mm-f28e-fl-ed-vr meets the expectations the most when it comes to the focal length and light sensitivity.
Speed
We cannot actually see how many of their elements move at the same time. Their eyes blink, the coat changes with every movement (especially with long hair breeds outdoors), their paws change position. Everything is in constant movement even when the dog sits, stands or lies. When the situation is unusual for the dog or they are not very comfortable with it (staying put for example), they tend to yawn. That is why it is important to shoot fast. Sometimes the photographer is too slow and as a result, there’s only a tip of the tail or nose on the photo. That is nothing to worry about – every beginner has these kinds of moments and practice makes perfect.
Accuracy
When photographing an animal, it is wise to focus in the eye. If you can’t capture the eye, then focus in the top of the head (making sure that the camera doesn’t focus in the background). If the body and head are at the same distance, you can also focus in the body. When the head and body are at different distances and the camera is focused in the body, the head is going to be blurry. All the subjects that are in front or behind the focused element lose sharpness.
Depending on the possibilities of the camera and lens and how these are set up, the sharpness of the subject and the background can be very different.
Background
There’s always a background on the photo. May it be the photo background at the studio, rostrum with advertisements in the showroom, city environment or nature. In the studio, everything is set and you only have to set the pet ready. Everywhere else, the situation is different. Move yourself while shooting – an element that is not suitable might be out of the photo or form a suitable composition if you step back or to the side, closer or further away. If you take photos of the pet with its owner, it would be nice if the owner is fully on the photo as well.
Choosing the photos and processing them
When choosing out photos, you can through away the blurred ones. There is always something to learn from the rest of them. It is possible to adjust light, composition and sharpness to a certain extent with the photo processing program. You can also get rid of unwanted elements but I still recommend taking the photos as naturally as possible. Of course, you can create funny photos with different programs but I don’t recommend changing the pet’s appearance through photo processing. Artificially changed breed characteristics (with dogs, for example, their coat, size of the paws and head) are going to look unnatural and very noticeable for an experienced eye. Changing the pets’ appearance should be left to the breeders – you enjoy your pets as they are.
I wish everybody courage and enthusiasm! As a reward, you get fun hours with your pets even when the photos do not turn out as wanted and soon, the photos will turn out nice because you develop your skills and gain experience. In time, you will find many great friends among the photographers who are very willing to share their experiences and skills. In addition, you get to know many new and interesting breeds and their owners.
All our pets are unique and through the camera, this becomes even more evident. The eyes of the cats and dogs are expressive – it is a totally new world to discover.
Love them all and have fun photographing!
