Art and World of Pet Photography (Face to Face)

“My best teachers in learning to photograph pets like cats, dogs and horses have been the animals themselves.” –Che Vienes

The trouble of photographing small pets and large companion animals comes from our inability to communicate with them, and their often unpredictable nature.

If you want to master how to create timeless images and stories of people with their companion animals, if you are keen on showing the true beauty and meaningful life of pets along with humans, if you want to discover the art of pet photography and wanted to learn how to dramatically increase the quality of your pictures, if you wanted to help or transmit awareness for pets and animal care through photography.this course is for you.

What will be covered

• What’s the purpose of a pet photo?
  (Art, Science, Promotional ads and Media)
• What inspires you to do beautiful pieces of pet portraits?
• The technical aspects – the camera, lenses & the setting
  Use of AF continuous (AI Servo) mode
• Readiness: Preparing for the photo shoot session
• Create a mood board
• Knowing your subject (type, sizes and ages)
  PET OWNERSHIP PHENOMENA
• Understanding most common pet expression, behavior & body language
• Pets as an unpredictable creature: Why do we need to establish a calm and safe set up or environment for the photo session
• How to properly handle or position the pet in your frame for the best photo
• The process of working with pets and animals (what motivates pet to pose in front of a camera?)
• What makes a good pet photo? (Your style)
• Photograph differences and challenges of indoor or home, studio set up, outdoor or field
• (Use of Natural light)
  (Use of Strobes)
  (Use of Continuous light set up)
  • How to select the best props and background
  • What is the best time to shoot cats and dogs?
  • What is the best time to shoot horses and ponies?
• “Eyes” The most expressive part of an animal’s face
• Perspective: You have to shoot in their world
• DETAIL SHOT (highlight a desired part of the pet or animal)
• Patience isn’t a power; it’s a necessity (Different pet, different character)
• SAFETY TIPS and TRICKS
• Approaching smalls pets like cats and dogs
• Where to stand when shooting Horses and Ponies?
• Creative Direction: Pets their human
• Emotional Impact
• Shoot closer, shoot wider
• Style the Photo shoot
• Enhance images with photo-editing software
• Develop and be consistent with your own photographic style
• Let viewers see the story in your pet photography

Prerequisites

Participants should have completed PCCI’s Basic Photography and Studio Lighting 101 workshops or have equivalent experience.

What to bring

Participants should have a camera and preferably with prime lens (and Zoom lens) for the hands-on exercises.