Photography

Photographing Animals

Much of the same principles apply towards photographing animals as it does towards humans. Keep these basic principles in mind as you photograph animals:

Eye contact is important, but not always necessary. In some instances, a pose with eye contact with an animal works. In my opinion, this type of pose is equivalent to a traditional, formal type of portraiture. When the pose works, the body position is natural and shows the full-body. From head to toe and from the goat's nose to the tip of his tail, we can visually appreciate the form and beauty of an animal.

The surrounding setting is important too. If there are two background textures and tones which complement the animal, this would be perfect! In this way, the animal and setting (the background) contain visual unity.

The camera's flash fills in shadows and enhances the appearance of humans, as well as animals. Take a flash photograph, and look for the shadows on and around the animal's body. Now, take another photograph without the flash. Without the flash, part of the face will be darkened and the shadows are in different places. The shadows tell us about the form and shape of an object. Shadows can add beauty to forms.

Viewpoint perspectives can make or break a photograph. Shooting down on an animal could work while maintaining eye contact, if the animal is not straining his neck to look up at the camera. Make sure the pose of the animal is not disturbing to look at―the animal should look true to form and natural.