Pet Parents have often expressed their frustration using their attempts to photograph their pets. They ask me, "How is the next step it?" After much thought, I reached what I call my "7 P's." The "7 P's," the keys to taking great pet photographs are Patience, Persistence, Personality, Plain, Perspective, Pop and Processing.

Dallas Pet Photographer

PATIENCE
Pets have minds of their own. Everybody knows that. You get your pet to sit perfectly, they see a bird, a butterfly, cat or another dog, and off they're going. Or your cat just doesn't want to come out from under your bed. What exactly is the next step? Well, if you would like the image, waiting. The cat can come out eventually, and also the dog will tire of chasing the cat. Oh, just a little, treat (bribery) never hurts.

PERSONALITY
Personality is the reason why your dog unique. The bottom line is to capture that uniqueness. Take the time. Consider your pet. What's the first thing that comes to mind? For example, after i think about my cat Sham-Rock I believe "SPAZ." I am talking about he spends a large amount of his time with his mouth hanging open attacking shadows and searching for geckos. So, this is the image I want to capture... that look which curiosity. Maybe your dog goes bananas when you grab your vehicle keys because he knows he's taking a ride. So, you may want to capture that complete and total look of joy and excitement.

PERSISTENCE
Pricier to get a great group of shots to begin with. It might happen, but more likely, you'll take many, many shots to get that oen perfect look. Recall the old adage: "if at first you don't succeed try, try again." That adage applies to photographing pets. I have a minimum of 300 photos per session, and I'm a professional.

PLAIN
What does that mean? Make it simple. Sometimes to avoid cluttered backgrounds. The subject of the picture is your pet, not the person walking around the sidewalk behind them. A rake, a unravelled hose, a trach can are probably stuff that you wouldn't want without anyone's knowledge (or foreground) of your pet's photo. And, please, do not have a building or perhaps a tree coming out of your dog's head.

Dallas Pet Photographer

Perspective
Lots of people (including professional photographers) say you need on the same level as the pet. I disagree. I think you will get some really cool shots by shooting up at your cat or down at your dog. The bottom line is to get in close.

POP
You want the photograph to come out at you and whoever else is viewing it. That means, you want a reaction to the photograph, be it an "Ahhhhh!" or "Isn't that cute" or perhaps a chuckle or a tear. Those photos that evoke emotion are the photos that individuals remember most.

PROCESSING
Not all photo processing is identical. Let's say you receive the perfect shot, crop it just how you need it and adjust the coloring for you liking. There is nothing more disappointing than sending it to a bulk processor where things are set on auto pilot only to have your photo return together with your dog's paw stop or under vibrant colors. Suddenly, the great photo is disappointing. My advice: spend a little extra money and discover a photo place that provides your photo the interest it deserves.