Pet Photography Tips & Techniques to win our #petsinblankets photo contest

 

Who loves snuggling in our cosy wool blankets even more than you do? Your pets of course! 

It really puts a smile on our faces when you share photos of your dog, cat, rabbits and other animals wrapped in your British Blanket Company blanket. So, we’ve decided to launch a new pet photography competition #petsinblankets to win them a pet blanket all of their own. We’ve made some special mini versions of our wool throws, perfectly sized as dog blankets (or any four-legged friends). Read on to find out how to get your paws on this money-can’t-buy prize!

PET PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES TO WIN OUR #PETSINBLANKETS PHOTO CONTEST

How to enter the #petsinblankets pet photography contest

Follow us on either Instagram ,Facebook or on Twitter tagging us and using the hashtag #petsinblankets to share your best photo of your pet, snuggled in a British Blanket Company throw. Head Judge, Scout, will choose his favourite photo randomly throughout the year to win one of our luxury dog blankets. The competition is open to all UK residents and all kinds of animals are welcome to join the fun! 

 

Top pet photography tips & techniques for better pet portraits

 

What camera is best for photographing pets?

The best camera for pet portraits is one that’s quick and easy to use, so a decent phone camera will be fine for most. The key to a compelling pet photo is getting the eyes in sharp focus. This can be tricky as the autofocus on many cameras will focus on the closest point – usually their nose – leaving the eyes blurry. If your camera or phone has a portrait mode, this will help ensure your pet’s eyes are in focus.


What lighting is good for pet photography?

A camera flash might startle your pet, so it’s best to take pet portraits in natural daylight. A fast shutter speed is needed to capture moving subjects and this requires bright light. Ideally, pose your pet so the light is coming in from one side so they are not squinting into the lens and your body does not cast a shadow over them. Natural light is also perfect for highlighting the natural beauty of their hair, fur… or scales!

 

What poses work well for dog portraits

The best poses for dog portraits (or any pet) capture them at their most relaxed. Time your pet photoshoot when you know they’ll be feeling chilled and use a location where they are most comfortable, be that lounging in their bed or playing ball in the park. Place any props (such as their favourite blanket) in advance, so they can naturally settle into position in their own time.

 


Get down to your pet’s level for the best angle

Work those knees! Bend down so you’re on a level with your pet, or lie on the floor, if you can. Being at eye level will help you capture a natural facial expression from your pet. If your pet is on the smaller side, ask someone to hold the animal, or pop them onto a comfy chair for their moment in the spotlight. Just make sure they won’t hurt themselves if they hop, jump or crawl away!


How to make your dog look at the camera for photographs?

Get your pet used to looking at the camera outside of photo sessions and praise and reward them when they do. Practice this ahead of time without taking photos, encouraging eye contact with the lens – mark the moment they look at the camera by saying “good” then follow-up with a treat. If they don’t offer the behaviour naturally, enlist a helper to hold a treat just above the lens to lure their gaze in the right direction so you can mark and reward. Take lots of photos in quick succession to maximise your chances of catching the perfect expression. 

 

Feeling inspired by these pet photography ideas? Enter our Pets in Blankets competition now for your chance to win a luxury pet blanket for your four-legged friend!


You can read the full Terms and Conditions of #PetsinBlankets here.