A pet photographer focuses on taking pictures of pets as opposed to, or in addition to, humans. While some photographers take pictures of the animals in their studios, others prefer to do the shoot at the pet’s home or on location, such as in a park or a field. Many pet photographers focus strictly on dogs and cats while others work with any type of pet an owner wants photographed.
Considering the unpredictable nature of pets, a pet photographer must understand that animals do not respond as humans would. It is not as simple as telling the animal to sit a certain way and turn the head slightly, then getting the perfect photograph. They are not as easy to maneuver into a specific pose as humans are, so many times, a pet photographer needs to be able to work with each animal for an extended period and have an extreme amount of patience to get the perfect photograph.
A pet photographer does not necessarily have to have professional training; however, it does not hurt. What is required is to have a way with pets, to be able to capture their essence in a way that reflects them best and in a way that the owner is happy with. In some cases, simply taking pet photos for family and friends snowballs into a full-blown career.
Pet photographers may not work full-time hours; some prefer to work part time. Each photographer may have a certain amount of time for each pet, while others take as much time as necessary to get a great photograph. In some cases, considering the random nature of pets, a photographer may have a very limited number of appointments per day in order to accommodate clients' needs.
Pet photography is a great way to make a living for someone who has a passion for photography and animals. A pet photographer must have a creative streak. In some cases, they may need to provide pet costumes, backdrops or specific photo editing skills and be able to form it all into an outstanding photograph.
In most cases, a pet is not just an animal, but a part of the family. A pet photographer helps to capture the image of the beloved pets in a way that encompasses who they are so they can be remembered as they lived even after they have passed on. A professionally done photograph is a treasured gift and keepsake to the owner that they can hold onto and display for a lifetime.
