PHOTOGRAPH OUTDOORS
Capture your furry models in their natural surroundings to put them at ease and make it easier to create captivating portraits
Preparations for an outdoor shoot with animals require much more than just general planning.
Since there are many factors that need to come together, we have to pay attention to lots of details so that the animals feel comfortable in the outdoor environment. The most important aspect is always to ensure the safety of the pet. Depending on the animal, you should keep an eye out for busy side roads and harmful plants. Avoid rush hours when most people are walking their dogs, to reduce the risk of skirmishes and associated wounds. Photographing animals outdoors also means that we’re dependent on the weather conditions. It’s important to remember that you should never take photos in extreme temperatures, as animals react differently to heat and cold, and cannot prepare for it in the same way that humans can, by shedding or adding layers of clothes. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can be dangerous for pets, so if in doubt, postpone the shoot.
When you’re photographing pets outdoors, you’ll need to analyse the lighting conditions. If you’re shooting at midday, the sun will be high in the sky, causing harsh shadows and unnatural effects. In genres such as architectural photography, this can be an advantage, but with pets, a natural overall image is beneficial when trying to portray the subject skilfully.
It’s better to use an overcast sky to bring in the diffuse effect and create a well balanced image. Shoot during golden hour to create atmospheric images and convey a different mood to the viewer, using the backlighting from the low sun to visually isolate your subjects.
“THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF ANY SHOOT IS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE PET”