Specialist
Pet Photography Shot List
Pet photography is a speed problem. You get a short window of cooperation, so everything has to be set up before the animal arrives and shot fast once it does.
The single rule that improves every pet photograph: get down to their eye level.
Shots
28
Groups
5
Format
Checklist
The shot list
Setup
- 01Treats, toys and a squeaker to hand
- 02Fast shutter, continuous autofocus, burst mode ready
- 03Owner briefed on where to stand and what to do
- 04Background and light checked before the animal arrives
Portraits
Eye level, always. Shooting down at an animal is the most common mistake in this genre.
- 05Head-on portrait at eye level
- 06Three-quarter head angle
- 07Full body, standing, side on
- 08Sitting, full body
- 09Lying down, relaxed
- 10Close on the eyes
- 11Looking directly at camera — use the squeaker
Detail
- 12Paws
- 13Nose, macro
- 14Ears and fur texture
- 15Collar, tag, or name
- 16Tail
- 17Any distinctive marking
Action
- 18Running towards camera
- 19Running past, panned
- 20Jumping or catching
- 21Shaking off water
- 22Playing with a toy
- 23Mid-yawn or stretch
With owner
- 24Owner and pet together, both faces
- 25Pet in owner's arms
- 26Hands on fur
- 27Walking together
- 28Genuine interaction — greeting, play, affection
Tips for this kind of shoot
- Eye level, every time. It is the difference between a snapshot and a portrait.
- Fast shutter and burst mode. You are picking one frame out of twenty and that is fine.
- Save the squeaker for last. It works exactly once per session.
Use this list on your next shoot
Storeyz keeps your shots in story order for planning and regroups them by location for the day — then you tick them off on your phone as you get them.