If you've been scrolling though Instagram looking at all of the amazing pet photos you may be inclined to think they have all been taken with professional cameras. But you may be wrong! 

Follow along to learn how to take top-notch photos with your phone.

• Keep fresh treats handy. Small treats, like pieces of hot dog, work well to capture your pet’s attention and keep them engaged.
• Hold the treat just above the camera to encourage eye contact and ensure your pet is looking in the right direction.
• Reward your pet after each shot, but be mindful not to give too many treats, as it can lead to distraction or loss of interest.
• Bring a helper if possible. An extra set of hands can assist with handling the pet or holding the treats while you focus on the shot.
• Incorporate toys or sounds. In addition to treats, squeaky toys or subtle noises can help grab your pet’s attention without overstimulation.
• Take breaks. If your pet gets restless, short breaks will help them reset and prevent frustration during the shoot.

• Good lighting is the foundation of any professional photo.
• Use natural light for the best results. Overcast days or shaded areas like trees or buildings provide soft, even light for your pet.
• Avoid direct sunlight as it can overexpose and create harsh shadows.
• Indoor shooting? Large windows offer excellent natural light for clear, bright photos. Make sure it is indirect light coming through the window and not full sun.
• Early morning or late afternoon light provides a soft, warm glow that enhances your pet’s features beautifully.

• Choose your background carefully. 
• Pick a simple, uncluttered background. Busy or distracting elements can take the focus away from your pet. If you’re indoors, remove unnecessary items to create a clean backdrop.
• Use natural settings when outdoors. Parks, open spaces, and gardens provide beautiful, neutral backgrounds.
• Seek out shaded areas like paths, flowerbeds, or grassy spots to avoid harsh sunlight and enhance your pet’s visibility.
• Consider color contrast. Make sure your pet stands out by choosing a background that complements but doesn’t match their fur color. This helps them pop in the frame.

• Utilize your smartphone’s portrait mode. This feature blurs the background, creating a beautiful depth that emphasizes your pet as the main subject.
• Portrait mode adds a professional touch by separating your pet from the surroundings, making the photo more visually appealing.
• Focus on facial details. One of the best benefits of portrait mode is its ability to keep your pet’s eyes, nose, and mouth in sharp focus, highlighting the unique expressions and features that make your pet special.
• Ensure proper lighting for the best effect. Portrait mode works best in well-lit environments, so avoid dim settings to maintain clarity.
• Adjust the depth of field if possible. Some phones allow you to control the amount of background blur, so tweak it to find the perfect balance.
• Hold steady for sharper results. Keep your hand as steady as possible to avoid blurring your pet’s face, especially if they’re moving.
• Take multiple shots. Pets move quickly, so use burst mode or take several pictures to capture the perfect moment.

• Tap to focus on your pet. Most smartphones allow you to tap the screen to set a focus point. Wait for the right moment when your pet is still, and tap on your pet's eye to capture a sharp, clear image.
• Be patient with movement. Pets can be unpredictable, so timing is key to getting them in focus. Wait for those brief pauses when they stop moving to snap the best shot.
• Use burst mode for action shots. Hold and swipe the shutter button to the left to activate burst mode, capturing a series of quick shots. This increases your chances of getting the perfect frame, especially with active pets.
• Focus on the eyes. The eyes are the most expressive part of your pet. Make sure they are in sharp focus to bring out the emotion and personality in your photo.
• Take multiple shots. The more photos you take, the better your chances of capturing that ideal moment when everything aligns perfectly.

• Get down to their eye level. Capturing your pet from their eye level creates a more intimate, engaging perspective that’s less common and more striking than the typical overhead shot.
• Experiment with different angles. While eye-level shots are often best, try various heights and positions to find a unique viewpoint that showcases your pet’s personality.
• Focus on the eyes. The eyes are the key to an emotional connection in photos. Ensure they are clearly visible and in sharp focus to bring out your pet’s expression.
• Use low angles for a powerful look. Shooting from below can make your pet appear larger and more heroic, giving the photo a dynamic feel.
• Tilt and rotate the camera. Play with slightly tilted or rotated angles to create a sense of motion or add artistic flair to your shots.

• Fresh, Fetch and Candidate designs require special attention. While focus and lighting are key, there are a few extra steps to ensure the perfect photo for these styles.
• Camera Angle: Get at eye level with your pet. This angle creates a more natural and intimate perspective, making the photo more engaging.
• Pet Position: Seated and facing the camera works best. Eyes should be looking directly or close to the camera for optimal connection.
• Don’t crop the ears! Ensure the full head, including the ears, is in frame for the best result.

• The background will be removed by the artist, so it’s less important. However, it’s best to choose a simple, uncluttered background to avoid distractions in the initial photo.
• Bonus Tip: Make sure your pet is comfortable and calm. A relaxed pet will lead to a better, more natural photo.
• Portrait Mode Note: Use caution if using Portrait Mode on your phone. Capturing the detail of your pet's fur is important and Portrait Mode will soften some of that important detail. If you have already captured a shot you love in Portrait Mode you should be able to change the focus settings by editing the photo within the photo app on your phone.

• You probably already have a treasure trove of pet photos. We know we did, and that’s exactly what inspired us to start this business!
• Dig through your collection with a keen eye. Look for those little gems that evoke an emotional reaction – those are the ones that truly capture your pet’s personality.
• Photos come to life in our designs. You’d be surprised how a simple snapshot can transform into a stunning piece of art with the right layout.
• Focus on the basics: If the photo is in focus and has decent lighting, it’s likely to shine in one of our custom designs.
• Bonus Tip: Trust your instincts. If a photo makes you smile, laugh, or feel something, it’s the perfect choice!