Your pets can make great photographic subjects. They are often cute and cuddly and never camera shy! But take your time to get the right shots.

- get your pet active – they exude energy and do daft things – perfect for photography

- catch the cute expression – the “ahhhhhhh” factor always wins!

- use props if you need to – toys, sticks, string – try to interest your pet

- action shots work well – put your pet to work

- don’t shoot immediately after your pet has slept …..

...... or after it has had a heavy meal

- use a fast shutter speed to freeze movement (use flash if necessary)

- try different angles – full face, profiles, angled up and down

- have pet food at hand – bribery always works

- move back to show the immediate environment; move in to show individual features

- be patient – watch your pet and wait for the right moment

- have a friend to help – they can distract and interest your pet

- a sharp noise (e.g. from a clap or a squeaky toy) will grab immediate attention (and is certain to get a cute shot)

- de-clutter the background – let your images focus on your pet

Cats and dogs are obvious subjects for photography. Don’t forget other pets – snakes, rabbits, hamsters, tortoises – can make great images too. Use your imagination.

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com

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