INTRODUCTION

Pet photography is about more than cute photos. The experience of creating impactful pet imagery offers you the opportunity to combine your love of photography with animals; provide priceless images to the people who love their pets; collaborate with pet-related businesses; and support valuable animal welfare causes. There is so much opportunity available to you as a pet photographer, whether you are creating images for yourself, your friends and family, as a volunteer, or as a business owner.

It is important to note that this genre incorporates every element associated with portrait photography—with animals as the subjects. This book will support you in your journey toward better pet photography by giving you the confidence you need to take your next steps on this challenging, yet rewarding path.

As pet photographers, it is very important to develop the skills necessary to visually and emotionally connect with pets and their human companions—while also considering the integral elements of lighting, composition, and directing. This book will help you develop an understanding of animal behavior as well as logistical, technical, and creative tools that will allow you to communicate your vision via your images.

I hope my experiences will encourage you on your path to more rewarding pet photography. Since collaborating with animal welfare groups has been such a big part of my journey, I have dedicated an entire chapter to this subject matter with the hopes of inspiring you to get involved with your camera at similar types of organizations.

Pet photography has expanded my world and opened my heart. I have been invited into people’s homes to photograph their relationships with their beloved pets, had the chance to collaborate with businesses and nonprofits, pursued personal projects, and helped guide others in their own journey. While there have been many challenges, pet photography has been incredibly rewarding.

Writing this book has put my career as a pet photographer into perspective. I can attest to the fact that my strongest images of pets were created with the knowledge gained from practicing and continued learning. I can’t promise that reading this book will prevent you from taking any more bad photographs, but it can help you get to the next level with your pet photography, faster.

It is my sincere hope that after reading this book you feel inspired to take your next steps as a pet photographer. Enjoy the journey!