So often when I am photographing pets, mine included, I want to create a documentary of adventures and I’m all set to tell a story. 
I take in some of the landscape, the animals families, their movements. My desired shot list includes things like logs or steps or streams.  Or whole islands.  So I go wide. 

It is sometimes easy to forget about the little things.  About the detail.  About the features of pets that owners know and love.

This is also why having a notebook or cards with a shot list is one of my most important pre-session tasks.
My Session Consultation Form asks questions which let me know about the wee features that are important.  No ears are the same.  Noses are incredibly intricate.  If I can catch a pet staring lovingly at their human (or a treat – I won’t tell), then that is pure gold.  In order to capture these details, I need to fill the frame.  And that’s the subject of this weeks blog.

I would never have captured how splendid Bonnie’s wee chin is from further away.
The technique here, especially with dogs, is that I am using a Prime lens and in order for Bonnie to fill my frame, I need to get closer.  I want her to be comfortable with me and my lens as she can see herself in it.  So take this type of shot slow unless you are using a telephoto lens and are giving the pet lots of space.  

And how could you not spend time gazing into those beautiful big eyes?

Noses, as I said before, are so intricate and no two are alike.  While we usually want our focus to be on the eyes, this particular photograph is one of my all time favourites.  It also looks absolutely stunning framed and on the wall.  That’s actually another great point – if you are photographing for a wall (or wanting a photograph for your wall) consider the size and the final production and photograph for that.  Include what is important and exclude all the other items that just distract.

I was actually updating my portfolio when this theme came through and even though using old photographs might be considered cheating, this week I don’t mind.  Bonnie is one of my most treasured sessions. 

I hope you have enjoyed this look at how I capture the detail of your pet. 
If you are considering a session with me, or want to have a talk about how we can work together, please contact me!  I’d love to talk to you.  And if you are currently sitting on your Consultation Form, just tell me everything that is important to you, and we will craft something beautiful together.

Project 52 is a weekly circle project so from here, use the following link to hop over and visit Linda with VPShoots Photography located in Tampa, Florida to see what they have created, and then keep visiting the other blogs until you end up back here.

Happy Friday y’all X