To achieve the best portrait possible of your pet, good photographs are crucial.  

Here are some easy tips to keep in mind:

* In order to have the truest colors of your pet take outdoor photos in early morning or late afternoon light on a nice day. If indoors, avoid using a flash; use natural light by a window instead.  You don't want direct sunlight on your pet to avoid squinting and bleached out colors.  Avoid photographing at noon or very cloudy days, or under artificial lighting. It's best to have the light coming in from the side with a lit side and a shadow side to create a better composition and show your pet in his/her best form.

* Make sure your pet is comfortable and happy. Take the photos in your own yard or favorite park where you walk them or any place where he/she can be themselves and act naturally.

* Having a friend to help pose the pet helps. Holding a dog biscuit, toy or treat to turn their head works beautifully. Having your pet look at the person next to you can be an option other than looking straight at the camera or a complete profile.  A 3/4 view looking slightly to one side works very well.

* Always get down to pet eye-level for your photos looking straight at your pet at their level, not pointing the camera down at them.

* Use a telephoto lens to get close-ups without geting too close. The pet filling over half of the picture with the background filling the rest is ideal.

* Use an automatic focus and a camera that can shoot several shots per second as animals move quickly and often the best shots can be lost.

*Use the background to complement your pet. Simple, uncluttered backgrounds work best with a light color background for a dark animal and a dark colored background for a light animal. Sometimes a favorite toy, bed or collar can complement the picture.

Enjoy yourself while taking lots of photos, giving the model playtime and rewards so you both have a good time!