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What's in this episode
- Tips for capturing unique photos of pets and animals.
- The super-simple flash photography technique that produces great results even on animals that won't hold still.
- Tips for nailing the focus on moving animals.
- How to break into the business of pet photography.
- and more!
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Josh Norem's portfolio of pet photography
- Josh's Pet Photography Facebook Page
- Smugmug
- Jim's Photo Basics Crash Course (totally free!)
- Submit Questions for the Podcast
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Really enjoyed the podcast on pet photography since chasing “mangy” animals around is my preferred form of photography. 😉 One tip that wasn’t mentioned is to get down on the level with the pet. Unless you’re trying to do an arty shot where the head looks out of proportion and the dog appears to have a giant schnoz, don’t shoot down at the animal. Also, it’s easier to get a sharp motion shot if the dog is coming toward you rather than a side view going past you.
If you want to freeze motion on a trotting dog, shutter speed will need to be at least 1/200. (This from lots of trial and error in poorly lit indoor venues.)
Thanks for the tip on Pixoto, I’ve really enjoyed the site. What are your thoughts using their stock photo service? I must admit I was a bit taken aback when one of my photos was bought for 0.25…I took mine off the marketplace after that. 😀
Can’t tell you how much I appreciate and enjoy the podcasts!
Loved your interview with Josh Norem! One of my favorite episodes ever. My passions are photography and animals – it was so inspiring to hear from someone who has found success by combining his love for both. Thank you, Jim, for all you do to bring your listeners excellent tips and interesting interviews. I’m always so excited when I see a new episode waiting for me :).
I’m not a pet person but nevertheless enjoyed this interview. And Josh’s portfolio includes some pretty terrific photography.
Thanks for your feedback Libbye! Shooting at eye-level is indeed something that is recommended, however I don’t always do it because there are times where the background is simply too distracting or the sky is kind of gray or white (!). I also like the look of a clean, green background if they are on grass with good light. In fact, if I had to do this over again “pay attention to the background” would be a tip I would mention as it’s one of those cardinal rules and easily forgotten by a lot of people, including myself from time to time!
For action shots the rule is generally a shutter speed of 1/focal length, and since I use a 70-200 1/200 is a starting point, but I like to be at 1/1000 if I can.
Thanks again for listening!
josh
Thanks for listening Kelly – I’m glad you liked it!
josh
Really, Really, Really enjoyed the podcast 🙂 I’ve been on the same path as Josh, but am not pro, but plan on starting a side business (probably LLC) this year and doing what Josh has done. It was cool to hear josh uses the same techniques as I do. I’ve got a few other tricks so ping me if interested.
I have also started using a 100m macro recently and really like that with natural light (not so much with flash). I don’t have a 24-70 yet, but in addition to what josh said about his favorite lenses, I would have to add the 70-200 2.8 to that favorites list, especially with cats as it allows you to get close up shots from a distance and the cats don’t spook as much.
I haven’t updated online photos for awhile but I have some shots at https://www.flickr.com/photos/glura/sets/72157629505826811/ and http://500px.com/glura
These are all shelter cats from http://catscradleshelter.org and all photos taken at the shelter. Many were taken with available light and a flash, and a few with just natural light through the windows.
Nice job Jim and Josh!
-gary
Loved this one! Chasing mangy animals is my favorite kind of photography as well. I’ve been thinking about going to the animal shelters to take pics and this cemented that. I also liked hearing what lenses he tends to use for what, especially since I’m about due for an upgrade.
My most favorite pet photo I’ve ever taken… an it wasn’t even of my own dog! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=275238515987881&set=a.195444570633943.1073741851.176932585818475&type=1&theater
🙂 http://www.kristiweaverphotography.com