By Annette Basile

Forget George Clooney, Brangelina and all the Hollywood hotties – the most photogenic creatures on the planet are our pets. But photographing animals presents its own set of problems. “Hold that pose” doesn’t mean much to them. But there’s a wealth of pet photography tips to help you capture that perfect picture…

Eye level
The #1 tip is to get down on the ground with them – standing over your dog or cat and taking a shot may result in a good photo. But for a great one, get on their eye level. You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes.

Photos on the run
With the digital photography revolution in full swing, chances are your digital camera has a setting for ’sport’ or perhaps ‘kids’ or ‘kids and pets’. This makes it easier to photograph people and pets on the move. Alternatively, use a fast shutter speed. Check out your camera’s settings and don’t be afraid to play with them.

Forget the flash
Avoid using a flash or you’ll turn your beloved brown-eyed fur-baby into a green-eyed mini-monster. Flashes can also startle an animal – use natural light whenever possible.

Who’s your pet?
Does your pet do any special antics? Most of pet owners will answer a resounding ‘yes’ to that question. Try to capture their personality in the shot.

The magic of image editors
The standard advice with pet photography is to have your dog, cat, rabbit or bird “fill the frame”, but with free image editing software, you can easily crop out the boring bits of the photo. Download Google’s Picasa at picasa.google.com – you can crop and edit your pet pictures as well as turn them into collages and screensavers. Have a play with the effects – try turning an outdoor photo on an overcast day into a black and white portrait. You can do this, and add a variety of other effects, with a few clicks of the mouse.

Look here!
Use treats or squeaky toys to get your pet’s attention when photographing them.Always focus on – and aim the camera at – your pet’s eyes.

Up close and personal
Go for the close up! Extreme close-ups can result in some highly amusing photography where pets are concerned.

Steady it
Steadying the camera on a tripod can make a huge difference to photo quality.

The big picture
Think about the background. Whether you’re taking a pet portrait or an action shot, consider whether your pet will stand out against the background, or if the background itself can add beauty to the picture. Scout around for the perfect backdrop.

Kodak moments
Animals are always on the move – you spot that perfect ‘Kodak moment’, only to rush for your camera and find your pet has changed position. If, for example, you’re out in the garden with your pet, keep the camera at the ready. Perhaps even try to carry the camera, strapped around your neck, for a set period on a particular day – you never know when the next Kodak moment will pop up.

The whole family
Taking a family portrait? Don’t forget the furry members of the family.

Be adventurous
Experiment! Think of how a fashion photographer gets down on the ground, and contorts to find the most interesting angle.

The last word
Finally, be patient and have fun with it!