Kids And Animals

Two words that in professional photography could intimidate even the most experienced photographer. are “kids” or “animals.”

It’s not like a job where you’re sure to spend an entire hour with the subject and get at least a handful of great photographs. Kids and animals can be a source to send you into a frenzy. You’ll get the most enthralling images when you’re changing lenses or getting set up, but once it’s time to shoot, they’ll be uncooperative. Animals are often scared of the camera, while children are intrigued by the camera.

Kids

Being present with children will go a long way in easing their anxiety. Spend several minutes with their parents. Then, come down to their level to discuss what you’re planning to accomplish. Even the youngest children are able to be responsive if you just spend an hour or so explaining the situation and what they can do to help.

A method that works well for toddlers and infants is to place the mirror in a convenient location or ask a parent to sit next to you and hold the mirror. Children are fascinated by their reflections, so be prepared to take pictures when the mirror is revealed and ensure that your camera and flash unit are set to continuous shooting.

For older children, speak with parents prior to the shoot, and encourage the children to bring the books they love as well as toys. Sometimes, the sight of a prized toy could bring a child to ease and help to enhance the image.

It is also evident that children are much easier to manage as individuals than in groups, where the urge to be a jerk before siblings could be difficult to handle.

Animals

There is nothing that can test your photographic skills, quite like images of animals. In the wild, you’re in the midst of distractions, and elements in an unfamiliar environment can make otherwise cooperative animals difficult to manage.

One tool that can assist photographers in photographing horses is to wrap a garbage bag on top of the buggy whip or crop. A person with you raises the bag and shakes it gently and briefly when you’re ready to take your picture. It’s rare for a horse to doesn’t raise its head and place its ears on when the bag is rattled.

The keyword to describe this bag trick will be “briefly.” If you scream it loudly or for too long, and you’re more likely to scare a horse because you’ll shoot with the animal on the show halter, frightening horses can put you and them at risk.

Dogs and cats are generally less stressful. However, they also pose particular problems. Cats can be notoriously shy and inconsiderate. Fish pole toys that you can hang an object just far enough away can draw the attention of cats. A laser pointer could be a good toy for distraction. Make sure you are ready to shoot when you switch off the laser pointer since cats tend to glance up at the exact moment.

Another method cats use is to yell at them. It’s their natural instinct to recognize a threat, and most cats will make a quick turn towards that sound.

For dogs, it’s an issue of patience. Dogs will be thrilled by the new environment as well as you’ll become the most intriguing thing they’ve ever seen.

It’s often beneficial to ask the dog’s owner to use a portable kennel in the event that they own one. Dogs enter “den mode” when they’ve been inside their kennel for a long time, and it’s not uncommon to have just a few minutes of calm when you bring them outside. It’s also beneficial to walk them in the beginning and allow them to sniff around their surroundings.

For any animal, you’ll need to allow ample time and be surprised when it speeds up.