How to Shoot Animal Portraits [video]

In this video from the crew over at Cooph, Vincent Lagrange, shows you how to shoot animal portraits that have style and tell the story behind the animal.

These are the key things Lagrange points out in the video:

Purity

Animals don’t need makeup or a stylist – they have their own unique look to photograph from the get-go.

Technique

• Build a good relationship with the animal.
• Create a soft light setting. Avoid flash so that the animal is as relaxed as possible.
• Create a quiet atmosphere
• Communicate with sound.
• Only use food when the shoot is becoming difficult.

Approach

• Don’t start directly photographing the animal. Spend some time with it first.
• If the animal doesn’t want to be photographed, then don’t. Let it rest and then try again. It is not an object.
• Have patience

Equipment

• For the larger portraits, Vincent uses the Leica S medium format camera.
• When he is on the road, he uses the Leica M.
• He always uses fixed lenses – never zooms.
• He also never uses continuous shooting mode. He invests time in composing and doing single shots and keeping it quiet.

You may also find the following helpful:

• Five Tips for Creative Pet Photography
• Tips for Great Lighting for Pet Photography
• 6 Tips for Working with Unruly Animals in Pet Photography
• Why Taking Pictures of Your Pets Will Help Make You a Better Photographer
• Five Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Pet Photography Business