FERRET PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

By: Dietra Jo DeRose

Photography has long been a passion of mine. When I became a pet parent, they became my inspiration and my subjects. Photographing animals and children pose a few challenges. I often get asked how I get my pets to sit still long enough for a crisp shot. Here are some tips:

1 PATIENCE is the most important aspect of taking a good photo with pets. If the animals aren’t in the mood to cooperate, then it’s best to come back to it at a later time. When the subjects aren’t into the shoot, you will see it in the photos. It takes time to get that perfect shot, and it can take many frames to get the photo you are looking for. Sometimes you will get lucky in the first couple of takes, but most good shots are the result of time and patience.

2 FUN is the second most important element to a great shoot. When taking photos of animals, remember to keep it fun for both of you. I like to use treats or favorite toys while shooting. If your pet is having fun ,then you will see their personalities shine in your pictures! A lighthearted environment with treats and toys keeps your pets entertained and makes it easier to get their attention when you want it.

3 EQUIPMENT can make capturing your quick little subjects much easier. It is very hard to get a photo of a ferret with the camera on your phone. Ferrets are inquisitive animals and very quick to move onto something else. Be ready to snap a shot before they move at the last second resulting in a ferret-shaped blur! If you have a DSLR camera, you will have a better chance of creating more detailed photos. This type of camera also has extra settings that can be used for action shots. The quicker shutter speed gives you a better chance of catching those moments before your ferret is ready to run off on his or her next adventure. I have been using a Canon 800D.

4 TREATS & PRAISE will make your photoshoot a positive experience in their memory and help to train them to better behave for you in front of the camera. When taking photos of pets, it’s always good to have their favorite treats. This reward for doing a good job will be something they look forward to. The positive reinforcement makes taking photographs with animals more upbeat and fun.

5 POSING & PROPS is not easy, but I find that using props can be a fun and creative way to showcase your pet and your talent. We all know how quick a ferret can move or lose interest, so remember to be patient and ready to snap a shot at any moment. Sometimes it pays off to just let them roam and check out the setup you have. Random shots of your subjects interacting or exploring can make some beautiful photographs. These photos are usually more natural and really showcase their individual personalities.

6 EDITING can add to the story you are trying to tell. Aside from making the colors more vibrant or adjusting the brightness, you can get creative. Adding to the staging of the scene can take an average photo and make it great. Or adjusting colors and using filters could generate a really beautiful and memorable, one-of-a-kind piece of art. Many photo editing tools have a trial version available before you buy.

Make your pets the star of your home and get out there with your cameras!