Dog and Cat Photography
I usually photograph portraits, mostly men, editorials, events, engagements, and weddings. Every once in a while, I get to photograph pets, by themselves or with their owners, for business and for fun. I love animals, dogs in particular. Photographing pets can be fun. It usually puts me in a good mood–I get to play with the puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats, and spend time with them. It’s fun and funny, relaxing (mostly) and it definitely puts me in a good mood.
Over the years I’ve photographed family pets, friends’ pets, events such as Urban Animals at D Pet Hotel in New York City, and also stray pets in need of good homes.
As I have already mentioned, I’m a dog person, in particular, and an animal person in general. I love spending time with dogs, but when it comes to photography, some dogs are more interested in ‘posing’ for the camera than others. I usually first spend time introducing myself to them, getting to know them, and making friends. Their…humans can assist with posing, from behind the camera.
When it comes to photographing cats, the challenging part, I think, is to get them interested in you, the camera, and the photo shoot. That’s easier said than done. Cats usually have a mind of their own. But if you make friends with them before the photo shoot, you’re halfway there.
Here’s yours truly feeding the stray cats in Lagos, Portugal.
Here’s yours truly in “dog paradise” – during one of my visits to my folks, we went to a park where I found myself surrounded by 18–eighteen– puppies. I counted them. I was in heaven!
Also, here I am, with our family dog, Kimba (she was adopted from Spain). Kimba was quite captivated by whatever was going on on the screen.
It is fun photographing pets, observing how they interact, and also how they treat the camera and you, the photographer. In the end, you always learn something new, and make new furry friends.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Alina Oswald 