For 34 years, Laresa Perlman worked as a commercial and nature photographer. Today, she's turned her creative focus toward art—but her passion for photography remains strong, especially when it comes to capturing the personalities of her beloved pets.

Let’s be honest—most of us can’t resist snapping photos of our animal family members. Laresa created this guide to help fellow pet lovers take beautiful, personality-filled photos and videos using just a phone. We hope it inspires you to see your pets through a new lens and capture moments you'll cherish forever.

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How to take a Great Pet Photograph:

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Step 1: Prepare Your Phone and Space

  • Clean your phone camera lens for clear shots.
  • Choose a well-lit area: natural window light indoors or full shade outdoors (avoid flash).
  • Remove clutter from the background to keep the focus on your pet.
  • Create distance between your pet and the background to help them stand out.

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Step 2: Get Your Pet’s Attention

  • Hold a high-value treat, favorite toy, or make a sound to get them to look at the camera.
  • Be patient—let them get comfortable so they don’t feel forced.
  • For nervous or high-energy dogs, ask a friend to hold them on a leash while you snap away.

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Step 3: Frame & Focus

  • Get down to your pet’s level for a better perspective.
  • Tap on your pet’s eyes on the phone screen to focus on them.
  • Use Portrait Mode (if available) to create a blurred background effect.

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Step 4: Capture the Best Shot

  • Try different angles:
    • Close-ups for cute details (paws, nose, eyes, head).
    • Full-body shots to capture posture and personality.
  • Use Burst Mode (hold the shutter button) to take multiple photos quickly.

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Step 5: Edit and Share

  • Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness (but keep it natural).
    • Brightness controls overall lightness or darkness—boost for vibrancy or lower for moodier tones.
    • Contrast adjusts difference between light and dark areas, making details pop or softening the image.
    • Sharpness enhances edge definition and textures, but too much can cause unnatural artifacts.
  • Crop or straighten the photo if needed.
  • Share your finished photo!

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How to Take a Great Pet Video:

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Step 1: Set Up for Success

  • Find a well-lit spot (avoid flash).
  • Decide on a video format:
    • Landscape (horizontal) for YouTube/TV.
    • Portrait (vertical) for TikTok, Instagram Stories, and Reels.

‍Step 2: Get Ready to Film

  • Stabilize your phone (use both hands or a tripod).
  • Use natural sounds or fun noises to get your pet’s attention.
  • Plan your shot—will your pet be running, playing, on a lead, or just being cute?

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Step 3: Start Filming

  • Use short clips (5–10 seconds) instead of one long video.
  • Try different angles:
    • Close-ups of paws, tail, or face.
    • Action shots of running, playing, or jumping.
  • Use Slow Motion Mode for dramatic movements.

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Step 4: Edit & Enhance

  • Trim out boring parts.
  • Add light adjustments or filters (but keep it natural).
  • Include fun background music (optional).

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Step 5: Share & Enjoy!

  • Upload to social media or your website.
  • Most importantly, have fun and capture your pet’s true personality!

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Advanced Tips for Pro-Level Pet Photos and Videos

Advanced Photography Tips

  • Golden Hour Magic: Shoot early morning or late afternoon for soft, warm lighting.
  • Use Grid Lines: Turn on your phone’s grid feature for better composition (rule of thirds).
  • Try Macro Mode: Use macro mode (if available) for extreme close-ups of noses, paws, or whiskers.
  • Reflections & Shadows: Capture your pet’s reflection in water, windows, or shiny floors for an artistic effect.
  • Action Shots Hack: Use Live Photo Mode (iPhone) or Motion Photos (Android) to capture multiple frames and pick the best one.

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Advanced Video Tips

  • Tracking Shots: Walk or run alongside your pet to create a dynamic feel.
  • Cinematic Mode (if available): Use cinematic video with background blur for a professional touch.
  • Use a Gimbal or Tripod: Reduces shakiness for smoother, more polished footage.
  • Creative Transitions: Film from different angles and edit with smooth transitions.
  • Get Inspired: Follow your favorite dog breeds on Instagram for creative ideas.
  • Learn More: Watch YouTube videos to discover additional tips and tricks.

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Best of luck from Laresa! You can check out more of her work here- http://www.cartc.co.za/

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