Kids and animals are the bane of photographers and filmmakers alike. If you can shoot good pet photos then you are a giant among photographers, because it’s a tough skill to master. After getting shots of your human family and companions, it’s time to think about your four-legged friends.

Luckily there are some tips that can make the experience a lot more pleasant for you and your pet.

Start Early

For your own pets, have the camera around when you’re petting and interacting with them. Let them get used to seeing it so your camera is neither an object of dread nor curiosity. It won’t take many sessions before they just stop paying attention to it.

Pick Your Location

Animals photographed at home will be more comfortable in their surroundings. At a place like the dog park, your pet is going to be distracted. Sometimes the distraction works in your favor.

If you’re confident in your pet’s recall, it can provide those moments of high interest that make good shots.  Pick a spot away from the crowd where your pet can still see what’s going on.

Set The Scene

Forget the felt antlers and holiday sweaters. Pick the toys that your pet plays with all the time. It will be much more memorable if the shots are with familiar toys and don’t feel like you have to clutter the background with holiday decorations.

Large Animals

Some animals, like horses, will be less afraid if they can sniff strange objects. For larger animals I try to interact with them in a safe environment where we’re separated and let them sniff the camera. Once horses get the idea that the camera is inanimate and not a threat, it doesn’t seem to bother them as much. Surprising them with a camera can startle them and a surprised 1,200 pound animal is an accident waiting to happen.

Another trick we’ve used with horses is called a rattler. Tape a plastic grocery bag around the end of a buggy whip and, when you’re ready to catch the shot, have someone behind you raise the rattle and shake it briefly. I’ve never had a horse not look at the rattle. For about 2 seconds you’ll have their complete attention. After the first two seconds the look is going to change to either curiosity or fear. A smaller version also works with cats.

If you’re going to use a rattle, make sure the horse is in a contained area and you’re on the other side of the fence. I had a juvenile Arabian break out of a show halter during a shoot one time and he was going downtown. The owner wanted the pictures in front of a certain barn next to the pasture where the mares were grazing. We trotted out this big handsome fella and the mares went bananas. Being a teenager, he wanted to be out with the girls and he snapped the show halter like it was thread. It was lucky none of the animals or people were injured.

For your pet holiday pictures, just be patient and keep things low key. If they’re large animals, be safe and smart. Make sure there’s a barrier between you and the animal and that you both have a safe exit.