Pets are part of the family—so it’s only natural we want photos that capture their charm, personality, and those irresistibly goofy expressions. But getting that perfect shot? That’s never as simple as point and shoot! We caught up with professional pet and equine photographer Allira Fontana at the Sydney Royal Horse Show, where she’s busy capturing the showjumping action, to learn her go-to tricks for photographing our four-legged best friends like a pro.
1. Get down to their eye level
What’s the single biggest game changer in pet photography? “The biggest, biggest, biggest thing is you need to get down at eye level with your pet,” says Allira. While you can also pop them up on a surface, she stresses to do so carefully— safety is the number one priority when it comes to taking photos of pets.
2. Squeaky toys for ears forward shots
Just like humans, pets have their own version of a smile—and it starts with their ears! Forward-facing ears indicate alertness and happiness. Use small squeakers (available online without the toy attached) or rustling treat bags to get their attention and bring out those perky ears.
3. Use natural light to your advantage
Lighting can make or break a photo. Indoors, place your pet facing a bright window to let that soft natural light work its magic. Outdoors, try shaded spots with dappled light filtering through trees for a beautiful, even glow. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can create shadows and make your pet squint.
4. Respect your pet’s limits
“When my dogs were younger, I made the mistake of trying to photograph them all the time,” says Allira. “Now I only do very short sessions, otherwise they start eye-rolling at me, because they just know – ‘here she goes again with the camera.”
If your pet has had enough, it’s time to wrap it up. Sessions that are short and sweet (5–10 minutes) keep the experience fun.
5. Make sure you do keep it fun
Allira encourages pet owners to keep it playful, try different things and don’t take it too seriously. “If you’re both having fun, you’re doing it right!”
