How to Photograph Pets That Never Sit Still: 7 Game-Changing Tips

If you’ve ever tried to take a picture of your pet mid-zoomie or begged them to stay for just one photo, you know the struggle is real. Photographing pets that never sit still can feel like trying to capture lightning in a bottle—but with the right techniques, it’s totally doable (and even fun). Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or just your phone, these 7 game-changing tips will help you get clear, personality-packed shots of your energetic furry friend.

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1. Use Burst Mode to Catch the Action

Sometimes, the perfect moment happens in a fraction of a second—a head tilt, a tongue out, a leap into the air. Burst mode allows your camera to take multiple shots in rapid succession, giving you more chances to get that perfect shot.

How to Use It: On most cameras and smartphones, simply hold down the shutter button to activate burst mode. You can then go back and select the best frame from the sequence. Pro tip: sort your shots in Lightroom or similar software to quickly find the gems.

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2. Prioritize Natural Lighting

Good lighting is crucial, especially when you’re dealing with fast movement. Natural light—especially during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)—offers soft, flattering light that helps freeze motion without blur.

Avoid harsh noon sunlight or using a direct flash, which can startle pets and create harsh shadows or red-eye. Try positioning your pet near a large window indoors, or shoot outside on an overcast day for even lighting.

3. Focus on the Eyes

The eyes are the soul of a great portrait, whether human or animal. A photo feels more engaging when the pet’s eyes are sharp and in focus, even if the rest of the image has a bit of motion blur.

Use single-point autofocus and manually place the focus on the eyes. On smartphones, simply tap the eyes on the screen before taking the photo. For even more clarity, use a slightly higher aperture (like f/4 or f/5.6) to give a bit more depth of field.

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4. Use Toys or Treats Strategically

A squeaky toy, treat, or click of a favorite sound can help redirect your pet’s focus toward the camera. The key is to use it sparingly so your pet doesn’t get over-excited or distracted.

Hold the toy or treat just above the lens to create the illusion of eye contact with the camera. If your pet is food-motivated, reward them between shots to keep them engaged and happy.

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5. Get Down on Their Level

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your pet photography is to shoot from their perspective. Eye-level shots are more intimate, balanced, and expressive.

Kneel, squat, or even lie flat to match your pet’s height. Not only will the photos look more professional, but your pet will also feel less intimidated compared to when you’re towering over them.

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6. Use a Fast Shutter Speed

Motion blur is the most common issue when photographing active pets. Combat it with a faster shutter speed—1/1000 of a second or faster is ideal for capturing motion without blur.

Tip for Beginners: If you’re unsure how to adjust settings, use “Shutter Priority” mode (Tv or S on your camera dial). This lets you set the shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO automatically.

Photo by Sheila Swayze on Unsplash

7. Be Patient—and Keep It Fun

Pets are unpredictable—and that’s part of the magic. Sometimes the best shots come when you least expect them. Stay calm, take breaks, and make the experience enjoyable for both of you.

A relaxed pet = a more photogenic pet. Praise, treats, and a little goofiness go a long way toward capturing your pet’s true personality.

Photo by Wade Austin Ellis on Unsplash

Bonus Tip: Edit with Purpose

Post-processing can enhance your images even more. Use tools like Lightroom or Snapseed to brighten the image, sharpen the eyes, and crop out distractions. If you want to keep your editing quick and consistent, consider using custom presets.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the tools, it’s time to put them into practice! Start with one or two of these tips on your next photoshoot, and don’t forget to celebrate the imperfect shots too—they often have the most charm.

📸 Tag your favorite pet shots with #TheAnimalAperture for a chance to be featured!

Happy shooting!

—Jen, The Animal Aperture