How to Photograph Pets (and Actually Get Them to Sit Still!)

Anyone who’s ever tried to take a photo of their cat, dog, or other furry family member knows it’s rarely as easy as it sounds. Pets move constantly, they don’t understand posing cues, and they often seem to do the opposite of what you want as soon as the camera comes out. Still, pet photography can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it capture the personality of your animal, but it also creates keepsakes you’ll treasure for years.

With a few techniques and a lot of patience, you can improve your chances of success. Whether you’re hoping to get that perfect portrait for your living room wall or just want sharper snapshots for Instagram, these tips will help you capture your pets in their best light. And yes, you can even get them to sit still long enough for a frame-worthy photo!

Work With Your Pet’s Energy

The first secret to great pet photography is understanding your subject. Every animal has a natural rhythm. Dogs may be full of energy right after breakfast but mellow out after a long walk. Cats are often more cooperative when they’ve had a play session and are winding down.

Instead of trying to fight against your pet’s energy level, work with it. If your dog is hyper, don’t expect them to sit still for a portrait right away. Start with action shots of them running or playing fetch, then switch to calmer poses once they’ve burned off steam. For cats, use toys or treats to lure them into good lighting or into positions you’d like to capture.

Patience is key. Animals respond to your mood; if you’re calm and encouraging, they’re more likely to feel at ease. If you’re frustrated, they’ll pick up on it and be less cooperative. Sometimes, the best pet photography happens when you let them be themselves rather than forcing them into a staged setup.

Get on Their Level

One of the simplest ways to improve your pet photography instantly is to change your perspective. Instead of shooting from above, kneel, sit, or even lie on the ground so you’re at eye level with your pet. This creates a more intimate connection between viewer and subject, making the photo feel personal and engaging.

Eye-level shots also allow you to capture your pet’s expressions more clearly. The sparkle in their eyes, the tilt of their head, or the way their ears perk up tells a story. For smaller pets like rabbits or guinea pigs, this technique is even more important. You’ll avoid making them look tiny and insignificant by instead portraying them with presence and character.

You can experiment with other perspectives, too. Shooting from below can give a dog an almost heroic appearance, while a top-down view can highlight a cat curled up in a perfect circle. But as a rule, spending time at your pet’s level will make your photos more impactful.

Focus on the Eyes

When it comes to pet photography, the eyes truly are the window to the soul. Sharp, well-lit eyes can carry an entire photo, even if the rest of the image is slightly imperfect. On the other hand, if the eyes are blurry or shadowed, the whole picture can feel flat.

Use your camera or smartphone’s focus point to lock onto your pet’s eyes to get the sharpest images. If you’re shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, switch to single-point focus mode for more control. On a phone, tap the screen where the eyes are to set focus.

Good lighting makes a big difference. Natural light from a nearby window is often the easiest and most flattering option. Outdoors, try photographing in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and won’t cause harsh shadows. A catchlight—a little sparkle or reflection in the eyes—adds life to your pet photography and makes the portrait more compelling.

Keep Sessions Short and Positive

Unlike human models, pets don’t understand why they’re being asked to sit still while you adjust camera settings. That’s why keeping photo sessions short and positive is crucial. Aim for 10–15 minutes at a time, then give your pet a break.

Treats, toys, and praise go a long way. Use them as rewards to reinforce good behavior and cooperation. Dogs might hold a pose longer if they know a treat is coming, while cats may respond better to play and affection afterward. The goal is to make the session feel like a game rather than a chore.

If you find your pet is becoming restless or uncooperative, it’s better to pause and try again later than to push through. You’ll get better results when your pet is relaxed and happy, and you’ll both enjoy the process more. Over time, your pet may even start to associate the camera with fun experiences, making future sessions easier.

Printing Your Pet Photography

Once you’ve captured those perfect pet photos, don’t let them live only on your phone. Printing brings your images to life and turns them into lasting works of art for your home. At Artbeat Studios, our canvas prints are a particularly beautiful way to display pet photography. They soften the image just enough to give it a warm, painterly quality while still preserving incredible detail.

We offer two styles:

• Giclée Canvas Prints – Premium poly-cotton blend, printed with Epson UltraChrome® 9-color archival inks for vibrant, long-lasting results. Available rolled or as gallery-wrapped canvases.

• Metallic Canvas Prints – Adds a luminous, pearlescent effect to your pet photos, giving fur and features an iridescent shimmer that changes subtly with the light.

Both options are stretched by hand around real USA-grown pine stretcher bars, ensuring a durable, drum-tight fit that won’t warp or sag. You can choose between a 1.5" Gallery Wrap (perfect for displaying as-is) or a 0.75" Gallery Wrap for a slimmer profile. Want an even more polished presentation? Add a real wood float frame in white, black, or natural finishes.

Because we cut everything in-house, we also offer custom sizes up to 48x96", so you don’t have to crop your favorite photo to fit a standard frame. Whether you want a small canvas for your desk or a statement piece above the couch, we can tailor your pet photography print to your exact needs.

Creating Lasting Memories of Your Pet

Photographing pets takes patience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Sometimes the best shots aren’t the ones you planned but the spontaneous moments when your pet shows their true personality—a silly expression, a mid-yawn face, or a quiet moment of affection.

By working with your pet’s energy, focusing on the eyes, keeping sessions short, and using light to your advantage, you’ll dramatically improve your pet photography. And when you capture that perfect shot, consider printing it on canvas. There’s nothing quite like seeing your furry friend turned into a timeless piece of wall art, reminding you daily of the joy they bring.

At Artbeat Studios, our premium and metallic canvas prints give you the flexibility to choose a style that matches both your pet’s personality and your home’s décor. With archival-quality inks, custom sizing, and professional finishes, your pet’s photo will look as vibrant and full of life on your wall as the day you captured it.

So grab your camera, stock up on treats, and start practicing. With the right techniques—and maybe a little luck—you’ll capture memories worth keeping forever. Of course, we’re here to help you make those memories into prints, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our products and services!