Professional Techniques for Pet and Animal Photography (Paperback)

by Debrah H. Muska (Author) "What makes a good animal portrait photographer?..." (more)
Key Phrases: animal portrait photography, posing table, laying position, Multiple-Animal Sessions, Facing Page-This, Saint Bernard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
From posing a wiggly ferret to encouraging a frog to sit in one place, this guide's specialized techniques will benefit both existing animal photographers and newcomers looking to diversify their portrait business. Discussed are the personality traits best suited to the business, ways to create a people- and animal-friendly studio, and tips for making clients and their pets feel at home in the studio through the selection of decor, backdrops, furnishings, and props that wear well and are easy to sanitize. Technical advice includes which lenses and cameras lend themselves to animal portraiture, the advantages of shooting digitally, and the best shutter speeds and apertures for the job. The unique challenges of pet photography are covered, such as how to get the best expressions from pets with attention-getters suited to each type of pet. Special techniques for working with dogs, cats, horses, birds, ferrets, reptiles, and other creatures are provided.

About the Author
Debrah H. Muska is a professional photographer and studio owner and the recipient of two Kodak Gallery Awards and a Fuji Masterpiece Award. She lives in Newark Valley, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc.; illustrated edition edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584281006
• ISBN-13: 978-1584281009
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #299,356 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Pet Photo Book, April 14, 2006

By	Jennifer S. (Nevada) - See all my reviews

I bought this book from pet photographer Barbara Rice at the WPPI Convention. She presented a very informative program on this subject and SHE recommended this book, which she offered for sale after the program.

I figured the book had to be pretty good if the speaker was recommending it and she didn't even write it. I was not disappointed! There were lots of great photos and ideas throughout the book. The marketing was also well presented.

This is a must if you want to photograph dogs, cats or horses.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good practical ideas, May 12, 2007

By	A. Saunders (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are a lot of good practical tips that I liked in this book such as using fabric backdrops instead of paper incase of 'accidents'
and how using natural brown tones enhances fur. Also how it's a good idea to use a low table for the animal to stand on, not too low that they jump off but not too high that they think they are at the vets. I would say this book is aimed more at established studio photographers wanting to branch into pet photography rather than novices wanting to learn how to photograph animals.I would've liked a little bit more information for someone starting out but it is full of very good tips.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars More for traditional studio portraits, August 2, 2006

By	Heidi Ricafort "SIRIUS Photography" (Toronto, ON Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I can't say I didn't learn anything from this book. It provides a few good tips on how to understand and deal with animals behaviours. I found the book is more focused on traditional studio photography rather than candid and outdoor photos.