Here's how to take that perfect pet pic

We’ve all been there when you see a picture-perfect moment involving your pet - but when you check the phone snap you’ve just captured it just doesn’t do it justice.

Rick Bebbington, Pets at Home’s in house photographer, took more than 10,000 images of dogs, cats and small animals last year and he understands the difficulties in gaining the right shot at the right moment.

Rick said: “You have to be very patient when trying to capture that ‘Instagrammable’ shot of your pet.

"There have been times when I have been shooting a new outfit for the Pets at Home website and the dog modelling is either over excited or the complete opposite and just wants to sleep!

“In 2017 I spent hours upon hours taking more than 10,000 images in our purpose built studio and the feeling of getting that one shot never gets old.”

To give pet owners across the UK a helping hand when it comes to capturing those unforgettable moments Rick has devised a list of tips and tricks that may come in use next time you have your phone ready.

1. Stay at the same level

Taking photos from above your pet’s eye line won’t look as impressive as the ones where you’re on their level. Getting low to the ground will mean your pet isn’t looking awkwardly at the camera either.

2. Crawl with them

Crawling with your pet has two benefits. Firstly, you’re on their level making for a great shot.

Secondly, pets love interaction and seeing you engage with them on your knees means that more often than not their face will light up.

3. Let their personality shine

Don’t make your pet sit and stay still while you take the picture.

If they are expressing themselves by jumping, barking, meowing, spinning or rolling then let them and capture them in their moment, there’s nothing better.

4. Be patient

Don’t force your pet to do anything they don’t want to do. Be patient, the right moment will come

5. Take more than one photo

More often than not, within a 10 second time frame, your pet can be in six different positions and have several different facial expressions.

So use the burst setting on your phone and capture as many images as possible.

More often than not, one of them will be picture perfect.

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