Got some animals, but no place to shoot them (photographically speaking, of course)? Your bed, regardless of the size, can be just the thing you need. It's comfortable and familiar for the pet, wide enough to prepare the space as a "studio" and at the right level for you to take photographs. Preparing your bed as a pet studio is just half the fun!
Edit Steps
- Clean off your bed. If you're the sort to allow clothes, books and electronic gizmos to pile up on the bed, remove them before the shoot. A messy bed will be very distracting to anyone looking at the images.
- Make your bed. This part is pretty important––as with a messy bed, rumpled and multi-layered bed linen will distract viewers from the subject of your photo.
- Once your bed is made, smooth it out neatly. While your pet will possibly wrinkle it, do your best to start out as smooth as possible; you can always pull at the edges again while the pet is seated or lying in place.
- Assemble together some type of tacks or pushpins and a fairly plain, single color (or pastel colored) sheet, quilt or other fabric object.
- Fasten the sheet or quilt above your bed, against the wall or other object behind the bed. Drape the remaining section of it over the bed a good ways.This forms the seating or lying area for your pet, so take care that it's not so taut that the pet's weight will pull the pins from the wall.
- Find your pet. Encourage him or her to sit or lie in place. This might take some time, so be patient and be prepared to stroke your pet or use treats. When the pet is finally comfortable, start taking pictures and practicing with lighting, reflectors, and diffusers.
Edit Tips
- Take breaks in between shoots, and especially when your pet gets bored or frisky. You can always pin the other end of the sheet or quilt to the wall to keep it in place but out of the way in readiness for a shoot later in the day, or the next day, when your pet is refreshed.
- If you want to use a backdrop your pet is familiar with, consider using his or her blanket or other sleeping fabric. Wash it to remove hair build-up though, as this will show up in the images.
- If possible, wash and/or groom your pet before the photo shoot. If this is likely to upset your pet, do it the day before the photo shoot.
Edit Things You'll Need
- Suitable bed next to a wall or other backing area
- Suitable fabric, such as a sheet, quilt or other large cloth material
- Tacks, pins, etc. for attaching the fabric to the wall
- Camera equipment
- Pet grooming gear
Edit Related wikiHows
- How to Photograph Pets
- How to Photograph Dogs
- How to Photograph Cats
- How to Start a Pet Photography Business