Creative Ideas to Make Your Pet Photos Pop

Whether you’re a professional photographer or a proud pet parent, these creative ideas will make your pet photos pop.

Pet photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures but also about capturing the pet’s personality.

In this article, I’ll give some tips to make your pet photos stand out.

Unleash your creativity and enjoy creating unforgettable memories with these pet photo ideas.

Creative Ideas to Make Your Pet Photos Pop

Here are some props you can use to make your pet photos pop. Choose the ones that better fit your pet’s personality and share a special moment creating these memories.

Not all props are ideal for all pets, though. So, make sure your pet is comfortable and safe on every shot. If you want to learn more about pet photography, do check out this guide.

Glasses

Glasses make great props for pet photography because they’re easy to put on and take off. You can use different styles to give variety to your photo shoot, depending on the mood you want to capture.

You can do an indoor photoshoot where the dog is wearing reading glasses (without the actual glass) in front of a book or on a desk.

Another shot can be taken with the pet outside, and you can choose some sunglasses this time. Consider using novelty glasses for fun studio photos, such as glasses with big eyebrows or a nose.

Signs

Credit: Alena Koval

Signs are one of the most versatile props you can use on a pet photography photoshoot.

You can use printed signs with phrases you know you can use multiple times, such as “All you need is a cat” or “Beware of the dog – he will steal your heart.”

You can also use customizable signs such as a blackboard with a message in colorful chalk or a light-up letterboard. You can use these for birthday signs or custom shots with the names of the owners.

The beauty of signs is that you can change the mood accordingly. They’re just as appropriate for a funny photo as they are for a sweet, save-the-date engagement shoot.

Treats

Credit: Kasuma

All pets like treats – there’s no doubt about that. Most trainers, owners, or pet photographers use them in the photoshoot as positive reinforcement or to direct the animal’s behavior.

However, there’s no need to keep them hidden, as they are perfectly acceptable props.

Whether you capture a sweet moment of the animal eating from the owner’s hand or a fun, dynamic shot of the pet grabbing the treat in mid-air, you’ll have some winning pics.

Bath accessories

Credit: Getty Images, Unsplash+

Whether it’s a spa cat lounging with cucumber slices over its eyes or a wet Samoyed looking just like a mini polar bear, bath pictures are adorable.

Regardless of whether you’re snapping photos during an actual bath or simply adding bath props for those pets who prefer to stay dry, these setups create memorable, fun images that showcase their personality.

Fairy lights

Credit: Marcus Pinho

Fairy lights are great because you can use them in so many ways.

If you put them in the background and shoot with a narrow depth of field, you can create a bokeh effect. In the same way, you can put them in the foreground, and the bokeh will work as a nice overlay.

You can also make your pet interact with the fairy lights. Cats are always happy to play with stringy things like fairy lights, or you can wrap them around your fluffy dog to make him glow.

Plus, fairy lights can be a creative light source, whether you use them as the primary or secondary source.

Frisbee

Credit: C. Perret

Frisbees can add a fun, colorful element to any photos, though they’re especially popular as props for dog photography.

You can go to the park or the beach and shoot fantastic action photos of your dog playing catch. The best way to do this is by using a fast shutter speed like 1/1000.

Then, turn on burst mode and set the autofocus mode to Continuous or AI Servo with the tracking feature on. This way, you’ll ensure you catch the right moment with your pet perfectly sharp.

Of course, depending on your dog’s preference, you can also use a ball, a chew toy, or a stick.

Boxes

Credit: Grl0115

Cat owners know that whatever you buy for them, they’ll ignore it and play with the box it came in. Well, why not do a box photo session, then?

Whether it’s a plain delivery box or a colorful one you picked up especially for the shoot, you can make good use of this prop to get some fantastic shots.

You can take peek-a-boo photos, play with the composition, or even focus on a paw or tail that’s casually sticking out.

Boxes are also suitable for other pets, even if they aren’t immediately associated with them. They might not jump into them instinctively like cats, but you can put them comfortably inside for some cute photos.

Baskets

Credit: Helena Lopes

Similar to boxes, baskets, crates, and other containers are perfect for creative pet photography. Depending on the type and size of the animal, you’ll have different options.

Baskets come in multiple sizes, and you can decorate them in different ways to fit the mood of the photoshoot. You can also get more creative and use a watering can for a bunny or a vintage suitcase for a dog.

Always make sure the animal fits comfortably in any container you use and that it’s sturdy enough to hold them.

Also, when using second-hand items – especially if they weren’t designed to hold an animal – make sure there aren’t any fixings or parts that could hurt them. Try putting a pillow or a blanket inside to protect the pet.

Hammock

Credit: Alvan Nee

Hammocks make beautiful settings for a pet photoshoot; however, you need to make sure they’re safe and sturdy and that your pet will be comfortable in them.

Always put safety before aesthetics. Also, mount the hammock close to the ground so your pet doesn’t get hurt if they jump out unexpectedly. If they’ve never been in a hammock, introduce it gradually.

You can try putting toys inside the hammock to make it more fun for the animal and to get more unique photos.

Costumes

Credit: Karsten Winegeart

Pet costumes have become super trendy in the last few years, making it easy to find a variety of them to fit any situation and mood.

You can do a calendar photoshoot by using different costumes for every month, or it can be a one-time thing. If the owner is in the picture, you can try using matching costumes for an adorable result – you can use this as a Christmas card or an invitation to a party.

Remember that not all pets enjoy wearing costumes, so make sure you try them on beforehand and see if they’re comfortable. If they don’t like them, don’t force them.

Remember that the most important thing in a photoshoot is that everyone has a good time, and the pet’s comfort and safety should be the biggest priority.