Hello Petshionistas! Get it? “Pet” and “Fashionista”? Lame joke aside, have you ever wanted to take a selfie with your beloved pet but can’t quite get that perfect angle? Or maybe you have a very active pet who just couldn’t stand still for a photo? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We have some tips and tricks for you to get the best selfie with your dog, cat, bird, or even your favorite reptile so you can share it with the world.

Before we start, here are some extra selfie tools that can give you a helping hand in taking those selfies:

• Selfie stock
• Tripod
• Selfie/Ring light
• Your pet’s favourite toy

Now that you’ve chosen your selfie tool(s) or chose not to, let’s start with the guide!

Step 1: Prepare your Selfie Setup

Whether you’re opting just to use your phone, or have some selfie tools ready, making sure that they’re working properly is important because you don’t want to put in all that energy and find out that your selfies are all out of focus or that ring light that you bought online just doesn’t work like it supposed to.

Check that your camera app has all the right settings for taking a selfie. Settings like autofocus can help you a lot, especially in situations where you have to hold your pet in one hand and your phone in the other. Autofocus will help you get those crisp images and also the best selfie angle with your pet. If you have a very bouncy pet, a burst or continuous shot setting will allow your camera to take multiple shots of you and your pet and help you capture the right moment.

The most important thing in taking the perfect photo is to find the right location. Find places that have tons of natural light; If you’re in your room, try to roll your blinders up, and if you’re outdoors find an area with enough shade so you’re not getting harsh sunlight. What we want is the perfect balance of light for your selfies. In addition, make sure that all your selfie tools are working properly and as intended so you can start getting those selfies!

Protip: When taking selfies, try to face your light source to prevent backlighting.

Step 2: Familiarizing your Pet with the Selfie Setup

When you’re taking a selfie, you will have your phone or camera with your selfie stick or tripod in front of you and your pet. While this might seem normal for you, it can intimidate your pet. To help your pet get used to your photography equipment, let them familiarize themselves with it.

For a selfie stick or a tripod, you can let your dog or cat play with it for a while. It is also important to supervise them so you won’t end up with a broken stick or they end up hurting others and themselves. If you have a pet bird, you can definitely use it as a perch. 

For a ring light, adjust the brightness so your pet is comfortable. Ensure that your pet is not nervous or frightened by the light by giving them treats when you turn it on to let them have a positive association with it.

Protip: Using our selfie helper tool to attach your pet’s favorite toy can help your pet familiarize with your equipment quickly.

Step 3: Play with Your Pet!

When they’re with their owners, pets can be as energetic as ever, and when they’re in high spirits, it doesn’t always translate to a good selfie. “The best time for a photo can be after your pet has had some time to play or exercise, as they’ll be more likely to sit still having exhausted some energy,” says Irina Wells, pet owner and former content marketing executive for ManyPets. That is why playing with your pet is essential to help them expend all their pent-up energy so they can pose long enough for the perfect selfie.

You can go for a jog around the neighborhood or you can get them to play with our plush cartoon squeaky toy before your photoshoot to make them calmer. For a pet bird, you can have them do some flight training! Remember to not make them super exhausted from playing as that will ruin your selfie as well!

Protip: When you’re done playing, make sure to hide anything that might distract your pet during the shoot.

Step 4: Say Cheese!

Finally, you and your pet are ready to take that picture. But how do you get the perfect angle?

Generally speaking, shooting from slightly above or at eye level will result in a more pleasing selfie. Avoid shooting from below at all costs as it will distort facial features. If you want to take a well-composed shot, the rule of thirds in photography is your friend. It is where you position yourself and your pet to appear on one-third of the frame in either left or right.

When you’ve found that perfect angle and moment, hit the capture button quickly and you’ll surely get the best selfies!

In conclusion, capturing the best selfie with your pet involves careful preparation, patience, and creativity. By preparing a selfie setup that best suits your needs, finding the right location with balanced natural light, allowing your pet to become comfortable with the equipment, and getting your pet in the right energy for a selfie, you set the stage for a successful photoshoot. When it’s time to take that selfie, remember to shoot from slightly above or at eye level, and utilize composition techniques like the rule of thirds for a well-balanced and visually appealing result. 

Now that you’ve become a pet selfie pro, you’ll be able to capture precious moments with your beloved pet and share them with the world. Don’t forget to use our official hashtag #posewithpuppiesy and share your best selfies with us!