How to Take Great Pet Pictures: Recipes for Outstanding Results With Any Camera

Rating:
Summary: Not what I'd expected...
Review: As other reviews have indicated, this book may be very good for many people who might be interested in this title. I think it gives some great tips for amateur photographers on lighting, composing pictures, etc., and the tips can be applied to a wide range of pets -- not just cats & dogs, but birds, other small mammals, reptiles, etc. If you're not sure that you "have an eye" for photography, but you know a good picture when you see one, you may be very pleased with this book. However, I think it should be emphasized that the tips are very much oriented towards photographing your own pet, or possibly a pet with its owner -- not so much "pet pictures" in general.

Let me explain: I'm very happy with the pictures I get of my dog, and in general I have a reasonably good eye for photography. However, I've been volunteering at a local animal shelter, and I'm trying to get pictures of the animals there. Some of my dog photography skills transfer, but the cats can be a problem. I was hoping that this book would provide some specific technigues for getting your subjects to relax, catching their attention long enough to get a good shot of their faces, etc.

Basically, I need an approach that's more "Sears portrait studio" than "downtown art gallery". Instead, the author's first two tips on animal behavior are to start them young so they get used to being photographed, and to study their individual behavior (from the book): "Wildlife photographers spend weeks, months, and sometimes even years observing their subjects in pursuit of elusive images." This is very good advice for someone looking to get pictures of their own pet, but neither of these is really an option in my circumstances.

As I've said, for many people, this may be just the book they're looking for. However, if I find a title which better meets my criteria, I will try to add it to the "recommends instead of" field of this record. Happy photographing!

Rating:
Summary: Not what I'd expected...
Review: I can't wait to get my copy of Ron's latest book. I'm sure it will be every bit as good as his earlier book on photographing children, which I loved and used as gifts for expectant parents and grandparents.

As a proud owner of seven pets and being married to a veterinarian, I have plenty of opportunities to take unique and unusual pictures of animals, including mountain lions, bears, snakes, and even a bald eagle that my husband has treated. Now I'll know how to best capture those moments to be remembered and shared for years to come.

Thanks, Ron!

Rating:
Summary: Great pictures of great pets!
Review: I can't wait to get my copy of Ron's latest book. I'm sure it will be every bit as good as his earlier book on photographing children, which I loved and used as gifts for expectant parents and grandparents.

As a proud owner of seven pets and being married to a veterinarian, I have plenty of opportunities to take unique and unusual pictures of animals, including mountain lions, bears, snakes, and even a bald eagle that my husband has treated. Now I'll know how to best capture those moments to be remembered and shared for years to come.

Thanks, Ron!

Rating:
Summary: A purrr-fect book for pet lovers!
Review: I've taken pictures of my pets nearly all my life, but until I read "How to Take Great Pet Pictures," too many of my pictures never captured the true spirit of my pets. After spending just a short time reading this beautifully-illustrated, well-written book, I now feel like I can finally take those great pet pictures I've always wanted, but never managed to create. Thanks, Ron, for the wonderful tips and the great inspiration!

Rating:
Summary: A purrr-fect book for pet lovers!
Review: I've taken pictures of my pets nearly all my life, but until I read "How to Take Great Pet Pictures," too many of my pictures never captured the true spirit of my pets. After spending just a short time reading this beautifully-illustrated, well-written book, I now feel like I can finally take those great pet pictures I've always wanted, but never managed to create. Thanks, Ron, for the wonderful tips and the great inspiration!

Rating:
Summary: No bones about it
Review: What a delightful read. With a witty pen and great examples, Nichols has crafted a wonderful book for pet owners who want to capture important moments on film. There are tips for those of us with modest camera skills and even some for professionals.

Bravo!