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Welcome to this photography mini-course about taking better pet pictures. Day 1’s video and post are all about knowing your camera. Because knowledge is power and you will become a power user.

Why does knowing your device matter? Because the more you know about your own device, the better your pictures will be from the start (and the less disappointing your results will be). You will enjoy your photos a lot more if you pick up a camera with confidence.

Let me review the top three camera types. You will use one of these when you take your amazing pictures.

• Smartphone
• Compact
• DSLR

What To Look For In Your Camera

Before I do a quick review of each camera type, let me share what you need to look for in your camera to take better pet pictures.

Every brand of camera is slightly different so rather than spending weeks telling you what Samsung, iPhones and Android do, I strongly recommend you invest a day having fun and exploring your own camera.

This Samsung DV300F compact is battered from being pushed into my pocket and pulled out again. In spite of this, as you see on the video, the little camera packs a big punch and lets me:

• Shoot panoramas,
• closeups,
• take action shots,
• layer a picture upon a picture,
• upload to the cloud,
• add filters and,
• shoot videos clips.

This camera is about 8 years old and works great.

The lesson from this?

The best camera for the job is the one you have (not the one you want that sits in the shop window, or on Amazon).

Let’s take a quick look at these cameras and how they can help you.

Compact Cameras

Always check any instructions you might have, or check for a pdf online. Most major manufacturers have manuals and even short tutorials on their sites to encourage you to use your camera.

Your compact will be:

• Portable,
• light and,
• manoeuvrable.

Make use of this when you start taking pictures.

Smartphone Cameras

I have taken videos and pictures that attract notice. Dash Kitten has been a Finalist in the Nose to Nose Awards at BlogPaws® for our smartphone work.

The quality of your smartphone can be outstanding and as your ‘phone is usually in your pocket and picture ready using it for candid cat shots is a no-brainer.

A smartphone image can be edited on the fly using the apps on your ‘phone, then uploaded to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter quickly so you can share a pet moment. This is Harry a cat adopted from Neko Ngeru Cat Adoption Cafe, taken with an iPhone 6S.

DSLR Cameras

A DSLR Camera may seem intimidating when you first pick it up but don’t let the technology intimidate you.

I have written a beginner’s DSLR basics blog post to get you started, and I recommend you check out the tutorial videos you will find on YouTube and Vimeo for your brand of camera.

TIP: You may also find yourself with a mirrorless camera, and these are so new that manuals and video tutorials are essential, even for experts.

The reason I recommend tutorial videos? The creators on YouTube are often experts, and definitely enthusiasts. They encourage and inspire you to learn and share important information and valuable tips.

If you want a more structured method of education, there are paid courses online that get you taking photographs quickly and with confidence. See if any friends have taken a course and ask for recommendations.

Do you have any questions about your type of camera? Are you ready to jump in and enjoy taking pet pictures right now?

The Rest of the Mini-Course

The Power of Light shows how light helps you take amazing pictures.

Your Pet in the Spotlight. Get the best from your pet with these tips.

How Your Photo Software or App can enhance your pet photos.

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