Great Pet Photos Made Easy
Instructors: Darwin Wiggett/Mark Degner                                                  Duration: 4 Weeks            Cost: $195            Starts: Sep 12, 2008

Have you ever tried to capture a photo of your dog but as soon as you brought your camera out the dog fled, tail between his legs, to the closet? Or are the photos of your cat mostly a blur of whiskers and fur? How are those wonderful animal images used in ads created? What are the tricks used by professional animal photographers to get the animals to do what the photographer's want? How can you create pet photos that sell? What gear do you need to be a pet photographer?

In this course, Darwin answers these questions and more. He helps untangle the complexities of successful pet photography so that in four weeks you will have the basics to take your photography to the next level or even higher. So grab your camera, and seek out the closest furry or feathered body and learn the skills necessary to take professional quality animal photos.

• The 'right' gear (camera, lights, props and other critical stuff)
• The 'right' approach (how not to frighten the animal)
• Common pet photo flaws and how to avoid them
• The art of using light - light quality, direction and temperature
• Using light to flatter your subjects
• Camera and lighting techniques for pet photography
• Aperture and Shutter Speed - powerful choices for creative pet photography
• Lens choices - the best lens to use in any situation
• Composition and design in pet photography
• Animal behavior basics for pet photographers
• Creating images that sell - the 'story-telling' photo
• How to start your own pet photography business
• After the shoot - the necessary post'production skills