Nikki – Pawjourr | Blog contributors

Starting your pet influencing journey?

As a pet influencer, there will always be times where you have to post a photo of your pet with a sponsored product. Instead of simply posting a still image of your pet with the pet product beside it, up your petfluencer game by varying pet poses and making it more dynamic!

Here are some of the simple yet effective ways to take fun shots of your pet with the product.

1. Catch that mlem

First, position your pet next to the product. Feed them a treat and snap multiple shots while they are engrossed in licking their lips. This is a great way to demonstrate how yummy the product is!

Designer Tip!: You can set your phone/camera mode to ‘Burst shots’ for fast and efficient photo capture and pick the best one.

Another easy trick is to dab some wet pet food onto the back of the product’s packaging and take a quick shot when your pet is in the midst of licking it.

2. Product Interaction

(Left) Photo Credit: Instagram @_missygigi_

The product speaks best for itself when it is seen enjoyed by pets. Get some candid shots of your pet in the midst of eating or playing with the product for a genuine review.

3. Eyes on the Prize

One of the few basic ways to improve your photos is to capture eye contact!

No eye contact (left) VS Eye contact (Right)

Many underestimate the power of audience engagement when the pet makes eye contact with the camera. The easiest way is to call your pet’s name or any word that catches their attention, otherwise, simply hold a treat or a toy above the phone/camera.

4. Set the Stage

Taking photos in different locations can also refresh the look of your pictures.

Indoor (@miss.rileypoo) and Outdoor (@hirothesuperdoggo)

Be it at the park, the streets or at home, do remember to make use of natural lighting for optimum photo quality. Ensure that the background is clutter-free and plain enough so that the focus would remain on your pet.

Photo Credit: (from left to right) Instagram @kyubi.ninetales, @dubuwubu, @shiba.haru.uni

For food-related products: Fancy plating and props will definitely help spice up your pictures. If you don’t have many resources on hand, you can always experiment with your product’s arrangement to make them stand out from the ordinary.

5. Dress it Up!

Dressing your pet up for the occasion also helps to personalise and bring a touch of fun into the picture. This is also a good chance to finally show off all your fancy wardrobe collections!

Photo Credit: (from left to right) Instagram @chivastheshiba, @garlick_n_shallot, @nikki.pompom

Designer Tip!: Try to find costumes that best compliment the product. A little goes a long way when it comes to telling a story through your pictures.

Anyone can be a petfluencer – you don’t need professional skills or expensive props! Just remember our 5 simple tips:

Catch that mlem!
Interact with the product
Capture eye contact
Set the stage
Try on costumes

Challenge yourself to make the most of what you have, as well as thinking out of the box!

Remember, the effort you put in your pictures are definitely recognised and appreciated by your followers and brands! So keep these tips in mind and have fun being a better petfluencer!

1. Lighting

Good lighting is key to great photos.

For high contrast photos with stark shadows, opt for using direct sunlight. Cloudy days can also prove useful for softer yet natural lighting.

Otherwise, you might want to invest in a softbox light that is quite affordable online for more consistent lighting.

Do take note of reflection/glare from product packaging that will hinder its appearance.

Designer Tip!: Use a white sheet as a reflector to soften the light source or tilt the packaging at another angle where the light doesn’t hit it directly.

2. Mind your background!

The background of the picture is another essential aspect that will differentiate your picture from an impromptu everyday photo or a more professional one. It is also an easy one to change!

All you need is some large paper taped to the wall for an easy studio-style photo. Plain cloths or rugs are fine as well.

Designer Tip!: Take your photos next to the window for the best results with natural lighting!

3. Props, props, props!

Props can help push the concept of the product and its function while making it more aesthetically pleasing.

Props don’t have to be specially bought – things found around the house works as well! Just gather whatever you can think of that is related to the product and layer them over each other for extra depth for the image.

For Pet Food products, opt to display them alongside tea towels, metal grills, chopping boards, pet bowls, fancy saucers and cutlery.

For Pet Hygiene Products, you can place them alongside towel, sponge, soap suds, shower cap and even a rubber duck!

Designer Tip!: Dried or fresh flowers or fake foliage can be used as extra fillers.

4. Dealing with unappetising Pet Food

Pet food is not necessarily the most attractive thing to photograph but worry not.

The best way to present pet food is to showcase the actual size and texture of the product. This can be decorated via creative plating where the pet food is arranged into fun shapes by freezing them in moulds. You can even mix a few different products together for the variation in colour and texture.

Another way is to place the pet food on a fancy or colourful plate to compensate for the dull colour of the food itself. Smaller portions can also be placed on a wooden spoon or small saucers for a stronger focus.

Ideally, relevant fresh ingredients or spice bottles can be included in the background to inform viewers more about what the food is made of.

Designer Tip!: Try to stick to warm appetising colours like wood brown, yellow and orange.

5. Most importantly, include a pet!

Close-ups of products and food will definitely give viewers the best view of the products.

Nonetheless, including a pet that enjoys the product will personalise and bring credibility to it.

Pet Harness by itself vs as shown on a Pet

Pets are more engaging than a motionless product, especially for pet accessories that require a real-life model for maximum visualisation of the product.

Designer Tip!: You don’t have to include the whole pet – even elements of pets like a paw peeping from the side can make the photo more interesting.

Stay tuned for our next article with more tips on how to take better pictures of your pet with products!