Friday Inspiration: Photographing Furry Friends

Animals on the internet have become household names: Doug The Pug, Lil bub, Boo the pomeranian, Grumpy Cat, Marnie The Dog, Hamilton The Hipster Cat, the list goes on and on. They have verified Instagram accounts with millions of followers, personal websites, branded merchandise and even endorsement deals. Along with the animal celebrity/pet influencer trend we’ve seen an uptick in everyday animals getting their own Instagram accounts. Simultaneously, we’ve also encountered animal lovers honing in on their pet portrait skills to keep up, gain followers and, ideally, discover clients willing to shell out for portraits of their own four-legged friends.

Below we’re rounding up six photographers who impressed us with their talents. Capturing everything from sweet moments between family pets to more formal studio portraits, these photographers are also exploring new angles and approaches to get their subjects’ buy-in. Like other specialties in photography, pet photographers have range and distinct styles that should be celebrated and encouraged.

Micael Norberg

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Lyra&Helga- #tuesdaycat #catkiss #catanddog #findthedog #australianshepherd #catphotographer #livingwithcats #lifewithcats #bengalsofinstagram #breakfastcat #catloversunite #bengalcat #catsphotoshoot #catsandart #all_bnwshots #blackandwhite #catcontent #internetneedsanothercat #andanothercat #cat #catsofinstagram #animalsmeanscatphotography #catphotography #catscureallproblems #blackandwhitecatphotography #blackandwhitecatphotoslookclassy #blackandwhitephotography #catscuredepression

A post shared by Micael Norberg (@micael_norberg) on Feb 17, 2020 at 8:22pm PST

Cat Race

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If Cerberus is the guardian of the underworld then this spotty giant must be the keeper to heavens door. Ok so in reality this bundle of fluff may not be a mythical creature, but Max Ollie and Rosie certainly brought a touch of magic to my day. Those of you who know me are probably aware of my obsession with spots and how crazy spotty dogs send me, so you can imagine my ebullience when presented with this divine abundance of dots. Is it just me or do you have a thing for a specific canine feature too? Maybe it’s pointy ears or curly tails…tell me what sends you completely dotty! . . . #dalmatianspots #spottydog #dalmatiansofinstagram #dalmata #dalmatiannation #dalmatiner #dalmatianlovers #dalmatian #dalmatians #dalmatiner #dalmatianlovers #dalmatiannation #dalmatianlove #dalmatian_shoutout #dalmatiandog #dalmatianclub #dalmatianlife #albertdocksliverpool #dalmatianadoreable #dalmatianoftheday #dalmatianspotlight #dals #dogphotographyobsession #hairofthedogblog #petphotographersclub #wideanglephotography #dottyaboutdogs #thestatelyhound #fotografi #dogphotographer #professionaldogphotographer #dalmatians #dalmation #dalmatianpics

A post shared by ✨On Location Dog Photography✨ (@catsdogphotography) on Feb 16, 2020 at 9:07am PST

Kristen Murray

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“Wha, what’s goin on down dere?” – Lord Ludwig thoughts

A post shared by Kristen-Dog Photographer (@kristenmurrayphotography) on Feb 19, 2020 at 8:48am PST

Martha Lily

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“Martha exceeded my expectations. I knew she was an amazing photographer, but you appreciate it even more when it’s your own horses. I can’t not recommend her enough, she’s friendly, helpful, and very professional. She knows what will work and look good in a photo. I can’t stop saying thank you! She’s just a naturally talented photographer.”⁠⠀ Tia Hulse.⁠⠀Thankyou so much for this Tia.⁠ I have a dark room day at @actonhallec on the 21st March if anyone is interested please contact them x ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ #photographertestimonial #testimonial #photographyreview #lovelycustomers #bestclients #coolclients #grateful #gratitudejournal #equinephotographer #horsephotographer #photography #horsephotography #horsemad #horseportrait #horseaddict #equinephotography #blackbeauty #blackhorse #beautifulblackhorse #blackandwhite #equine #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #poniesofinstagram #horsenation #shropshire #llangollen #friyay #fridayflow #equineartist

A post shared by MARTHA LILY PHOTOGRAPHY (@marthalilyphotog) on Feb 20, 2020 at 11:25pm PST

Josh Fenn

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Target spotted

A post shared by Cat Photographer | Josh Fenn (@candidkitten) on Feb 17, 2020 at 6:49am PST

Marius Müller

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Bullterrier Liebe! Laura von @tierfotografie_hh hat unter anderem dieses Foto zur freien Bearbeitung gestellt als Dank für die 10K follower! (Herzlichen Glückwunsch ❤️) Ich habe mich ganz besonders über dieses Foto gefreut, da ich Bullies über alles liebe. Ich hatte viel Freude bei der Bearbeitung und liebe das Ergebnis. Wie findet ihr es?

A post shared by Hundefotografie by MM (@newview.hundefotografie) on Feb 15, 2020 at 1:26pm PST

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This week we’re sharing an image from Ruth Coffey that’s a bit less furry and cute, but instead explores the magic in unplanned animal interactions.

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“Unexpected Encounters is a photo that I always have great conversations about – everyone sees something different happening between the grasshopper and the ladybug. . Along a walk in a park in Colorado, I came across the grasshopper sitting on some fencing around a tree. As I was finding the right angle to capture it, the ladybug started walking along the fence towards the grasshopper. I was amazed that the grasshopper seemed entirely unconcerned that the ladybug approached and then started to climb right up and over the head of the grasshopper. . I’ve got a whole series of photos showing the progression, but this one is my favorites because the mystery of what will happen is the focus.” – Ruth Coffey (@vivid.explorer)

A post shared by PhotoShelter (@photoshelter) on Feb 20, 2020 at 10:00am PST