What is the term for animal photography?
Animal Photography can be roughly split up into three distinct types.
Wildlife photography
Wildlife photography is photographing animals in their natural environment.
Pet photography
Pet Photography is where pet owners have their pets photographed either in a studio or home/location environment.
Commercial animal photography
Commercial animal photography is where animals are used in a commercial environment for advertising and marketing. Virtually all of the animal photography I have done has been for advertising marketing and publishing.
How did I start animal photography?
I started Animal Photography after doing a job with an animal handler, we got on well, the job was a success, and we decided that we would work together on some shots with various animals to put into photo libraries. We then started being commissioned by advertising agencies and design groups to shoot animals for advertising, editorial, and packaging.
What is the difference between animal photography and wildlife photography?
From my experience animal and wildlife photography are totally different; wildlife photographers tend to photograph animals in their natural habitat, and this process can take days or even weeks to get the shot they want. Organisations such as the BBC have independent filmmakers around the world whom they commission to capture footage of animals for their wildlife programs.
Animal photography, usually takes place in the studio for advertising and it is a totally different discipline from wildlife photography, normally, there will be a very tight brief, and a visual layout to work from. Unlike wildlife photography, there is usually a tight deadline, so it’s important to get the shot as quickly as possible.
Animal handlers are familiar with and know how to work and get the best performance from their animals. As you can imagine, their animals are extremely well-trained and familiar with the studio environment. Therefore, there is every chance that the animal photography shoot will run smoothly.
Who owns all of the animals for commercial photography?
Pet Photography
The animals are sourced from a variety of places from personal domestic pets and most animal handlers have lists of people who collaborate with them to allow their pets to partake in photography. Allowing your well-behaved pet to be used in commercial photography and advertising can be quite lucrative for the owner.
When sourcing animals for animal photographer shoots you will find that the animal and the handler have a very intimate and personal relationship. Normally the animal handler will be responsible for collecting and dropping off the animal after the shoot.
Exotic animal photography
There are those people who own exotic animals, they use for animal photography for example lizards, snakes, and birds. The exotic animals are normally brought along to the photographic studio by their owners and they normally stay during the whole shoot.
Large animal photography
There tends to be a shortage of large animals that are available for commercial and advertising purposes, such as lions, hippopotamus, and crocodiles. These animal photography shoots are normally performed on feature films, commercials, and other large projects. The large animal shoots have extremely high costs, due to the shortage of large trained animals available, insurance, transportation, and special animal photography licenses are required. All of these factors must be arranged well in advance of the animal shoot.
Zoo animal photography
When photographing zoo animals, you will find that the zoo is happy to cooperate and normally commands a fee for their assistance. They can usually supply a room which can be converted into a studio setting.
Are there any special procedures for working with animals?
Animal protocol during animal photography
As you can imagine there are some very dangerous animals, such as lions, panthers, and crocodiles used in animal photography. This type of animal photography is quite challenging and strict safety regulations need to be abided by to protect the animal and all of those involved in the animal photography shoot.
Every single detail needs to be carefully planned in advance, such as transportation, insurance, and special permits. Any mishaps can lead to the animal photography being cancelled or postponed.
Care and precautions taken during the animal photography shoot
All planning and due diligence are carefully planned well in advance by the photographer and the animal handler. Firstly, you need to ascertain whether your requirements are possible with the handler, there is no scoop for error during these types of animal photography sessions.
These animal photography shoots usually take place in a studio with an infinity cover to contain the animal on threee sides, with caging on the front open side, so the animal can’t escape. There is usually a few small openings in the caging for the camera lens to take the image, depending upon which angle you need to photograph the animal.
The experienced animal handler will collaborate with the photographer to ascertain if they are able to get the animal to do what is required, such as get the animal to roar or stand up on their hind legs. From experience, I have been quite dumbfounded and impressed by how easily the animal trainer can get the animal to cooperate and perform in front of the camera. This process needs to be planned well in advance with the animal handler, as the animal photography shoot must be done as quickly as possible. From experience, I have found you are usually given a 15-minute window before the animal gets bored.
In most cases, the animal handler is in the cage with the animal, so it is imperative the shoot is finished as quickly as possible, delays can cause conflict with the animal and its trainer, which can be extremely dangerous.
