Page 45 - Australian Photography - September 2017

PROF I L E: GL E N N A DDISO N & H E L E N T R E N N E RY

their pet’s personality, favourite objects and activities. In
doing this they want to identify what the owner sees as
their pet’s favourite physical features, distinguishing ex-
pressions, individual behaviours, or tricks. Addison also
asks how and where the finished portraits will be hung.
In her pre-session information, Trenerry advises the
owners to groom their pets prior to the photo session
as this can mean the difference between a short and a
long post production session. But as there will always
be some amount of slobber, eye goobers, and dust on
an animal’s fur, she is always prepared.
THE ART
Just like humans, pets can be stressed or easily distract-
ed when having their picture taken. “You have to do
the same thing as you do with human subjects, that is,
build rapport, make them feel comfortable, and then
you can start to work with them,” explains Addison.
You need emotional intelligence because unlike peo-
ple they cannot tell us how they feel in a way that the
average person understands. For instance, with some
breeds, if a dog’s ears are back and down, it is probably
scared, making for an image the client will not buy.
You need to understand what motivates a pet and
then find a way to use that to have the pet do what
you want it to do. As animals are always moving there PHOTO © HELEN TRENERRY
is a lot of anticipation and reading body language in-
volved with timing as well.
Trenerry underscores that reading, say, a fearful or
reactive dog, can prevent a difficult situation. Taking golden, and just after sunrise as the light is soft
PHOTO © GLENN ADDISON it takes: toys, play, silly noises, and sometimes their fa- and often quite moody,” she adds.
an organic and natural approach, she will use whatever
vourite treats, to make a pet comfortable with her and
In the studio you can keep the animals more con-
her camera. But, she suggests, avoid their favourite
tained, which is suitable for pets such as chickens,
but some pets can become quite nervous around
item until last, as sometimes the pet will obsess over it.
THE LIGHT studio lights, strobes, and noise. To ease a nervous
animal into a studio environment, Trenerry encour-
Your style and what you aim to capture will determine ages the pet to explore the surroundings, then slowly
whether you shoot inside or outdoors. And just like she creates a positive association with the shutter
some people like cats and some like dogs, both photog- noise by pressing the button and rewarding the pet,
raphers have different approaches. repeating the process until it is comfortable in front
Trenerry prefers to shoot in natural light, and of the camera in the best lighting position.
where the pet feels at ease in a familiar environment, Addison has always chosen to shoot in a studio set-
whether it is inside the client’s house, in the backyard ting because it allows him to create something clients
or around the neighbourhood. “My favourite times could never dream of capturing, no matter how good
are just before sunset when the light is beautiful and their camera. “It also means they are focusing one

W H AT A R E T H E B I G G E S T M I S TA K E S P E O P L E M A K E W H E N TA K I N G P H O T O S O F T H E I R P E T S?
Helen Trenerry: One of the biggest mistakes I see with pet Glenn Addison: Not paying attention to the background or
owners is using on-camera or in-phone flash. This usually surroundings is a common problem. Either move the pet, or
ends up with crazy, creepy and glowing eyes in their pets. find an angle where you can make the image as simple as
This is due to the fact that unlike humans, in many animals possible. If you look in your viewfinder and see something
the retina has a reflective layer behind it, which acts like a that doesn’t add to the image, either move it, or adjust yourself
mirror, reflecting light at the back of the eyes. While this to remove it, whether it’s a distracting element or just an out
reflective layer helps animals see better at night, the outward of place highlight that draws the viewer’s attention away. Our
reflected light creates another chance for the retina to eyes are naturally drawn to highlights so think about where
absorb the flash light, giving the unnaturally eerie look. you place your pet.

| 45 | SEPTEMBER 2017 | AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM