Selfies. We’ve all heard of them and we’ve probably all taken them. You know, the self-portrait photo typically taken with a smart phone at arm’s length or pointed at a mirror, in a flattering pose with flattering angles and that nonchalant facial expression. Yeah, admit it, you’ve done it, too! Selfies are all the rage on social media outlets and now they’ve made their way to our pets. Obviously our canine companions and favorite felines can’t take the pics themselves, but that’s what beloved pet parents and ingenious techno gadgets are for!
When Rover is ready for his close-pup, his human snaps his selfie, posts it on social media, hashtags it with something clever like #dogselfie, and waits for the “likes,” “favorites” and “ooohs and awwwws” to come rolling in. And they do! Pet selfies are taking Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by storm! The pictures are often adorable and sometimes humorous shots as dogs, cats, reptiles and a variety of other pets attempt to perfect their close-up skills. Want to join the craze? Here are some tips to ensure you take the best selfies of your photogenic pet:
- Be natural; don’t force it. If your pet is sitting, sit next to him. If he’s lying around, get down there with him. Just join your buddy wherever he is hanging out and wait until the time is right to snap that selfie. Remember, the best way to get a bad selfie is to force it.
- Once you’re in position, place a treat between the camera and your pet. Or, better yet, tape a treat to the camera. Chances are he won’t be able to keep his eyes off it! If your pet isn’t food motivated, have someone stand behind the camera holding his favorite toy.
- Pets typically have short attention spans, so once opportunity knocks, you need to strike fast!
- Lighting is key; too much light will make your pet appear washed out, and too little will result in nothing more than a black outline of your favorite pet. The perfect time for an outdoor selfie is an hour or so before the sun sets.
- Hold the camera at eye level; that’s almost always the most flattering angle for everyone (not that your pet needs any help looking good).
- If your pet is patient and willing, pick a few props for your selfie session. Be creative with scarves, sunglasses, hats… the possibilities are endless.
- Rapid fire is a pet selfie’s best friend. Even if your pet agrees to stay put for only a few seconds, the rapid fire option that takes multiple shots at once will increase your odds of a winning selfie.
- Always reward your pet for a photo session well done. Positive reinforcement, affection and lots of treats will make your pet more comfortable with the process, and a comfortable pet equals a stellar selfie!
Want a more candid, close-up shot of your pet? Teach him to take his own selfie! Yes… it can be done! Here’s how:
- Download the Big Camera Button app to your smartphone or tablet. This turns your entire screen into a shutter button. Turn on the “burst” mode to increase your odds of getting a good pic of your pet. Also be sure to select the front facing, or “selfie,” camera.
- Secure your smartphone or tablet in a clear, clean Ziploc bag.
- Put a tiny bit of peanut butter over the screen area.
- Let your pet take a lick, and as he does he will initiate a photo taking sequence.
- Praise him for his participation, and eventually he may learn to take a selfie without the use of the Ziploc back and the peanut butter.
How about a method that’s a bit more techie? You may be interested in the latest pet techno gadget called PetBot, a device that allows you to see and talk to your pet from your smartphone, AND it dispenses treats. Best of all, it features image recognition software that senses when your dog is retrieving a treat, takes a close-up selfie, and sends it to you! Talk about a sweet treat – getting a selfie text from your precious pet!
Whatever method you choose, taking that perfect pet selfie is a wonderful way to freeze a moment with your pet in time, leaving you with a memory that will last forever.
