As well as it being our 5th birthday today (hooray!!!), 1st April also marks the start of National Pet Month. “National Pet Month (NPM) celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership, sharing the many benefits of our cherished companions across the UK.” (https://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk)
To help celebrate this, we thought we’d shine a spotlight on Julie’s dog portrait smartphone photography masterclasses below that she runs in Deal and Margate - and give you a few tips and tricks on how to capture your pets in all their glory.
5 Top Tips when photographing your pets
Turn your phone upside down so you are at eye level with your pet.
To eliminate glare from a tank or vivarium, use an ND filter. This clips over your camera lenses and reduces the reflections. These are widely available from Amazon.
Find the light!!! Obviously that’s easier said than done with pets, but if you can move them to a window where nice, natural light is coming in, then this is best.
Don’t think that every photo has to be perfect. Capturing your pet’s quirky characteristics is sometimes more important than making sure it’s competition worthy! Seize the moment, and if you have time to compose it better, then great, but if not, just take the shot. Remember that photographs and snaps are equally as important and are your memories.
If you are photographing larger animals such as horses running, pan your shot so you can get some motion blur. This means you move the camera at the same speed as your subject and press the shutter without stopping. It take a bit of practice, but very effective if you manage to get it!!!
Most importantly, remember to show the connection you have with your pets. Whether that’s eye contact, a cuddle or a well placed ‘flop’ on the sofa, that is so important and they are the photos you will cherish.
Julie runs amazing dog portrait workshops in Deal and Margate, but if you have a larger animal and would like photos of your horse, cow, alpaca (please can we photograph an alpaca!!!), then do let us know and we can arrange to come to you. We are also very proud to be supporting the PDSA, (the vet charity for pets in need), and will be donating 10% of all pet related bookings throughout April to coincide with National Pet Month.
Dog portrait workshops in Deal and Margate
Join Julie in the charming seaside towns of Margate or Deal for a unique, hands-on workshop designed just for dog lovers and smartphone photographers. Perfect for beginners and more experienced photographers alike, this workshop will teach you everything you need to know to capture the perfect shot—just on your phone!
Each workshop is a 2-hour session. In the final 30 minutes, we’ll head to a dog-friendly café or pub, where you’ll learn to edit your images to a professional standard using an amazing free app on your phone.
Grop workshops
Our group workshops are designed for up to 3 dogs and their owners. You’re welcome to bring a friend to assist with your dog, though it’s optional.
Price: £45 per person + 1 dog. No charge for your assistant, as they’ll be focused on helping manage your dog.
1:1 Workshops
Our 1:1 workshops are perfect for those with nervous dogs or for anyone wanting personalised guidance. You’re welcome to bring an additional person for free to assist with your dog during the session.
Price: £150 (includes 1 dog). No charge for your assistant, as they’ll be focused on helping to manage your dog.
Private Group Dog Photography Workshop
Get a group of friends and their dogs together for a private workshop at a time that suits you (subject to tutor availability). The group size would be up to 4 people, each with a dog. Each paying participant may bring an additional person for free to assist with the dog during the session Price:£195
Gift Vouchers
Stuck for a special gift for someone? Why not purchase a Gift Voucher which is valid for 12 months.
You can find details of Julie’s dog portrait workshops HERE - or drop her an email JulieE@JetBlackSquares.com





