How to take instagram worthy photos of your pets (instantly improve your posts)

How to Take Instagram-Worthy Photos of Your Pets (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real: pets aren’t always the most cooperative models. They move, they blink, they chase sticks mid-shot — but when you do get the perfect snap, it’s worth every outtake. Whether you’re running a pet account, growing a brand like Doodle Zoo, or just want to fill your grid with your furry friend, here’s how to take Instagram-worthy pet photos without the stress.

1. Natural Light Is Your Best Friend

Always shoot in daylight — ideally near a window or outdoors. Early morning and golden hour (just before sunset) give you that soft, flattering glow that makes everything look dreamy.

Avoid flash. It can make your pet look startled or give them spooky red eyes, and nobody wants that.

2. Get Down on Their Level

Crouch, kneel, or even lie down if you have to. Taking photos at your pet’s eye level instantly makes your shots more personal and powerful. It lets people connect with your pet and adds emotion to the photo.

Bonus tip: a low angle with a shallow background can also help show off accessories like bandanas, collars or harnesses really well!

3. Use Treats, Toys or Sounds

To get your pet’s attention, hold a treat or favourite toy just above your phone. You can also try using squeaky noises, crinkling a snack packet, or even playing animal sounds (yep, it works sometimes!).

Just be ready to snap fast. Pets have short attention spans, so when you get their focus — take the shot!

4. Capture Their Personality

Not every photo needs to be posed. Some of the best pet photos are the candid ones — mid-yawn, rolling in the grass, sniffing flowers, or curled up in their favourite spot.

Your pet is one of a kind. Show off the silly faces, the sleepy eyes, the zoomies — that’s the magic people want to see.

5. Focus on the Eyes

Eyes are the soul of any portrait, including pet ones. Make sure your camera is focusing on your pet’s eyes — it makes the photo feel more connected and alive.

On iPhones or most smartphones, you can tap the screen where you want the focus. If the eyes are sharp, you’re already halfway to a winning photo.

6. Clean Backgrounds Make a Big Difference

A messy background can ruin a great shot. Try to use simple backdrops — a blank wall, a pretty bit of nature, a neutral blanket, or even your own product display.

If you’re outdoors, look for textured but not cluttered scenes — forest paths, sand, flowers, benches. Let your pet be the focus.

7. Use Burst Mode

 

Especially helpful for pets that don’t sit still. Hold down the shutter button to take a burst of photos in a row — then pick your favourite later. You’ll catch the exact moment they look up, blink, smile, or tilt their head.

You might take 50 photos and only love one, but that’s the one that makes it worth it.

8. Dress Them Up (If They’re Into It)

If your pet is comfortable, pop on a bowtie, bandana, or harness that reflects their personality. Fun accessories not only add colour and style, but can also subtly show off your brand if you’re a small business like Doodle Zoo.

Keep it fun, never force it, and reward your pet for modelling like the star they are.

9. Edit Lightly but Smartly

A little editing can elevate your photo, but don’t overdo it. Increase brightness, boost contrast slightly, and maybe pop the colour. Free apps like Lightroom Mobile, VSCO or Snapseed are great for polishing your photos while keeping them natural.

If you’re building a brand, try to stick to a consistent editing style to keep your feed looking cohesive.

10. Most Importantly — Keep It Fun

Pets pick up on stress. If a shoot isn’t going to plan, take a break, try again later, or change the location. You want your pet to associate photo time with treats, praise, and play — not frustration.

Instagram-worthy photos don’t have to be perfect. They just have to feel real and joyful. The bond between you and your pet is the real magic — your photo just captures a moment of it.

Want Some Inspo?

Check out our Doodle Zoo page (@doodlezoo.uk) for colourful, personality-filled pet photos, all taken with real dogs (like Dotty!) in everyday settings. We’re all about keeping it natural, fun, and a little bit chaotic — just like life with pets.

Got a great photo tip or a snap you’re proud of? Tag us or drop us a DM — we’d love to see your pets shine!