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Jen Ohlson offers a few suggestions for a successful animal photo shoot...

1. Be patient. Most shoots are really a waiting game. It usually takes a while before dogs stop panting and cats lie down in one place. Just give it time, and give the animals a break between shots.
   
   
2. Engage the animal with play, talking, and love. When you pay attention to dogs or cats, they give it back. Earn their respect and trust.
   
   
3. Be aware that your big, loud, bright equipment can be frightening—so can being placed on a table or on paper.
   
   
4. Only use treats that the owner allows and as much as they allow. It’s helpful to have the owner holding the treats behind or next to you, doing the rewarding at regular intervals.
   
   
5. Ask the owner for words or noises that cause the animal to look up, tilt his head, or put up his ears. This also makes a panting dog close his mouth.
   
   
6. Don’t have any expectations. Each animal has a unique personality and quirks and each shoot is completely unpredictable. Have fun!
   
   

Jen Ohlson’s Gear Box

MEDIUM-FORMAT CAMERAS
Pentax 645N II with 75mm, 150mm lenses
Mamiya 645 AF with 80mm lens

DIGITAL CAMERA
Canon EOS Rebel XT digital SLR

LIGHTING
Norman P800 strobe kit with two heads
Softboxes

FILM
Kodak TRI-X 400

COMPUTER/DIGITAL EQUIPMENT
Nikon 8000ED negative scanner
Epson Stylus Photo 2200
Septone plug-in and ink system
Adobe Photoshop CS2

CLIENTS
Next to Nature, a chain of pet supply stores in the Northwest
Colleen Paige, dog behaviorist

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
FETCH!, an organization promoting
off-leash dog parks
WAIF, an animal shelter and adoption group
Friends of the Animals Foundation, an animal rescue and adoption organization