In this section of the website you can find out all about the annual Petsavers photography competition. The competition started in 2007 and is open to all amateur photographers, UK residents, pet owners, vets and vet nurses.

The 2012 Petsavers Photography Competition is now open - Find out more >>

If you have any questions about the photography competition not covered under the terms and conditions please contact us on info@petsavers.org.uk or call 44 (0)1452 726723 and we’ll be happy to help. We would also love to hear from you if you have a suggestion for a theme for a future competition.

Photography Tips

Patience - Your pet is unlikely to pose how you want for your photograph, so be prepared to be patient to get the right shot. You should keep your pet comfortable and happy so a good idea is to have some of your pet’s favourite toys or treats available so that you can direct their attention towards you for your picture.

Positioning - Getting into the right position will make a dramatic difference to your picture. If you are standing above your pet and shooting down you are unlikely to get a good image unless your pet looks up at the right moment. Try to get level with your pet even if it means getting on your hands and knees!

Exposure - It’s important to remember that fur absorbs light so a standard exposure setting might look dark. Decide whether you want a dark or light picture and learn how to change the exposure settings on your camera and experiment so that you can get the best shot.

Lighting - A flash may upset your pet, so if possible try to aim for natural light, either outside or near a window or glass door. Direct sunlight can alter the natural colour in the picture, so the ideal outside conditions are a bright but overcast day.

Shutter Speed - If you want an action shot or your pet just won’t sit still then it’s important to learn about the shutter speed of your camera. A slower shutter speed can enable to capture a sense of movement, whereas a high shutter speed will help to give sharpness and definition to the picture.

Framing - Decide what you want to capture in the picture, whether it’s a full body shot or focusing on your pets expression. If you want to capture a certain expression then focusing on the eyes is most likely to give the best results.