Okay, does anyone take staged photos of your animals? The United Poultry concerns has calanders they make every year of birds to generate interest and compassion for the animals. So the key is to have quality shots that capture the animals cuteness. Its also essential that the animals are treated with dignity and enjoy the experience. That being said,  I wanted to share these pics and I want to see how you set your *staged* photos up. Also, because taking photos of animals and children can be so hard, share a tip if you can, about how to do it.

Here are some photos of my hens that I had. I set up a high table, actually it was an ironing board, in the bathroom and used the shower curtain as a back drop. I put the props in and then turned out the lights. Hens are more relaxed in the dark than in the light because its kinda like their nesting box. Then one by one, I set the hens in their place and pet gently them while they settled into it. Its relaxing to them so they were mellow. Then Id put the next one in and so on. Once they were comfortable I turned on the lights and the hens didn't feel like moving too much. So I quickly snapped a few photos. I also did not have the treats in the room while we worked because it was too distracting for them. Instead i worked in one or two brief sessions (no more than 20-30 mins at a time) and rewarded afterwards. In all, the preparation for the shoot should take longer than the shoot its self. Have everything ready so the animal doesn't have to wait while you get it together. Depending on what kinda of camera you use, you should even test the lighting and setting before you bring them in so you wont have to mess with the camera. Also in some of the shoots I just let the hens explore the scene and that made for some cute, natural pics.

So, maybe these tips will help you with your pets picture...I really need some tips on taking photos of dogs. In the past I have tried to make on-line listings of foster dogs to try to find hoems for them, but its darn hard! I know you are supposed to get down to their eye level but i cant manage to keep my dogs from bowling me over when i get down. So i hope someone has ideas about that. Also about how to get them looking at the camera, as they always seem to get distracted.

Additionally, I would appreciate any critiques of these pictures. More than anything, I am glad I have pictures to remember my hens by. (they were kidnapped from me) Although I do have many other (non-staged) photos of them. I actually sent these ones off AFTER they were gone so it was nice to have them. I also think that my hens seemed to love life and I imagine that if they could understand it...they would want to help fight cruelty in the capacity they were able. I feel like sharing these photos with folks at the united poultry concerns would be a nice tribute- if you will....here they are