ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Timing key in taking ideal pet picture

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2003 Pets in Paradise calendar Call for photos A fund-raiser for the Hawaiian Humane Society Entry forms: Humane Society, 2700 Wai'alae Ave. Mail: leave your name and address at 946-2187, ext. 370. On the Web: at www.hawaiianhumane.org (Click on News & Events, Calendar of Events, 2003 Calendar.) Deadline: July 31 $15 entry fee per photo All photos will be included in the calendar, 14 as full pages and the rest in color-collage pages. Entries must be color photo prints in a horizontal layout, no bigger than 4 by 6 inches, and must depict only animals; no Polaroid, disks, e-mail or computer-generated photos printed on plain paper.

Wright works professionally at weddings and parties, but he is also well known in Hawai'i for his portraits of pets and their people. You'll find him behind the camera at Humane Society events such as the PetWalk and Pictures with Santa Paws, and he also served as one of the judges for the calendar photos used in the 2002 Picture-Perfect Pets calendar.

"It sounds silly, but the clicking, squeaking or whistling noise that gets your pet's attention may be the key to a great pet portrait," Wright said. "It's always cute when the dog is looking at the camera, ears perked up, head cocked to one side."

"To get this cooperation from your dog, get close to your subject, focus, be ready to click the shutter when you make the noise. The winning look can come and go in an instant. And the same noise only works a couple of times."

Noises can be made with your mouth, a whistle, kazoo or squeaky toy. Key words can sometimes get the dog's attention, like "cookie" or "walk." Be ready to try a variety of things to get the reaction you want. "Get on the same level as your pet ... lie on the floor and wait," Wright said.

What about cats? "Cats have their own agendas," he said, "and the noises may or may not get their attention, but they sometimes strike perfect poses for candid shots. Patience and being eye-level with the cat will give you the best photo. Don't be afraid to get close-ups."

A last overall tip from Wright: "Don't wait till the last minute. Start now with small photo sessions when your pet is 'in the mood,' and have the camera ready in between for candid shots."