Posted June 3, 2013

Our Pet Photo Contest is Here! – Tips for Taking Great Pics

Travel Tips

Pet lovers, get ready for some doggone fun: Our Pet Photo Contest is back and is better than ever! From now through July 31 we’re hosting our Ultimate hosPETality Getaway where guests can enter for a chance to win an ultimate travel package with us. To enter, click here and send us your cutest, most “aww”-inducing pics of your pet.

Kimpton is proud to be pet friendly (we don’t charge you an extra dime to have your animal pal stay with us, and never impose size or weight restrictions). Our photo contest is another way we celebrate your furry friends.

To help you snap the perfect pic, we got pet photo tips from Alan Siskind, a top dog shutterbug that’s filmed and photographed thousands of pets for Dog News Daily, an online pet magazine. Here’s what Alan recommended:

Tip 1: Level With Your Pet
Your best bet for capturing Rover in his best light is by aligning your camera at his eye level. Walk over to your pup, rather than make him come to you, and don’t be afraid to get on your knees or stomach. If your animal pal is standing, aim to get all four legs in the shot.

Tip 2: Keep the Background Simple, Colorful and Uncluttered
Your pet is the star, not your busy kitchen or living room. Bright colors or open, natural settings work well and create a nice contrast. Colorful rugs, blankets and toys are perfect for livening up a photo and making your pet pop.

Tip 3: Use Natural Light
Using a flash can startle pets and cause the dreaded red eye. When you’re indoors, natural light from windows or skylights is the way to go. If you’re outdoors, aim to shoot early or late in the day or during overcast weather so you aren’t getting direct sunlight. At the least, keep the sun at your back.

Tip 4: Keep the Mood Fun
Break out Bowser’s favorite toys and treats to hold his attention and keep things exciting. Every dog has his bad day, and your good mood can get his tail happily wagging.

Ready to shoot? Enter the contest online at KimptonHotels.com. The winner will receive the Ultimate hosPETality Getaway, including tickets for two on Jet Blue, a three-night stay at a Kimpton Hotel and a pack of other prizes. Can’t bark at that.

Good luck!

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3 Comments

  1. jason bunin says:

    Are you running the pet pic contest still and if so, how can my lil fella “git in on it?” He is painfully adorable and we took a few amazing pics of him when we stayed at your Chicago hotel.

    Thanks,
    Jason

    • Mark Hiss says:

      Hi, Jason. Yes, the pet photo contest is coming back in mid-November! We’ll have more details here on the blog in a couple of weeks. Check back in with us … sounds like you might have a winner on your hands.

  2. Deborah Williams says:

    Are you running the contest this year?