7 Pet Photography Essentials for Beginners

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. The devoted pet parents on the Wag! team conduct independent research to curate products our own pets would pawsitively love! All prices are current at the time of writing.

You love taking photos of your pet, and now you're ready to take your passion for photography to the next level. But where do you start? What are the essential accessories and tools you need in your pet photography kit to help you capture truly special images?

If you want to start taking professional-quality images, check out these 7 must-have items for your pet photography kit.

Skill level: Intermediate

Average cost: $1,800 (body only)

Average consumer rating: 4.7/5 stars

Serious pet photography calls for a serious camera, and while there are plenty of great dSLR cameras to choose from, there’s a lot to like about the Sony Alpha 7 III. This 24.2-megapixel camera features a powerful image processor and up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting, plus it’s a compact unit for easy portability.

But what we love is the fact that the Alpha 7 III includes Sony’s Real-time Eye AF for Animals feature, an AI-based system that autofocuses on an animal’s eyes to help you take great portraits. You can also pair it with the camera’s silent shutter mode to ensure there are no distractions that could ruin your “pawfect” shot.

Skill level: Beginner

Average cost: $165

Average consumer rating: 4.8/5 stars

There’s a lot of gear to carry if you want to take great pet photos, and that’s where the SpiderPro Single dSLR Camera System V2 can be a life saver. This strap-free system means you don’t have to worry about the heavy weight of a camera around your neck all day long. It also allows you to lock your camera securely in place, providing quick-draw access when you’re ready to shoot.

There are dual camera holsters available too, while budding pet photographers may want to consider Spider Camera Holster’s Alex Cearns Kit. Alex Cearns is an award-winning Australian pet photographer and a Spider ambassador, and this bundle features the single-camera holster as well as a SpiderPro hand strap, lens collar plate, and large lens pouch — all the essentials to make organizing your gear easy.

Related: Tips and Tricks for Taking Stunning Cat Pics

Skill level: Intermediate 

Average cost: $500

Average consumer rating: 4.9/5 stars

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to know that the right lighting is crucial for capturing memorable images. Natural lighting often works best, but when there’s not enough available, an extra light source can really make your images pop.

And that’s where a flashgun or speedlight like the Canon Speedlite 600 EX II-RT comes in handy. Capable of providing on-camera and off-camera flash, the 600 EX II-RT can help you create pro-quality shots, making it an essential bit of pet photography gear.

Of course, before you buy, make sure to research the best compatible option for use with your camera.

Skill level: Beginner

Average cost: $11.99

Average consumer rating: 4/5 stars

Working with 4-legged models can be a tough gig. If you’re going to capture that perfectly cute expression, and ensure that the photoshoot is a positive experience for your pet, you need to come prepared.

This treat training bag is a must-have for your pet photography kit. You can use the pouch to store treats to reward your photo subjects and toys to capture their attention. Plus, there are extra pockets for essentials like your smartphone and keys. Add in a built-in poop bag dispenser and belt clip, and you’re ready to roll!

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright H&H Pets.

Skill level: Beginner

Average cost: $12.99

Average consumer rating: 4.4/5 stars

If you’ve ever tried to capture the perfect selfie with your dog, you’ll no doubt be aware that it’s an almost impossible task. But thanks to Pooch Selfie, that “pawsome” profile pic you’ve been dreaming of is within reach.

As seen on Shark Tank, this clever piece of pet photography gear is a squeaking ball attachment you simply click onto your smartphone. All you have to do is clip it on, wait for your ball-obsessed pup to focus on Pooch Selfie, and snap away. Before you know it, you’ll have a string of Insta-worthy selfies to choose from.

Skill level: Easy

Average cost: $12.99

 Average consumer rating: 4/5 stars

In an ideal world, you’d be able to let your dog off-leash so you can capture images of them in their natural state. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible — for example, if dogs must be leashed at your chosen photoshoot location or if the pup in question has a less than reliable recall.

So if you need to keep your dog on a leash while you take photos, our top pick is the PetSafe Cotton Dog Training Lead. Measuring 15 feet, this extra-long lead is easy to grip and lets you maintain secure control of your pooch while still giving them room to roam.

Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Radio Systems Corporation.

Skill level: Beginner

Average cost: $18 (64GB version)

Average consumer rating: 4.8/5 stars

Picture this: it’s been a long day of shooting, your pet is posing perfectly, and the late-afternoon light is looking magical. But when you go to click off your next shot, you get the dreaded “SD card full” error message.

Even if you think you’re never likely to need it, a spare SD card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro is simply an essential inclusion in your pet photography kit. Add it to your gear bag and make sure you never get caught short.