Photographer Jason Nocito’s Pet Portrait Tips
The photographer who’s shot everyone from Billie Eilish to Lil Wayne shares his Pet Portrait-mode tips via an Apple Virtual Studio sesh.
![Black and white photo of a cat wearing a hooded jacket](https://images.ctfassets.net/sfnkq8lmu5d7/5BLcp8rU21a9qFlSlzh519/a96b4e828bc5a9d77c37fb2e9ff4d639/2021_0728_Jason_Nocito_iPhone_pet_photo_tips.jpg?w=1000&h=750&fl=progressive&q=70&fm=jpg)
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“You’re always seeing pets, and they’re funny. They’re funny pictures, but these pictures are kinda serious when you think about it. But also hilarious.” — Jason Nocito
We’ve already established that the world needs more pet picsopens in a new tab. Who better to teach you the tricks of trade than insanely talented photographer Jason Nocito? He’s shot everyone from Grimesopens in a new tab to George Clooneyopens in a new tab, Lil Wayneopens in a new tab to Post Maloneopens in a new tab, Billie Eilishopens in a new tab to…okay, you get the point.
Nocito was commissioned by Apple for their Shot on iPhone campaign to showcase the new High-Key Light Mono Portrait Lighting feature on iPhone 12. On July 29th, he hosted a live Apple Virtual Session, during which he shared his suggestions for “uncovering your pet’s dramatic and humorous sides.” Here, his pro tips:
To help get your pet’s attention and eye contact, hold a squeaker or keys above the lens.
If you are shooting outdoors, place your subject under indirect light in front of a simple wall or background.
Place your pet in the center of the frame.
If you’re having a hard time getting your pet posed in High-Key Light Mono mode try shooting a few regular shots in Portrait mode. From there you can apply the High-Key Light Mono mode in the edit function after the shoot.
Lastly, shoot a lot of different frames!
![Samantha Gurrie](https://images.ctfassets.net/sfnkq8lmu5d7/6aDtM7XaLhiTRdRM8fj4iD/3102033a25ea427ca4092ba150f05e07/sam_author_photo_334x334__2_.jpg?w=300&h=300&fl=progressive&q=90&fm=jpg)
Samantha Gurrie
Samantha Gurrie is The Wildest’s Editor-in-Chief. She was previously the senior editor at NYLON magazine, co-publisher of Four&Sons, and director at Puerto Rican dog rescue The Sato Project. She lives in L.A. with her husband and rescued Pit Bull Midnight.
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