Whether it's a dog, cat, horse or iguana, as a pet owner you share a unique relationship with your companion. And as you and your pet grow and change over the years, you'll want to document your relationship. Pet photography is a fantastic way to do this, but how can you capture those magical moments in picture form?

Lesley Wood is a well established, award-winning, experienced animal photographer based near Warrington in Cheshire and renowned for the excellence of her work throughout the North West and across the UK. Here's her 3-step plan for making sure your pet photography is perfect for you...

Step 1: Choose the right photographer

Sounds simple - but it's easier said than done. Professional photographers are ten a penny. Professional pet photographers? They're a little trickier to find.

A great wedding photographer isn't necessarily a great dog photographer. The snapper for the local paper might be uncomfortable around animals. Someone's landscape shots might take your breath away - but their equine photography might not. A photographer experienced in animal photography - ideally a pet owner - is the best option.

Step 2: Think about location

When planning your animal photography, discuss the location with your photographer. Why not choose somewhere that means something special to you and your pet? If your dog loves the seaside, why not ask your dog photographer for a shoot at the beach? Picture it now, wonderful photographs of your dog enjoying the beach, with €before€ shots on the sand, action shots running in the waves, and those damp and soggy €after€ shots.

Or if it's horse photography you're looking for, how about shots down at the stables, strolling along a favourite field, walking down leafy country lanes... it's completely up to you. Of course, if your pet is a housecat, snake or exotic bird, your house or garden will be perfectly fine. Whatever suits your pet best.

Step 3: Get creative!

Don't restrict yourself to the same poses and angles you've seen a thousand times before. A truly great pet photographer will be striving for excellence with each shot they take. Ideally, you'll want a variety of shots that truly capture the personality of your pet - and the connection you share with them. Remember, you're not just taking photos - a great animal photographer will create special memories and beautiful art.

So if you're ready to do something different with your animal photography, Lesley Wood can help.

As a well-established, award-winning dog photographer, Lesley's just as comfortable photographing lovable mongrels, dainty labradoodles or prize pedigrees - and she really knows how to bring out the character and personality of each.

Lesley's also renowned for her equine photography, offering a standard of excellence that's hard to match. In fact, Lesley's creative pet photography will bring out the best of your pet - and of your unique relationship - whatever the animal.

Lesley works extensively throughout Manchester, Cheshire, Warrington - all over the North West, as well as across the UK. Her friendly, relaxed nature will help put you and your pet at ease - resulting in truly inspiring pet photography.

Find out more about Lesley's award-winning pet photography at http://www.lesleywoodphotography.co.uk, call 01925 212133 or email Lesley at
info@lesleywoodphotography.co.uk.