Taking quality photographs

[lixx]

Well I have finally started working on my own website for my chinchillas (yea!) and was wondering if I could bug you all for advice. I find alot of sites out there have very poor quality photos of their animals (and me being anal about how my animals are viewed) I want to make sure that the pictures on my site are of quality and truely represent the animal. So, what do you find are the best techniques to use to get a quality/clear shot? I know alot of people prefer natural light. Would taking them outside and placing them on a neutral backdrop (ie piece of white bristol board) be best? Or doing the same inside with artificial lighting? Oh, I'm also working on my grooming to make sure their fur is in good condition before taking the photos. I hate greasy looking pics too!

[heavensmom]

taking them outside might be a little hard for the chinnies, you might want to use a lamp or something in the setting behind them and use a darker color fabric(towel or something) underneath of them to bring out their color. and for the darker chinnies use a lighter fabric.

[lixx]

My only concern with a darker colour is the cast it could throw. I realise that taking them outside could be risky, but should I go that route I would make sure they were well enclosed. Thanks though!

[Amethystbelle]

I always use macro for close up photography and change my shutter speed according to the lighting conditions but i prefer good natural light if thats any help

[velvetrabbit]

http://www.chinchillaclub.com/chinch.../photoarticle/ is a good reference for anyone wishing to know how to get the best possible photos.

[lixx]

Thanks for more tips! Keep them coming!