The Art of Amazing Animal Photography Beyond Perfection

The Art of Amazing

animal photography beyond perfection 

by Paul Croes & Inge Nelis
amazing animal photography
The art of amazing animal photography beyond perfection – Paul Croes & Inge Nelis

Animal photographers need a lot more skills than just camera technique and the ability to know what makes a good picture. To compete well in this fascinating field, animal photographers learn all they can about their subjects, so they can be in the perfect position at the perfect time. A pet photography session requires patience – animals rarely pose for the camera! Anyone who has ever tried to take a photo of their pet knows how difficult it can be to get the perfect shot.

*Behind Eyes* 

amazing animal photography
The art of amazing animal photography @ Paul Croes & Inge Nelis

Who is Paul Croes?

A short introduction from Paul’s homepage:

For 15 years I was a fashion photographer in Belgium for retail and magazines, this was my first choice to be active in the pro world of photography. In Belgium, the possibilities are not abundant, due to the empty void and unpleasant atmosphere of this in combination with the financial and career possibilities I suffered from a burnout.

At that time, I did a sort of free work shoot with a big white Borzoi, this dog posed in some pictures as a really elegant and beautiful model. In the Belgium fashion world, it is frustrating if you are a perfectionist like me, you do not work with the best models, with the best hairstylist, the best make-up artist, you cannot take pictures like the big names because you do not have the resources.

In dog photography you do not need all that to have a perfect picture, whether the dog is old, or blind or has one leg missing, is too fat or too skinny, every dog is like a top model and does not need haute couture or a famous hairdresser, it is perfect by itself! Because of my experience in fashion, I am glad I can also capture dogs’ owners in a beautiful way.

Year after year, more dogs and owners have found their way into my studio as we have a very different way of working during the shoot. We always start with the dog’s abilities and work step-by-step, taking many breaks…

amazing animal photography


I always try to search for the beauty in each of the dog models and of course here and there with a bit of fun. 

amazing animal photography

There are no tricks, apart from the fact that we do use snacks and rewards for the dogs. We take enough time and patience for a shoot.

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Twinkle twinkle – cute chihuahua puppies flirting with the camera 

After travelling to the studio and two hours of games and commando in the studio, the dogs are showing certain fatigue, which gives them a whole other expression.

amazing animal photography
I take a deep bow, Mr Croes!!

Since 2014 I have worked with a permanent assistant, Inge Nelis, who takes over the lead from the owners and it works very well. It is very important as Inge, my assistant, is very calm and gentle with the animals but also resolute, she gets more out of the dogs than the owners do, that’s because a lot of dogs we get in the studio are rescue dogs and they are not used to getting many commands, so they listen much more to a nice third person in combination with dog snacks or candies.

amazing animal photography
Ballotelli …

The photo session is meant to be educational for the dog (especially for scared dogs) I mean we want the dogs to have a good afternoon while it gets more comfortable with new people, new situations and new environments.

amazing animal photography
Stunning King Charles Kavalier

With the combination of all those new things, the long trip to the studio and lots of commands the dogs get tired and more comfortable with us and therefore in the third of four hours of the shoot the magical moments start.It is the moment when the dogs can be themselves again. (Paul Croes homepage)

amazing animal photography
Three Chocolate Beauties

You may have heard the saying “animals are people too.” When it comes to photography, that statement is very true!

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Does that hat make me look fat?


animal portraits can be truly amazing 

amazing animal photography
Please do not disturb!

Eyes are where human beings tend to make the most connection with another living creature…

amazing animal photography
Eyes are where human beings tend to make the most connection …

Animal photography is a favourite pastime of many photographers, both amateur and professional …

amazing animal photography
I’m ready, you may now take a photo!

The three most important words that govern animal photography are patience, patience and patience. Photography is like fishing in this regard. You often have to wait a long time in the right place to catch the best ones.

amazing animal photography
Is that bacon I smell?

Dog photography, cat photography and other animal photography is Paul’s speciality and his images appear in published form all over the world.

amazing animal photography
Behind Eyes * Photo Exhibition in Asolo / Italy

If you’re lucky enough to share your home with a dog or cat, no doubt you’ve turned your camera in their direction many times to get that one perfect shot photo…    

amazing animal photography
Dreamed of a cat, it was that close …


How can I get animals to sit still for photographs?

amazing animal photography
Like my new green hat?

Ever since I was young I have had a passion for photography and also I have always had a profound love of animals…

amazing animal photography
The perfect moment for the perfect shoot 

Currently, Paul & Inge travel a lot to other countries for dog shootings, in every country they have an organizer who invites them, makes the planning and does the communication with the models before the shooting.

Paul said…  “Everywhere we go, people are so nice, it is like a dream come true. I could not wish for more, well, yeah, maybe someday a lovely coffee table book with my favourite pictures ..”  

It’s not only dogs that Paul puts into the right spotlight …

amazing animal photography
The art of amazing animal photography beyond perfection 

….. some more awesome shots 

amazing animal photography
Paul has got some damn outstanding animal photography skills

amazing animal photography at its very best

amazing animal photography
Party time at Ferret’s

…. a few more

amazing animal photography

 

All images copyright ©Paul Croes & Inge Nelis 

 

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The art of amazing animal photography beyond perfection

Animal photography requires skills of a photographer

 

amazing animal photography

It wasn’t easy for me to choose the photos for this article, as with a portfolio that is simply brimming over with astounding visual feats of this incredibly creative photographer! 

amazing animal photography
Gorgeous …

Some of the things that make an exceptional animal photographer are understanding the animals and being able to anticipate their actions and reactions.

amazing animal photography
We are Family       

I could go on and on and on ….  if you are as fascinated as me about Paul’s outstanding works of art, please go to  Paul & Inge’s Behind Eyes   there you can find information about their home studio and travel shootings as well as the place where you can order their fine work of art.

You can purchase all photos as art prints!

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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” 

 Anatole France 

 

amazing animal photography
High paws my dear human… 

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

 Mahatma Gandhi 

I hope, you’ve enjoyed these amazing works of art as much as I did.

 Klaudia xx

Merken

amazing animal photography
Inge Nelis & Paul Croes

Thank you so much, Paul & Inge, for the courtesy of giving me permission to use and publish your images! 

www.paulcroes.be

Merken

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Debrah McCabe
Debrah McCabe
5 years ago

Your work is AMAZING! Loved the shots of flying ears and lushes coats!

Jennifer
6 years ago

I love, love, love each of these photos! What a great eye to find the personality of each of these pets.

Silly Mummy
Silly Mummy
6 years ago

So interesting! And great photos. (Though I am concerned about that dog that’s eating a baby’s foot!)

Debbie Harris
6 years ago

These are indeed amazing shots and I’m not even into dogs very much!!

stacey
6 years ago

Animals are incredible! These photos are AMAZING!!!

Austin
Austin
6 years ago

I have a kitty sitting on my lap as I read this, and she’s probably wondering why I don’t take photos of her and make her an internet star! 🙂

Jessi
8 years ago

I LOVE these images! I Totally need to see more cute animals every blog post! lol 🙂

Richard Seaton
Richard Seaton
8 years ago

Wonderful pictures – thank you 🙂

sheri
8 years ago

These are so beautiful! I have a Bobtail and a Cocker Spaniel so seeing these pictures are so breathtaking! Danke 🙂

Christine
8 years ago

Wow, these are so amazing. 🙂

Julie
Julie
8 years ago

These are amazing! Love them so much!

Anna Palmer
8 years ago

Each photo is more gorgeous than the last.

Gav
Gav
8 years ago

sharing this on pet related social media groups!

Kristen
Kristen
8 years ago

Wow. These photos are amazing. I try so hard to get pictures of my dog but he never cooperates. I find it so much easier to just photograph my children!

Sharon beauty prime
8 years ago

Wow! That’s the most amazing animal photography I’ve seen by far. IMO, each picture has its meaning and expression. I love it! Thanks for sharing.

Johanna
8 years ago

Amazing article! I love animal and nature photos so much so this was quite the perfect read.

Celeste Sundragonlady Choi
Celeste Sundragonlady Choi
8 years ago

Great photo captures. I am such a sucker for animals. Thanks a ton for sharing 😉

Elena
Elena
8 years ago

Omg! I did not expected to see all of these amazing photos.This post was from far the best thing I have seen today. To create such beautiful images you need to have a special connection with the animals…. and yes these photos can be perfect as a print for on the wall at home or office or anywhere else. Artistic, funny and sweet !

Prerna Sinha
Prerna Sinha
8 years ago

These pictures are gorgeous! I feel like hugging each one of these dogs. Brilliant photography!

Georgianna
8 years ago

These are all so freaking adorable! I love that you make it a fun experience for the pet, it makes the photos great.

Keiayra
8 years ago

Oh my goodness. All this is absolutely inspiring! I could literally fawn over all these photos all day long. I would love to bring my mom’s dog Kael to them. He’s incredibly vain, sure they would conjure magic with him. Half collie , half wolf.

Fatima
Fatima
8 years ago

The pictures are beautiful, they look so professional and I have never seen a better animal photography elsewhere!

Fatima | http://www.blogsbyfa.com

Pranshu
8 years ago

This is the first time I am seeing animals like this,and it looks startling!! Great photographs.

Lady Anne Louise Barrun
8 years ago

They all look adorable especially the puppies.

Dorothy Mae C. Torretijo
8 years ago

As much as I love cats, I also love dogs!! Great photos indeed!!

Teresa
8 years ago

My eldest would be happy to see the first picture with the dog on the piano. 🙂 He loves to play the piano. I’m sure he’ll have a good laugh when he sees it. 🙂

Joyce
Joyce
8 years ago

My little Lana is the one with the piano. It was so nice to be at the studio with Paul and Inge. Great people who do amazing work. Nice article.

Sabine
8 years ago

I am so in love with those pictures, literally all of them. The poodles are my favorite, they are sooo cute. Bobby and Pascha would be so cute together in a picture if they would sit still like that.
http://bit.ly/sofarsosabine

Corinne Rodrigues
8 years ago

These are beyond brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

Lori
Lori
8 years ago

Wow! Stunning photos! Thanks for the story.

Jennifer
8 years ago

Those pictures are so beauty, there’s a lot of patience required. Thanks for sharing

subha natarajan
subha natarajan
8 years ago

Awesome pics!!! Being a lover of animals…i appreciate the beauty in these pics..kudos

Joanna
8 years ago

Gorgeous pictures! I am am amateur photographer and I sometimes practice on my cats. I know how hard it is to catch a good picture as they never stay still.

Ralf - D.
8 years ago

this is a great article , wonderbar …… thanks for it

Sabine
Reply to  Klaudia
8 years ago

Super blog!!