Guinea pigs are adorable, photogenic animals, and photographing them is a wonderful experience. Whether you are taking baby photos or having a holiday photo shoot, it is always fun to snap some shots of the cute animals. Read on, and this article will show you how to capture every precious moment with your little balls of fur.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Preparing the Area
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Choose your location. A relatively empty, quiet room with adequate lighting is always a good choice. If possible, choose a closed-off area to prevent escape. If this is not feasible, at least try to pick a place away from noisy appliances, so your guinea pigs aren't startled by the sound.
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Safety-proof the area. Cover or move any electrical cords so your pets don't chew them, and cover any places your guinea pigs might run and hide in, such as underneath sofas or behind dressers. It may take some extra time, but preparing ahead of time will help keep your piggies safe.Advertisement
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Lay down something absorbent. You could choose a newspaper, old towels, or anything else that you won't mind getting soiled. This layer of absorbency will keep your floor clean in case of an accident, and give your pigs somewhere to sit in between photos.
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Set up props or backdrops if you're using them. Try having your guinea pigs pose with some stuffed animals, or put up a colorful background. Whatever you're using, be sure to set it all up before you bring in the pigs.
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Place some treats nearby where they're easy to get to. It's a good idea to keep some treats in the photo-taking area, so you don't have to run and grab them later. Avoid treats bought at pet stores, as often commercial treats and pellets are full of sugar, alfalfa, or choking hazards such as nuts or seeds [1] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source . Instead, opt for some healthy fresh fruit or veggies.Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Bringing in the Guinea Pigs
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Pick up your guinea pig(s). Carefully carry them into your photography location or studio one at a time. carefully, and carry them into the room one at a time. Try to be gentle so as not to startle them. To pick up your guinea pig, use one hand to hold them under the chest and your remaining hand to support their rump.
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Offer them shelter if they seem scared or anxious. The goal is to keep them as calm as possible so they don't squirm, so be sure to let them chill in the shade every once in a while. You may wish to bring in their travel cage so they're better contained while you prepare for the next photo.
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Remember to keep males and females separate. You may think that you can keep an eye on them and prevent them from mating, but they can do so in the blink of an eye, and you might not be able to stop it. Play it safe, and keep sexes separate unless they're neutered.
- The exception to this rule is if you're photographing baby guinea pigs. Pups can reach sexual maturity at as young as 4 weeks [2] X Research source , so you can keep both sexes together if they're 3 weeks or younger.
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Place them with the backdrop or props and dress them in costumes if desired. Be careful with the costumes, so as not to hurt your guinea pigs or choke them. Keep an eye out for chewing of costumes or other supplies.
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Take breaks every once in a while to let them calm down and have some hay or water. Guinea pigs are easily overwhelmed, so it's a good idea to let them have some food and relax every so often.Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Photographing
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Take some shots with props or costumes. You may need to bribe the pigs with treats to get them in the right place or face the right way.
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Photograph the guinea pigs on your lap or in your hand. These types of pictures tend to add a personal touch. Additionally, since you have more control over the pigs, these photos are easier to take and are well-suited to beginners.
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Snap some candid shots. Let the pigs wander around, take a nap, interact with one another or the camera, and just be themselves. They are curious animals, and it's always fun to take a picture of them exploring the area or sniffing the camera.
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Get creative! Don't be afraid to try out new ideas, props, or settings. Experiment with taking photos outside as well, allowing your pets to play in the grass (in an enclosed area, of course), or include them in family photos. Don't forget to show off your amazing new photos!Advertisement
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I know if my Guinea pig is happy?AnjaliCommunity AnswerShe will lick or gently nibble your hands if she is comfortable and content, and she may purr. Also, if you see her settling down with her legs tucked up underneath her, she is comfy and happy with her surroundings. If she explores the room that she is in, rather that running next to you for hiding, it shows that she is not scared. If she bites your finger a little hard, it means she is angry or scared and wants to go home.
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QuestionIs flash and the "click" sound of taking a photo frightening for guinea pigs?AnjaliCommunity AnswerIt depends on the pig. If it is scary for, try using a phone camera or something that doesn't make a sound, and turn the flash off.
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QuestionWhat are a guinea pig's favorite foods?Community AnswerRomaine lettuce and timothy hay are excellent choices for supplementing a good-quality pelleted food.
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Tips
- Ask your friends and family members for help setting up or cleaning up afterward.Thanks
- If you know your guinea pigs' favorite foods, offer them as bribes for maximum effectiveness.Thanks
- Move slowly and speak quietly, so as not to frighten them.Thanks
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Warnings
- Be careful not to irritate or overstimulate your pigs; this may lead to nipping or scratching.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Guinea pigs
- Camera
- Empty room
- Small shelter or cage (recommended)
- Fruits or veggies (recommended)
- Backdrops (optional)
- Props (optional)
- Costumes (optional)
References
About this article
Article Summary
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To take photos of your guinea pigs, try placing them in front of a colorful backdrop with some props, like toys or stuffed animals. You can also dress your guinea pigs in costumes as long as they're not too tight and don't have small, chewable pieces on them. To get your guinea pigs to face the camera, hold a treat next to the camera so they look at it. Or, have someone hold guinea pigs in their arms or lap while you take the photos. To learn how to set up a safe spot for your guinea pig photo shoot, keep reading!
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