Cheat sheet · Action

Camera settings for pets (dogs & cats)

Eye-level angle, eye AF and treats; 1/1000 s for running dogs.

Shutter1/500 s (still) – 1/2000 s (running)
Aperturef/2–f/4
FocusAnimal-eye AF, AF-C
ISOAuto
DriveBurst
Quick start: Eye-level angle, eye AF and treats; 1/1000 s for running dogs.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 10. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 stoo bright
f/2.81/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 s
f/5.61/30 s1/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s
f/81/15 s1/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s
f/111/8 s1/30 s1/125 s1/500 s

Step by step#

  1. Get down to their level.
  2. Use a squeak to get the head-tilt.
  3. For running shots, track from a distance with a tele.

Gear checklist#

  • 50–200 mm
  • Squeaky toy

Pro tips#

  • Black fur: +0.7 EV; white fur: −0.3 EV.

Common mistakes#

  • Flash in pets' eyes.
Kids & familyFast shutter, continuous AF and getting down to their eye level.… Wildlife photographyLong lens, fast shutter, patience and fieldcraft; respect the animal's space.…

Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for pets (dogs & cats)?

Aperture: f/2–f/4 · Shutter: 1/500 s (still) – 1/2000 s (running) · ISO: Auto. Eye-level angle, eye AF and treats; 1/1000 s for running dogs.

What gear do I need for pets (dogs & cats)?

50–200 mm, Squeaky toy.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources