P retty Eyes -

All Guineas have pretty eyes. Show them off in all their glory and avoid making photography sessions unpleasant for them by NOT using a flash… the next P will help you with this. Red or transparent looking eyes due to the use of a flash can spoil the nicest pigtures!

Left: Prince looking handsome.

Below: This early photo was spoiled by red eyes because the flash was used

P osition-

You need to fit a spot that has a lot of natural light. I like to use a chair facing the window. I position the guinea pigs on the chair and then take the picture with my back to the window, while they are facing it so they are well lit.

This is my favourite pigture. Taken on a chair infront of the window I covered with a lilac dovet for a nice backdrop.

P rops -

choose props for your piccys. This may be food, cuddly toys, cushions etc. Things that suit the shape, size and colour of your guineas or have special significance to their names or personalities seem to work best. Also choose a nice background, a plain pastel coloured or brightly coloured patterned cloth will give your pigtures a professional touch. Light colours are best to help you to light up your subjects.

Left: A picture of my pig Zippy with his namesake.

A lovely shot of our Bubba with a Bannana. He may have one eye and raggy ears but he is still the most handsome pig in town! This autumn coloured back drop sets off his orangy coat perfectly.

P lease no costumes!

Props are great and look cute but please do not subject your guinea pigs to any kind of costume wearing as this is cruel. This includes ears, hats and spectacles. Remember guinea pigs cannot tell you if they are unhappy. The best pictures are ones where guineas have enjoyed the posing as it shows!

P oses- You want your guinea to strike the perfect pose. If you pose them in a way they are not comfy with it will show on your photos so the best idea is to coax them into a nice pose. This can involve a bit of strong smelling veg. strategically placed or held behind the camera, or gentle chin rubbing before the pic to get them to look or hold their heads up. This depends on the pig and is a case of trial and error.

Hugo shows off his piggy pout with a bit of help from a chin rub.

Extending a bit of parsley infront of a baby rainbow got him to stretch his nose out twoards the camera. Stoking him after this helped him hode this cute pose!