There has been a huge increase in the number of pets with social media accounts - Tiktok in particular has become a brilliant way for people to share the funny anecdotes of their family pet. I follow a Husky and her "human" and its one of my favourite accounts. Also as a photographer I have seen an increase in people booking pet photoshoots, not just family ones, but sessions where the pet is the star. I have photographed new puppies all the way up to senior dogs and I now advertise that dogs are welcome on all of my shoots.
Yes! I believe this is because the relationship between owners and pets has changed a lot as well. And even more recently, for a lot of people their pets were their main companion while the pandemic was happening, so bonds between the two really deepened and it is only expected that that part of life is documented through photography and videography and shared social media. There is so much pet content on social media nowadays. A lot of people make their bond with their pet their brand and influence other pet or animal lovers by documenting their life mostly as pet owners. One of the best examples of this is when people make "A Day in Our Life Video", where pet parents document their day in the company of their pets. Some do it by talking or documenting as themselves, but others as their pets, doing voiceovers and narrating their thoughts around their life and owners, giving them personality! This is not only very cute and funny, but it also gives us a glimpse at the bond the two of them have, and how as humans we lovingly perceive our pets. Every pet parent has a particular way of viewing their pet, so it's also very relatable and heartwarming to see in others. As a Dog Shelter with hundreds of dogs, it is important for us to show that we have a similar connection with our dogs as they do with their own pets. We too give them names and personalities of their own, so we try and show that in the videos we share of our everyday work.
Yes, people are increasingly using storytelling formats to document their pets' lives, blending candid moments with creative setups to showcase the bond. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have popularized trends such as "day in the life" videos or themed photo shoots that highlight a pet's personality. For example, one trend involves filming pets "helping" with daily routines-like a dog carrying groceries or a cat supervising a home office-with playful captions that humanize their actions. These videos often include heartwarming moments, such as a pet greeting their owner after a long day, capturing the deep connection in a relatable way. The shift toward storytelling allows pet owners to celebrate their bond more dynamically, creating content that resonates emotionally with others while preserving cherished memories.
Pet photography and videography have evolved significantly, with more people capturing their pets' daily lives in creative ways. Social media trends have popularized candid pet portraits, slow-motion videos, and even professionally staged pet photoshoots. One touching example is a couple who included their dog in their engagement session, documenting their bond through a heartfelt short film. To achieve meaningful pet photography, natural lighting, patience, and capturing genuine interactions are key. Pets are family, and documenting their moments preserves memories that last a lifetime.
I think people are documenting their pets lives so much more now - our pets are part of the family and they play a huge emotional support role in our lives. I've noticed through my work that my clients are much more keen to have images of them with their horses and dogs, and not just a digital. My clients love getting their images framed and made into beautiful albums that are heirlooms to be passed through generations. They want to be reminded of the joy their pets bring them every day. I, myself have an instagram and facebook page set out specifically to document what me and the dogs get up to. Many of my client shave instagram and facebook pages for their horses and dogs as well. It's a hugely popular online world. If you have a look at my website you'll see how many people love to have their special bond with their pets captured to treasure forever.