Pet photography advice

[Photographerperson.]

Hey, I have been taking some pictures of my pet guinea pigs, Happy and Chloe, and was wondering if any of you had any advice on how to take better shots of them.
Thanks!


DSCF1507 by WillMPhotography, on Flickr



DSCF1509 by WillMPhotography, on Flickr

 

[gsgary]

Don't shoot so tight, top of head cut off

 

[tirediron]

No EXIF data in your images, so it's hard to help a lot, however a few thoughts:

-Try and keep on eye-level with your animals.

-Watch your exposure; you've got deep shadow and blown highlights

-Zoom out a little bit to get more of the animal

-Add some interest to the image; have both 'pigs together, show them playing with toys, eating, etc

-Avoid cropping off little bits, such as the nose image right in #1 and the top of the head in #2

 

[Photographerperson.]

Thanks. Do you like natural backgrounds (grass, plants, etc.), or studio, white background thing?

 

[NateS]

check your white balance...it is way off in these images causing an unpleasant blue and magenta hue.

 

[tirediron]

Thanks. Do you like natural backgrounds (grass, plants, etc.), or studio, white background thing?

I think natural environments are best, but you can also do some great pictures, especially with smaller pets, in studio situations: Placing them in baskets, etc.

Ditto Nate's comment w/ respect to WB.