Last updated: June 2026
Do you have a cute or quirky pet? Do you love taking photographs of them? Does the idea of an early retirement, thanks to the wealth and glory that an Instagram-famous pet can bring, sound like the best idea ever?
The furbaby-loving team at Ted’s Cameras agree. If you have no doubts that your feathered or furred friend is the cutest, you’re doing the world a disservice by keeping that cuteness to yourself. Here’s how to take great pet photographs and grow your pet’s Instagram account.
1. Highlight your pet’s unique features
What you love about your pet is exactly what Instagram followers will want to see. Aim to capture the essence of your pet’s personality in every shot — whether that’s a rare breed’s distinctive look, a parrot’s cheeky expression, or a cat’s big bad attitude.
Props, lighting, and backgrounds all play a role. Think about your pet’s “brand” and use everything at your disposal to find fresh, creative ideas — from cute seasonal outfits to a beautiful outdoor backdrop.
A good portrait lens will help you capture your pet’s best qualities consistently. The Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S is a favourite for portrait work — its fast maximum aperture and short-telephoto focal length produce a tight, flattering crop with beautiful background separation. Shooting from a slightly greater distance also helps keep your pet relaxed and natural. Browse all portrait lenses.
2. Use popular pet hashtags
There are countless pet images posted every day, so make sure people can find yours. Use popular, relevant hashtags like #dogstagram, #catsofinstagram, or #petstagram as a starting point to attract new followers and drive engagement with the community. Mix broad hashtags with more niche ones specific to your pet’s breed or personality.
3. Practice portrait and wildlife photography skills
Pet photography is a funny mix of portrait and wildlife photography — you want to capture your pet’s unique character, but you also need to work quickly. Animals are unpredictable, and they’ll often move just as you’re setting up the perfect shot.
A camera with fast burst shooting and reliable autofocus makes a huge difference. The Sony ZV-E10 II is an excellent option — compact and lightweight with fast continuous shooting and subject-tracking autofocus that locks onto eyes and faces, even for animals. Practice your skills and experiment to learn what works best with your particular pet.
4. Build a community of furry friends
Actively engage with your audience and the wider Instagram community. Read and reply to comments on your posts, and leave genuine comments on like-minded accounts. Search for posts, accounts, and groups relevant to your pet — whether it’s the same breed, a photographer you admire, or a brand you love.
If you align with the style or values of an account, suggest a collaboration. Follow back accounts you like and trust, and communicate with other pet accounts. Visibility breeds followers.
5. Post consistently
High-quality images and regular posting will build an audience over time. You don’t want to be a spam page, but your pet will never be Instafamous if your account goes quiet for weeks at a time. Aim for once or twice a day with varied, high-quality content.
Having a camera that lets you shoot and share anywhere is a real asset. The Canon PowerShot SX740HS is a great compact option — with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth you can transfer images to your phone and post on the go without missing a moment.
6. Write unique and engaging captions
On Instagram, images are king — but don’t underestimate a great caption. A witty quote, a well-placed pun, or a cute description helps communicate your pet’s personality, leverages hashtags, and connects with fans. Captions also play a role in how your posts rank in feeds, so it’s worth putting thought into tone, length, and relevance. Check current trends for inspiration — first-person “pet’s point of view” captions remain consistently popular.
7. Keep your content fresh
Consistently original content is probably the hardest part of running a successful pet account — but it’s essential. Look to other accounts for inspiration and pay attention to which posts get the most engagement. A change of scene, a new backdrop, or a different activity can be enough to keep followers interested. Get your pet out and about, exploring and engaged — you’ll have a happier pet and plenty of fresh material.
8. Always think ahead
Already posted for the day? That’s no reason to put the camera away. Stockpile images and moments for days when you’re feeling uninspired or your schedule gets busy. A content buffer means your pet’s account keeps ticking over even when life gets in the way.
9. Have fun with your pet
Famous Instagram animals often get their big break because of their lighthearted, joyful nature — they remind us of all that’s good in the world. You love your pet for the warmth and happiness they bring you. Help them spread that joy online, and don’t get too wound up about likes and follower counts.
It’s not all about the likes
Whether your pet makes it to the big time or not, the important thing is that you’re spending quality time with your favourite companion, being creative, and growing your photography skills. Enjoy every moment.
For advice on the best cameras and lenses for pet photography, visit your nearest Ted’s Cameras store or shop online.