Behind the Lens: Santos Román on Pet Photography and Capturing the Fur-ever Moments
Photography, as an art form, has always captured the essence of life—whether it’s a fleeting moment or an eternal memory. For Santos Román, his love for photography started at a young age and evolved into a career that combines his two greatest passions: animals and the art of capturing their beauty through a lens. Specializing in pet photography, Román’s work brings out the star qualities of animals, making them look like top models. His unique approach, influenced by his background in advertising, allows him to create stunning images that elevate the connection between pets and their owners.
A Journey of Passion and Discovery
Santos Román’s journey into pet photography was not an overnight decision. From a young age, he was drawn to the art of photography, capturing anything and everything that caught his eye. It wasn’t long before he honed his skills through formal education in photography and cinema in Barcelona, expanding his knowledge and refining his technique. However, it was during his time as a photographic assistant in an advertising studio that his passion for animals in photography began to take root.
Román credits British photographer Tim Flach, renowned for his conceptual animal photography, as a major inspiration. It was Flach’s ability to elevate animals into works of art that led Román to realize that he could blend his love for animals with his technical photography skills. Thus, his transition into the world of pet photography was born, a fusion of personal passion and professional expertise.
The Advertising Influence: Bringing Pets Into the Spotlight
Román’s experience in advertising photography significantly shaped his approach to pet portraits. Known for its sharp, aesthetic imagery, advertising photography focuses on making the subject appear as the star of the show, and Román brought this philosophy into his pet photography. His goal is to make each dog, cat, or other furry friend look like they’re the center of an advertising campaign. According to Román, pets should be treated as the top models they truly are, with the same level of care, attention, and artistic finesse.
Since 2008, Román has exclusively dedicated his work to pet photography, both for private clients and commercial purposes. His studio has become one of Spain’s first to specialize in this field, and his work continues to garner praise for its ability to capture the unique personality and beauty of each pet. Whether it’s a dog in a close-up portrait or a cat captured in a playful pose, Román ensures that each photo highlights the individuality of the animal.
The Power of Exhibitions: Connecting with Animal Lovers
Santos Román’s work has been showcased in various exhibitions, both in Spain and New York, where he has had the opportunity to share his passion with others. Exhibitions hold a special place in Román’s heart as they allow him to connect with fellow animal lovers and see firsthand how his images affect people. In an age dominated by social media, Román values the personal interaction that exhibitions offer, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face connections. For him, photography is deeply personal, and exhibitions offer the perfect space to share that personal connection with others.
While digital platforms and social media are an essential part of his reach, Román’s commitment to physical exhibitions helps maintain the emotional and tangible aspect of his work. After all, there’s something magical about seeing a photograph in person, where the texture and details come to life in a way digital images simply can’t replicate.
Secrets to Capturing the Perfect Pet Photo
Anyone who has tried to take a photo of a pet knows how challenging it can be to capture the perfect shot. Santos Román, however, has developed a few tricks up his sleeve to make the process easier and more successful. The key to getting a dog or cat to look at the camera, he says, is quite simple: food. Román uses treats to grab the attention of the pets in his studio, ensuring that they stay focused and engaged throughout the shoot.
In addition to food, Román has a series of sounds he uses to draw pets’ attention at just the right moment. However, he cautions against overusing these sounds, as pets are quick learners and will soon ignore them if they become too familiar. Staying one step ahead of your furry subject is essential to getting the perfect shot.
A Memorable Photo Shoot: The Emotional Connection
While Román is known for his ability to create stunning portraits of pets, some of his most memorable sessions are the ones that carry deep emotional significance. One particularly touching experience involved a client who brought in a sick puppy, knowing that they would soon have to say goodbye. The puppy was weak, but the client wanted to capture one last set of images to preserve the memory of their beloved pet.
During the session, there were moments of both joy and sadness, as the photoshoot became a way for the owner to connect with their pet before the inevitable farewell. Román captured beautiful, heartfelt images that allowed the owner to hold onto those final moments, making the session an unforgettable tribute to their bond.
Tips for Capturing Your Pet’s Best Side
For those looking to take better photos of their own pets, Román has some practical advice to improve your photography skills. While mobile phones make it easy to snap spontaneous pictures, he recommends a simple step to improve image quality: clean the lens before you start shooting. A clean lens ensures sharper, clearer photos, allowing the pet’s features to shine through.
Additionally, Román suggests using a plain background when photographing pets. A simple, uncluttered backdrop helps the pet stand out, eliminating distractions and letting the animal take center stage in the photo. Whether you’re capturing a playful moment or a quiet portrait, a clean background can make all the difference.
