Light Will Make Your Pet Photograph

I don't know how many times I've been told to keep checking my white balance and to pay attention to the lighting. You don't really think of that when you set out to shoot pictures of your pets, or your children for that matter. However, when you see the final result it is often very disheartening that your dog has an orange colored tinge to his coat, or that you daughter's face is a bluish gray. These problems can be fixed quite easily. It's ALL about the Light!
First off, if you have a point and shoot camera, get your manual out. Read the section concerning White Balance. It sounds intimidating but it really is pretty simple. Some cameras have a mode option for indoors, but you still need to set the WB for either fluorescent or tungsten lighting. Tungsten lighting is like a lamp, or just the single bulb and it is the one that gives you the orange tint. Fluorescent lighting is totally different and if set wrong you will notice a bluish, gray tone. So, read your manual and learn to set your camera for the two different types of lighting.
Second thing, when shooting indoors you will most often need a flash and perhaps even a side light. I know sometimes you may get by without one, but if you really want some good shots of your pets, you will need some good light. I always have my external flash,(different than the built in flash) and also I have an extra flood light. Personally, I'll try and bounce the flash, or turn it up so it isn't pointed directly at the pet, or child. This can help eliminate the red eye, or green eye problem. The side light I'll place at 45 degrees to the subject. This helps to provide an even light and take away shadows. It will also enhance the texture of things such as an animals coat. Definatley makes for a much better pet photograph.